Glam-Up Guide: A Lesson In Party Dressing!

The reasons to revisit classics are plenty. They go beyond the dose of nostalgia and sense of familiarity, and there is much more to remember than just the dialogues. For us, the costumes donned by our favourite characters also act as the push we need to go back and watch these iconic movies, endlessly. 

We’re certain that the characters we adored (and still do) sure knew how to have a good time! The proof of this would be dreamy date nights and prom nights, all-out NYE and birthday parties. 

Since we’re in the midst of the party season ourselves, we decided to curl up on the couch and give our go-to movies yet another watch for some #OOTN inspiration! Read on to know our biggest takeaways.

Clueless

Apart from the 90s slang, witty one-liners (courtesy of Cher Horowitz) and plaid in the limelight, Clueless served up some of the most memorable party looks! Bold pieces that screamed perfection without overdoing it were the highlight of party dressing in the movie. 

Cher’s white Calvin Klein Dress might just be the dream outfit for millions of us, not only because it is risqué, but also because of the wittiness that followed. It makes for the perfect dress to groove in. While we’re still on ‘risqué’, there’s nothing more daring than a red bodycon dress, more so if it’s an Alaïa. 

You don’t need many accessories to complete a Cher-inspired look, only the confidence to pull it off!

The Great Gatsby 

1920 was THE decade to party, and we saw that play out perfectly in the Leonardo Di Caprio starrer The Great Gatsby. Even the minimalist of today would have loved to give in to the king-sized lifestyle of the elite. If you want to make a grand entry, this is the movie you need to look up to for inspiration!

Flapper dresses, which were mostly sleeveless with drop waists took centre stage, in addition to knee or calf-length hemlines. Details like oversized bows and fringes also came into the picture, along with crystal/stone studded ensembles or sequined stunners. Jewel tones and soft pastels accounted for 70% of the colour palette. Even the jewellery was breathtaking, with women seen in nothing less than elaborate headbands, diamond tiaras, long pearl necklaces and cocktail rings. Daisy Buchanan was the epitome of a 1920’s diva. 

The gentlemen were obsessed with suits, and wore them almost all the time. Tailcoats were out and tuxedos were in. Bow Ties too, were all the rage. The 20s Man didn’t shy away from soft pastels either, and one could also see stripes being chosen widely. 

Scarface

Before Narcos, it was Scarface that showcased the ‘gangster’ way of living to the masses. From shiny cars to infinity pools, life seemed like an endless party for the coke-lords, and the cast sure dressed like it! 

More than 30 years after the movie’s release, Elvira Hancock’s wardrobe still remains one to watch out for. Comprising slinky silk slip dresses, bling earrings and plunging necklines, each one of her evening looks screamed perfection. With details like high slits, embellished straps and studded belts, these outfits have made it to the top of our party dressing wishlist. 

The men weren’t far behind either. Take Tony Montana’s printed silk shirts in bold palettes for instance; it was a huge trend in the 80s. Paired with the right pants, these shirts will be far from flashy, and in turn prove to be a hit on the dance floor! 

Breakfast At Tiffany’s 

The first image that comes to mind when we think of this movie is undoubtedly that of Holly Golightly (played by Audrey Hepburn) staring inside Tiffany & Co. through the glass window. Sporting an LBD by Givenchy, a dress that remains a masterpiece till date, Audrey’s character was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. 

But, her effortlessly chic wardrobe wasn’t limited to just that black dress. In fact, each one of her outfits is equally iconic. Audrey’s character established that even a Little Pink Dress can be just as statement-making. We were also reminded of the fact that draping a dress yourself can take you places, or at least ensure you stand out in a room full of people.

Add accessories like a tiara to the mix, an understated pearl necklace, and cat-eye sunnies for some quirk; you’ll end up with the most Holly-approved outfit to drink & dance the night away! 

Grease

There are many things that wow-ed us about this movie, from the catchy lyrics to the quirky characters. But if there’s one thing we’ve grown to love the most, it has to be the inimitable yet relevant wardrobe! Set in the 1950s, the musical-romance gave us the most stunning outfits inspired by the decade. 

A bomber jacket is very much in trend today, but The Pink Ladies did it first – and better. Remember Sandy’s prom dress from the dance-off? Yes, it’s a classic, but the sheer cape is what really has our heart. If you’re looking for some layering inspiration, then this is it. On the other hand, the final all-black, leather outfit was the boldest choice of clothing for a girl who was otherwise ‘proper’, always. 

It never fails to remind us that sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone might prove to be the best decision of your life! Also – that black never goes out of style! 

TRENDING POSTS
First Look Prologue: The Art of Gathering
Disha Parwarkar

September 9, 2026

First Look marked its first annual gathering with PROLOGUE, bringing together the voices, ideas and aesthetics shaping contemporary Indian culture. Titled On Celebration, the inaugural edition brought together leaders across fashion, beauty, craft, design, hospitality and weddings to examine how contemporary India celebrates, gathers, preserves tradition and reimagines the rituals that bring us together. As Read More

The First Chapter of PROLOGUE
FIRST LOOK

September 3, 2026

On the evening of July 26, First Look hosted the first edition of PROLOGUE: to Celebrations at Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio’s heritage location at Ismail building in Mumbai. Situated in the heart of the city, the historic architecture of the property brought together industry leaders across beauty, fashion, skincare, jewellery and wedding.  As visionaries, designers, and Read More

An Ongoing Conversation with Art ft. Deepak Shinde
Ashlesha ghadge

August 31, 2026

We often think of art as a way of capturing a moment. But for artists who spend decades making it, the process is also about accumulation – of images, memories, places and questions that refuse to disappear. A subject encountered early in life can return years later carrying an entirely different meaning. Perhaps that is Read More

SUBSCRIBE TO US

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2026. 

FIRST LOOK | Fashion, Lifestyle, Interviews, Events, Shopping.