Girls on film

I just read the Film Blog on The Guardian which lists their top 5 dresses in film. I started to try and compile my own and realised after about 15 minutes that it was pretty impossible – how to choose from all those outfits? So instead, I have compiled 5 favourite films for frocks. I am sure I could continue all day beyond 5 and even beyond 50 but that’s the kind of activity that can send a person mad.
In no particular order:
Cher’s entire wardrobe in Mermaids. Everything is gorgeous, especially her cream swing coat and the polka dot dresses she has in baby blue and pink, they are magical, they even give Winona Ryder hips when she puts them on.

Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Cylde. Though she starts off in loose and shapeless skirts and blouses, they look incredible on her. Later on, the suits and trench coats are even more amazing and there has never been an actress since look so wonderful in a beret. Except perhaps Kirsten Cooke as Michelle Dubois in ‘Allo ‘Allo.

Everything the entire cast wears in Cry Baby and perhaps anything anyone has ever worn in a John Waters’ film. But here especially, Traci Lords as Wanda Woodward.

Paula Prentiss as Bobbie Markowe in the 1975 Stepford Wives. Tiny shorts! Dungarees! Bra-less! Cropped shirts! And a perfect foil to the Laura Ashley maxi dresses of ‘The Wives’. (Sorry about the re-cut trailer, but it has Bobbie in more than the original).

And finally, the greatest ever wardrobe in film, Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan. Actually, there are probably far greater wardrobes but none that have had such a staggering effect as this one on mine. I was 5 when this came out, I somehow came to watch it on my own at a young age and remember being so jealous of the oversized circular vanity case she has as a suitcase. I found a rectangular one and tried to make it my school bag until one day it came undone whilst I was crossing the road. Rushing frantically trying to get everything back in the case did seem like a very Susan thing to do. There are too many beautiful things to choose from, but I think my absolute favourite are the boots she trades her jacket for.

I’m already adding to the list, I have left off Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe’s fantastic outfits in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Kelly Lebrock in Weird Science, Tia Carrere in Wayne’s World (yeah, I know) and there must be so many more. I’d like to collate them all and have a frockular filmathon, any suggestions?