1. Pretty Woman (1990)
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures, 1990
In this scene, after giving corporate raider Edward Lewis directions to his hotel, Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) finds herself in his hotel room. Vivian is expecting Edward to take advantage of the services she is offering, however he hires her for the entire night in order to get to know her; marking the beginning of their complex, though heart-warming, relationship.
This iconic outfit would be great to recreate for a virtual valentine’s date, however, as a two-piece instead of a dress. Zara’s Jacquard Mini Skirt is an amazing substitute for the button half of the dress, mirroring the same blue marbled effect. Pair this with any white knitted crop top, such as the Kitty Cropped Singlet from Weekday. To emulate the hoop detail on the dress, accessorize with a pair of chunky silver hooped earrings, and layer any of your own silver necklaces.
2. Clueless (1995)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures, 1995
In this scene, Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) is about to go on a date with her current crush Christian Stovitz (Justin Walker), though she is being secretly admired by Josh (Paul Rudd).
Cher chooses to wear this iconic white Calvin Klein bodycon dress for the evening (much to her fathers outrage). To accessorize, she wears a statement floral necklace.
A great dupe to recreate this night out look is Oh Polly’s bodycon mini dress in Oyster White. This dress mirrors Cher’s simple neckline and block colouring. For an almost exact replica of Cher’s necklace have a look at EastLinkJewellery’s Flower Choker. Or, for a more casual alternative, Urban Outfitters Floral Beaded Necklace is great. It not only adds a subtle pop of colour to the otherwise all-white outfit, but it also still has the same effect of softening the harsh lines of the dress. This is both a cute and formal look for the perfect digital date night.
3. Notting Hill (1999)
Image Credit: Polygram Filmed Entertainment, 1999
William Thacker (Hugh Grant) asks Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) on a date only to then realise that it coincided with his sister’s birthday party – though, much to his surprise, Anna agrees to attend. Following the dinner party they decide to break into a private garden, marking the significant moment where Anna begins to fall for William.
In this scene, Anna goes for the classic ‘jeans and a nice top’ look. She has paired a statement patterned top with some dark wash denim jeans, a staple piece for anyone's wardrobe.
To recreate this look, the Jacquard Top from Zara would be a great garment to purchase. This item also has an oriental inspired pattern, a collared neck and long sleeves, with the addition of balloon detailing at the shoulder and contrast button fastening in the front. Though darker in colour, this item serves as a great dupe for Anna’s iconic top. For the bottom half, any dark blue wash straight leg jeans would work, similar to this pair from ASOS Design.
4. Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)
Image Credit: Miramax, 2001
Following an entertaining makeover sequence, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) arrives at an important book launch for her job, aiming to impress her potential office love interest Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Bridget chooses to go for the classic LBD (little black dress) for the event. This garment proves to be a success, as Bridget and Daniel proceed to have their first romantic evening together.
An amazing dupe for this sophisticated and simplistic dress is Urban Outfitter’s Mallory Cowl Slip Mini Dress. This slip-style mini dress has a ‘90s inspired design, featuring a cowl neck and adjustable spaghetti straps. This item is also made from a silky material which mirrors the effect of Bridget’s satin dress. Urban recommends pairing this dress with their Estella Bartlett Round Locket Necklace; a great substitute for Bridget’s sole accessory of a necklace.
5. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures, 2003
This iconic dress is worn by Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) on her tenth day with Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey), during which she is attending Ben’s company ball. This is a monumental moment for the couple, as neither of them have yet revealed the true intentions with which they embarked on their relationship. Prior to this event, Andie realises she has true feelings for Ben, and tries to call off the article in which she was meant to document how to lose a guy in ten days; however, her editor insists she goes ahead with it. Andie then accompanies Ben to his ball, blissfully unaware that Ben also has a bet with his coworkers that he could make any girl fall in love with him in ten days. The ball is a significant event in Andie and Ben’s relationship, as it serves as the setting for the main conflict of the film, in which many secrets are unearthed and true feelings are forced to the surface.
To recontextualise this highly formal outfit for a digital or at home date, take elements of the full length dress for a more casual look. The yellow satin material is the central element of the iconic gown, so incorporate this into the outfit. For example, wear the scoop neck cami in satin yellow from ASOS Design, and pair it with some light blue straight leg or wide leg jeans for a minimalistic, chic look. Or for an outfit more in keeping with the elegance of Andie’s dress, add a pop of yellow on the bottom half with a midi skirt, such as the Ada Golden Yellow Satin Slip Skirt. Style this statement piece with either a cropped tee for a relaxed look, or any simple cut crop top you own (similar to Urban’s Josie Black V-Neck Vest).
6. The Holiday (2006)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures, 2006
After a drunken night together, Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Graham Simpkins (Jude Law) both wake up the following morning in Rosehill Cottage. Graham then proceeds to take a phone call, which Amanda notices is from someone called Olivia and so assumes that this mystery woman is his girlfriend. Just as she gives up hope of a potential romance between the two of them, Graham comes back from his call and asks to take her out for lunch; resulting in the pair going on their first date.
Amanda wears a long, shearling lined, suede coat along with a knitted cream scarf. She pairs these neutral layers with blue skinny jeans and leather knee high brown boots.
This outfit would be great to recreate in the cold month of February, especially for a socially distanced walk with your valentine’s date. Urban Outfitters have an amazing dupe for Amanda’s iconic coat: UO Faux Shearling Cropped Jacket. Though this is cropped and not long-lined, it is the same colour and material and overall a cosy and cute replica of Amanda’s coat. Instead of brown leather boots, a great neutral replacement would be a brown pair of trainers, such as Nike’s Air Force 1s in Gum Brown.
7. About Time (2013)
Image Credit: Universal Pictures International, 2013
Having gone back in time to intervene between the meeting of Mary (Rachel McAdams) and her potential boyfriend, Tim Lake’s (Domhnall Gleeson) plan is successful and he hits it off with Mary at the party. They leave together, and their relationship begins to flourish. This romantic and realistic scene reflects the nervousness, excitement, and unavoidable awkwardness, of the first intimate moment with a new love interest.
Mary wears a mid-length blue dress, an oversized cardigan and a beaded bag. This cute and quirky outfit is simple to recreate with a modern and youthful twist. Weekday’s recycled plisse lettuce hem mini dress in light blue is a great casual alternative to Mary’s more formal dress. The lettuce hem ensures the same level of femininity, whilst the slight high neck creates a sense of formality. Pair this pastel dress with a bright coloured oversized cardigan, such as the red School Boy Cashmere Cardi from Free People. As many date nights this Valentines will be digital, or at least taking place at home, replace Mary’s bag with a different accessory. To mimic the beaded effect of the clutch, try a pair of beaded earrings instead, such as these stunning Malie Beaded Hoop Earrings from Oliver Bonas.