Sure, they can sometimes be predictable or even downright cheesy, but we still love ourselves a good romantic comedy — and all the cute and crazy clothes that go with them! In fact, many of our heroines’ most iconic outfits still hold our fashion interest 10, 20, even 30 years later. We've created this handy guide to using their fashion inspiration for Valentine’s Day or really any time of year.
Julia Roberts in "Notting Hill"
Throughout this 1999 rom-com in which she plays a mega-watt movie star, Roberts wore a frosty palette of sky blue and periwinkle. Our favorite piece? The blazer worn in the pivotal press conference scene, where a charmingly flustered Hugh Grant declares his love. Today, pastels have never been cooler and this updated blazer is a pretty way to try the trend. (Missguided ‘Eilise’ longline powder blue blazer, $57, missguidedus.com)
Ione Skye in "Say Anything"
It’s one of American cinema’s most romantic moments: Lloyd Dobler blasting “In Your Eyes” from his boom box in 1989’s “Say Anything.” But before that fateful night, the object of his affection — beautiful brainiac Diane Court — stunned Lloyd, and us, in a filmy summer dress with a sweetheart neckline. Slip on this version from Forever 21 to capture the young love vibe and don’t forget to tuck a flower behind your ear. (Forever 21 ‘Bombshell’ dress, on sale for $18.99, forever21.com)
Jennifer Lopez in “The Wedding Planner”
It’s an adorable meet-cute: Uptight wedding planner Mary Fiore’s heel gets stuck in a grate and chilled-out pediatrician Steve Edison (Matthew McConaughey) rescues her before she’s hit by a food cart. Mary’s almost aggressively tailored camel coat represents her perfectionist streak, but we have to give her credit — it would still look amazing today! (Larry Levine walker coat, on sale for $79.99, macys.com)
Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally”
Renée Zellweger in “Bridget Jones's Diary”
From Mark Darcy’s Christmas jumper to Bridget’s Playboy bunny ears, sheer blouse and ill-fitting cocktail dress, this movie knew how to use clothing to create character. Perhaps our favorite fashion moment: Bridget in her penguin pajamas, belting out karaoke and sipping red wine. We’re ordering our own pair and accessorizing them with a chic tub of ice cream. Cheers to singletons! (Penguin print flannel pajamas, $32.95, americanpjs.com)
Molly Ringwald in “Sixteen Candles”
Who would have thought Sam Baker’s bridesmaid’s accessory would be so in style 30 years later? It’s true: From bridal salons to Coachella, floral crowns and circlets are a boho girl’s best friend. (Floral vine crown, on sale for $9.95 at dailylook.com)
Sandra Bullock in “The Proposal”
Ladies who know how to wear a suit: Michelle Obama, Alicia Florrick and Margaret Tate, aka Ryan Reynolds’ sexy boss who desperately needs a visa. The rules to nailing the look? Make your suit single-breasted, skip the “shell” underneath, carry a power bag in the crook of your arm and cinch everything with a skinny belt. This is what's known as power dressing. (H&M fitted jacket, $34.95, hm.com)
Maya Rudolph in “Bridesmaids”
Cameron Diaz in “There’s Something About Mary”
There’s no denying the sex appeal of a slinky red dress, and no one’s wears it better than Diaz in this hysterical 1998 flick. We’ll do our best to channel some of her innocent allure in this jersey knit look-alike, which happens to be an ideal date night look. (Love jersey maxi dress, on sale for $41.69, asos.com)
Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
This is where the rom-com as we know it was born: A lovelorn Holly Golightly searching for her prince in all the wrong places — and launching a thousand trends while doing it. One of the film’s most memorable pieces: Holly’s multi-strand pearl necklace, embellished with a hefty crystal pendant. It’s classic chic on steroids. (Heidi Daus crystallized pearl necklace, on sale for $49.99, saksofffifth.com)
Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give
“What's with the turtlenecks? I mean it's the middle of summer.” That was the question Harry (Jack Nicholson) posed to Erica, before he saw her naked and before he broke her heart. We happen to love the playwright’s classic wardrobe, and might pick up this simple sweater for ourselves. (Lauren Ralph Lauren turtleneck, on sale for $39.99, macys.com)
Kate Hudson in “Fool’s Gold”
Hudson spent much of this sun-drenched 2001 rom-com showing off her toned body in various bikinis, but one sentimental accessory — a gold palm tree pendant — showed she was a softie underneath. Worn alone or layered with other chains, it fits perfectly with 2015’s delicate jewelry craze. (Jewelry Pot pendant, on sale for $35.99, amazon.com)
This article was originally published Feb. 13, 2015 at 12:11 p.m. ET.