Sometimes a screen character becomes memorable before they’ve even spoken a word. Think of Wednesday Addams in her severe black dresses, Villanelle turning up in Killing Eve wearing something wildly unexpected, or Don Draper looking permanently immaculate in a sharply cut suit. Costume tells us an enormous amount about a character, but it can also send viewers straight to their own wardrobes with fresh ideas. 

Work out what you love about the look

A memorable character usually has a visual language rather than one defining outfit. Wednesday’s style revolves around monochrome colours, crisp collars and gothic influences and in Emily in Paris, the titular Emily Cooper embraces bright colours, prints and accessories with deliberate exuberance.

If a character’s wardrobe appeals to you, look at those recurring elements first. Perhaps it’s the colour palette rather than the clothes themselves. Maybe you like oversized tailoring, vintage knitwear, immaculate coats or a particular approach to jewellery. Picking out one or two details gives you something you can realistically introduce into your wardrobe without feeling as though you’ve wandered onto a film set.

Bring the idea into real life

Some costumes are designed to command attention on camera, which doesn’t necessarily make them ideal for the morning commute. Adapting screen style means filtering it through the life you actually lead.

Someone who loves the polished wardrobe of Shiv Roy in Succession, for example, might take inspiration from her neutral tones, tailored trousers and understated knitwear rather than copying individual outfits. A fan of Stranger Things could introduce a vintage sweatshirt, denim jacket or pair of retro trainers without dressing head to toe in 1980s clothing. The strongest inspiration often works best when one small recognisable element changes the personality of an outfit without robbing it of its original personality.

Think like a costume designer

Costumes are rarely chosen randomly. Designers use clothing to tell us whether somebody is confident, insecure, wealthy, rebellious, conventional or trying desperately to become something they’re not. Wardrobes can change as characters change too.

That idea translates surprisingly well to everyday style. Think about what you’d like your clothes to communicate. Perhaps you want to feel more polished at work, more adventurous at weekends or simply more comfortable in what you wear. A signature style begins to emerge when the clothes in your wardrobe consistently reflect the person wearing them rather than whichever trend happens to be everywhere that month.

Why the screen still sets trends

Film and television remain extraordinarily effective fashion showcases because viewers spend hours getting to know characters and their clothes. A distinctive jacket, pair of boots or colour combination gradually becomes part of the character’s identity, making it far more memorable than seeing the same item briefly in an advert.

Streaming and the constant stream of Ultra HD Blu Ray re-releases have extended that influence even further. Old programmes find new audiences, entire series can be discovered in a weekend, and a single outfit can quickly circulate through social media, mood boards and fashion accounts and keep that style alive many years after the actors have moved on and the sets have been demolished.

From iconic film stars to unforgettable television characters, screen entertainment has long influenced the way people dress and express themselves. This article explores how to take inspiration from your favourite on-screen figures and translate their distinctive looks into a personal style that feels authentic. By focusing on key style elements rather than copying outfits exactly, it is possible to build a wardrobe that reflects both individual personality and the confidence, elegance, or creativity often associated with memorable screen icons.