Top Ten: Most Stylish Films of 2013

In 2013, Hollywood had some stories to tell about fashion and style.

Pretty much every year at the Academy Awards, someone makes the banal statement: "It has truly been an amazing year in Hollywood filmmaking". Though on some occasions it is very accurate, this year I feel like that statement is only somewhat true. Sure, there have been some gems, but nothing truly groundbreaking (unless you consider the cinematography in Gravity). 

However, unlike most previous years, this year seems to have produced a large number of influential films in terms of fashion and style. Why do we say fashion and style separately? Well, whilst some films portrayed a strong message about the uses and influences of fashion as a whole, others utilised a certain sense of style in order to successfully represent their characters and their stories. 

So which ones did so the best?

To clarify, there are a few films on this list that I haven't had a chance to watch yet, but I felt obliged to include them due to their overall potential (and I still plan on watching all of them).

#10: Lovelace

This biopic about the story of the infamous pornstar Linda Lovelace not only proved to be quite engaging, it also provided audiences with a seemingly accurate representation of style in the 1970s. It also (though perhaps unintentionally) begged the question: if a pornstar can dress this modestly, what can we say about the young women in our society?

#9: Gangster Squad

The first on this list that I haven't yet seen. Though it may not be an incredibly unique film, the fact that it's set in the late 1940s suggests that the leading lady, Emma Stone, will possess a seriously enviable wardrobe (particularly because the costume designer, May Zophres, has previously worked on such films as The Big Lebowski (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Catch Me If You Can (2002) and many others). 

#8: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Another film I have yet to see, but one that I am very excited about. Although these films are silly comedies, Veronica Corningstone (a.k.a. Christina Applegate) is quite a serious representation of the struggles that women still faced less than half a century ago. Luckily, Veronica's wardrobe decisions are not affected by this struggle, as she opts for a both stylish and professional look.

#7: Oz the Great and Powerful

Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz as witches (both good and evil). What could be better? The film in itself was not amazing, but the costumes were impeccable. There were so many outfits that were chic and dazzling that it was difficult to pick a favourite. 

#6: American Hustle

The 1970s seems to have been a very popular decade this year. However, in terms of stylishness, American Hustle will probably beat out the competition (sorry Anchorman 2 and Lovelace). Combined with the talents of Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, this film is set to become a style favourite.

#5: The Wolf of Wall Street 

Could a film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio wearing Giorgio Armani be anything but amazing? Especially when the costume designer is none other than Sandy Powell (of The Aviator (2004) fame)? I think not. I can hardly contain my excitement to see this.

#4: The Bling Ring

Sofia Coppola's rendition of the events that occurred in the late 2000s to these fame-obsessed teenagers living in Hollywood is pure gold. The Bling Ring is a prime example of how films can make a statement about the world of fashion and how it obviously is such a powerful entity that it can drive people to commit illegal acts. The style in the film also reflects the impressionable nature of the characters who copycat their favourite celebrities' personal style. If you're looking for the perfect portrayal of the negative impact of celebrity style on our society, this is it.

#3: Blue Jasmine

Woody Allen's latest masterpiece is another perfect example of how personal style can reflect a character's own interpretation of themselves. Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) is a stereotypical Upper East Side socialite, who wears Chanel jackets and carries a Birkin because of the status they represent. After she loses her husband and money, she refuses to give up her status, and thus continues wearing designer clothing. Even if Cate had not looked as amazing as she did, this film would still be my favourite of the year.

#2: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

There is far too much to be said about the role of both style and fashion in this film. To sum it up: it's all incredible. So incredible, in fact, that the costume designer created her own line of clothing inspired by the work she did in the film (kind of).

#1: The Great Gatsby

It was a fairly obvious choice which film was the most stylish of the year. As with The Hunger Games, there is far too much that could be said about Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of the classic story, but let's try to pinpoint the most vital elements: Leonardo DiCaprio, the 1920s' flapper-style, headpieces, feathers, over-the-top glamorous parties, Carey Mulligan, original Miuccia Prada designs... The list is pretty much endless. Expect to receive numerous invites to Gatsby-themed parties in 2014. Cannot wait.

Spotted: Gemma Ward in The Great Gatsby

Ex-quasi-supermodel/aspiring actress:
my favourite kind of cameo. 

Gemma Ward is only in the latest rendition of The Great Gatsby for less than ten seconds, but I feel like her presence helped take the film that much closer to sheer cinematic/styletastic greatness. 

I almost jumped out of my seat when I spotted Gemma at the cinema, though I seemed to be the only one. When I started asking my friends around me: "Oh my gosh, did you see who that was?!", and my friends replied, "No, who?" "Gemma Ward!" "Who?"

Gemma never disappoints, and she seems to love popping up in random films. 

Fingers crossed for more of these in the future.

The Icon: Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby

There's no telling what I would do to be Carey Mulligan at this very second.

So, Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby... Well, one thing is for sure, and that is that it was no Moulin Rouge!

The film was alright, I suppose. A little messy, a little boring and definitely too long, but it was alright. Other than the gorgeousness that is Leonardo DiCaprio, the costumes really made the film worth watching.

Everyone looked pretty much incredible with their sparkly dresses, feather boas, fantastic pearls and to-die-for headbands. Prada did us proud.

My favourite fashion moment was, without a doubt, the party scene. There was so much to look at, my brain could not even cope with it. The women of the '20s really knew what they were doing. 

Also, special credit should be awarded to Isla Fisher for being fabulous, and Gemma Ward for managing to make another random cameo. Nothing better than seeing an ex-model pop up on screen when you least expect her!

The Icon: Mia Farrow in The Great Gatsby

Is it bad that the only thing I'm looking forward to
in the remake is the clothes and Leonardo DiCaprio?

In about a week's time Baz Luhrmann's version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's celebrated novel will hit the cinemas. Whilst most people are wondering if it will exceed the cinematic masterpiece that was Francis Ford Coppola's screenplay from the 1974 adaptation, I am left contemplating which film will be more aesthetically pleasing. 

I've only seen the original once, when I was in seventh grade, and we watched it in class after we read the book (must confess: didn't read the book, hardly paid attention to the movie). The only thing I picked up from the movie was that I loved the fashion, and when you think about it, really, that's the only thing that matters. The 1920s may have been a very significant time in history financially, socially and politically, but the clothes represented all of it in a nutshell - you don't want to get me into a rant about the importance of flapper style.

So will the remake be as amazing as the original? The original got an Oscar for Best Costume Design. 

I'm gonna go with: obviously. Miuccia Prada worked with the costume designer to create over 40 looks for the film. Isn't that proof enough?

Also, even though Mia Farrow has been a bit of a style icon, I prefer Carey Mulligan. She somehow annoys me less, so her representation of Daisy Buchanan will be more chic. 

Either way, nothing will be as amazing as Jay Gatsby, a.k.a. Leo DiCaprio, a.k.a. my future husband.