Every time fashion nerds get obsessed with something, the internet adds a ‘core’ to it and turns it into a trend. From Barbie core to Pearl core and whatnot, these popular trends bred by TikTok and Pinterest, influence the way we dress up. Changing seasons and ever-evolving trends have now gifted us the newest–Romcom Core. As much as excited I remain for every new trend, this one makes my fashion-met-film heart flutter. Paying homage to fashion’s forever-growing obsession with nostalgia-driven style, Romcom Core, is a brand new road, to revisit the popular fashion of the 90s and 2000s, as mastered by the iconic leading ladies of every romantic comedy film of the era.
As per Pinterest Predicts, the aesthetic takes you back in time and allows you to channel the main character energy, through the ever-popular closets of cinema’s most loved leading characters from iconic romcoms. Yes, we’re talking about Sex And The City’s Carrie, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ Andie, and yes, Simran from closer to home–Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. So, gear up and take some fashion cues from your beloved heroines of the 90s and early 2000s.
1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
The Aditya Chopra-directorial is a still, successfully running film and the most iconic romcom that Bollywood has ever seen. Starring Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan, the film’s romance, songs, dialogues, and fashion carved many trends from the era. Besides popularising names like–Raj and Simran, leading lady–Kajol was a vision in white salwar kameez, printed hairscarces, tunic dresses and her romantic white coord-set. With Simran’s wardrobe on your mood board, you can relive the nostalgic style trends of the late 90s in Bollywood, with scarf designs for your hair, and statement earrings, with pearl-white outfits. BTW, the film is all set to hit the theatres, again this Valentine’s Day. So, outfit bhi and date plan bhi.
2. Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai
The second film in our list of favourites is another Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol starrer–Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai. Irrespective of Rahul’s toxic character traits, the other lead in the film–Rani Mukherjee, was the diva from the era. With an interesting mix of a modern closet and sanskaari heart, the actress made glitter mini dresses, funky coord sets, feminine bags, and flowery belts a hit amongst girls from the year. Besides Rani’s Tina, Kajol’s character Anjali led the film in the second half and showed us her collection of romantic sarees.
3. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
An iconic film from 2003, the Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey starrer film was filled with meet-cute moments, a fashionable protagonist, and a hot, no super hot hero. The film soon entered the list of Hollywood’s most beloved romcoms. Kate as Andie Anderson was no less than an icon, with her luminous, yellow silk slip dress, tank top and denim combos, and uff, that iconic printed tulle dress. The film is not only a perfect date night watch but also an incredible source to inspire your date night look.
4. Pretty Woman
Another gem from the 90s was Pretty Woman, starring–Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Moving away from the classics, the film stirs a unique script around the brewing romance between a filthy rich businessman, and a sex worker. This unique love story about the union of two different worlds, brings together a refreshing story to the big screen and follows the makeover trope, as Vivian embarks on her style journey from grunge street style to sophisticated, red gowns and opera gloves. The film is your sign, to trust in the power of red this Valentine’s Day, and take some hairstyle inspiration from Vivian Ward.
5. 13 going 30
Built on the classic skeleton of an American romcom by director Gary Winick, the film is well-seasoned with fantasy. Starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, 13 Going 30 follows the life of a young girl who transforms into a 30-year-old, as she wished on her birthday. With changes taking over in the real world, Jenna’s style evolves from teen-era fashion to grown-up slip dresses, corsets and her iconic collection of pleated skirts and pink coords. For girls who find themselves loving softcore, more sorbet hues, Jenna will be your guide to get a perfect Valentine’s date look.
6. Hum Tum
The release of Kunal Kohli’s 2004 film, changed the flavour of romcoms in Hindi cinema. The change from damsel-in-distress to independent, leading women, was visible through the character graph of Rani Mukerjee’s role as Rhea Prakash. Hum Tum was an interesting addition to Bollywood’s list of romcoms and a fabulous modern take on it. Besides beautiful locations, that also pushed us to book that flight to Amsterdam, Rhea Prakash’s wardrobe, short bob, white shirts, and bridal mehendi lehenga were a massive hit. For girls, who enjoy being a tad lowkey with their sartorial choices, Rhea’s attitude is all that you need to dress this Valentine’s Day.
7. 10 Things I Hate About You
The 1999 film starring–Julia Stiles and late actor Heath Ledger, has a high-school romance set at its core. Through Patrick and Kat, love eventually comes in the most unexpected ways. Besides the film’s leading couples, Bianca and Kat’s fashion helped us fall for cute prints, frilled necklines, Kat’s curly bun and their iconic date night outfits. You may wanna try that pink and red look on Bianca, and her pearl neckpieces, or maybe force your guy to come dressed up as the hot Patrick.
Also Read: Did You Know Shah Rukh Khan Improvised His Dialogue In This DDLJ Scene?
8. Jab We Met
Closer to home, Bollywood was happily loaning the idea of a baguette from the west, experimenting with mini skirts on the iconic Poo, until it found new ways to embrace the desi fashion. In the 2007 film–Jab We Met, romance brewed on a random train journey, and eventually took Geet and Aditya from Bombay to Bhatinda. Through the film, Kareena Kapoor as Geet rekindled our love for Indian salwars, and made sure to give it a street-style twist. Soon, fans were found doing mauja hi mauja with salwars in every shade, teamed with graphic tees and red nails. For girls, who enjoy a delightful mix between desi and modern-day fashion, you can find that sweet spot between salwars and tops or even denim and kurtas to dress for your Valentine’s date.
9. Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani
The 2009 film starring Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor was a gift for all of us hopeless romantics. Through Prem, we all hoped to find the perfect boy who brings us both moong daal ke pakoda and is as adorable as him. Besides the small-town tale, Katrina’s character Jenny Pinto was a classic catholic girl with column dresses, a dainty cross-pendant and hairbands. With that, Kaif garnished her film wardrobe with delightful prints, school-girl skater skirts, and summer hues that inspired trends. For a simple date, you may want to exchange the bold, cut-out dresses with these poetic prints, colourful hairbands, and sling bags.
10. Sex And The City
After a few successful seasons as a sitcom, Sex And The City arrived on the big screen as a full-fledged film in the year 2008. Taking the centre-stage as the fashion-forward New Yorker, was Carrie Bradshaw, who like the show made some head-turning sartorial choices in the film. From her famous flower dress, white vest, and roomy mid-length dresses to romantic tulles, Bradshaw single-handedly stirred trends from the era. Perfect for a dreamy date night look, you can pick some striking shades, and go OTT for your Valentine’s date.
Also Read: From Poo To Lara Jean, 11 Stylish Fictional Characters To Inspire Your Valentine’s Day Look
11. Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!
You may want to dress like Madhuri Dixit’s character–Nisha for a date night with your real-life Prem. From her aubergine lehenga to her silk dress, Nisha minted old-school style trends, with exquisite taste in exuberant colours. Not to forget, some of her collection of 90s tulle dresses featured some lovely embroidery and the lacy designs, teamed with her delicate pearl chokers. You can also choose to take inspiration from her voluminous curls for some extra drama for your date night look.
12. Legally Blonde
What better than celebrating the day of love with Elle Woods and her romance with the colour pink? Knowing your worth is another lesson in romance, that we all learnt from her. Besides a gamut of pink outfits, Legally Blonde earned cult status by making the barbie colour, a signature Elle Woods shade through wisely styled looks. From leather overcoats, and tinted sunglasses to baby tees, pretty much like Ms Woods, you can channel that main character energy in the shade of love this Valentine’s Day.
So, who’s guiding you towards your date night look?
Image Credits: Twitter