By Jessica Herndon
Spring is finally here, and it’s time to swap out the heavy layers of winter for something that feels fresh, breezy, and effortlessly stylish. This season, take some sartorial cues from Sundance-supported movies that deliver a serious spring vibe, showcasing everything from bold prints to sophisticated classics that feel just right for the warmer months ahead.
Take Heathers, for example — where oversized blazers with exaggerated shoulder pads make a fierce statement. It’s the perfect look to throw over a tee or dress, giving a fresh take on ’80s chic. Or dive into the world of Rye Lane, where vibrant hues, leopard print accents, and playful layering showcase a fun, more-is-more approach to spring looks. Let the arrival of the flowering season be all about injecting personality into your wardrobe as the days get longer and sunnier.
Then, there’s the chic ensembles in Past Lives, where the beauty lies in simplicity — think pristine yet understated collared shirts paired with polished slacks. It’s a look that transcends trends, offering timeless appeal. Ready to refresh your spring wardrobe? The 16 films below have all the inspiration you need to create unforgettable looks this spring season.
Before Sunrise — 1995 Sundance Film Festival
After two strangers, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy), meet on a train, they spend a magical night wandering the streets of Vienna. Céline’s cool look in this film — a simple yet stylish chocolate-hued dress layered over a cream tee and paired with a plaid shacket — was the perfect ensemble for the couple’s laid-back and spontaneous rendezvous full of exploring and casual dining. Click here viewing options.
Broken English — 2007 Sundance Film Festival
This romantic film centers on Nora (Parker Posey), a single woman navigating the challenges of life and love in New York City. Nora’s wardrobe includes silk camisoles, bohemian blouses, and flouncy dresses that work well for spring afternoons and evenings. Her best friend Audrey (Drea de Matteo) also stuns in flowy silk numbers that range from floral to black, showcasing an elegant, feminine style. Click here viewing options.
Call Me By Your Name — 2017 Sundance Film Festival
This film tells the tender story of a summer romance between Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and Oliver (Armie Hammer) set in Northern Italy. Sure, the weather is steamier in this film than in spring, but the outfits complement either season. Elio combines tailored shorts with polo shirts for a classic take on style. The look is ideal for those aiming to balance casual and refined. Click here viewing options.
El Mariachi — 1992 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the Audience Award: Dramatic
When a young musician (Carlos Gallardo) gets caught in a case of mistaken identity, he is led into a world of danger and intrigue. The stakes are high for the music man, but he looks good weathering them! His simple yet striking look — black pants, a crisp white shirt, and a short black blazer — offers a slick and edgy take on spring style, making it optimal for channeling confidence and mystery. Click here viewing options.
Heathers — 1989 Sundance Film Festival
High school cliques, rebellion, dark humor, and sassy ’80s fashion fuel this cult classic starring Winona Ryder, Shannen Doherty, and Christian Slater. The oversized blazers with exaggerated shoulder pads, a style that is back and dominating runways and street style looks from Paris to Los Angeles, is undoubtedly the standout look in this film. This statement piece is both structured and dramatic, adding a layer of confidence to any outfit. Best for those who love to make an entrance, the look is a great way to embrace spring with a bit of attitude. Click here viewing options.
Palm Springs — 2020 Sundance Film Festival
Andy Samberg’s character in this time-loop comedy about two wedding guests who find themselves reliving the same day over and over, brings a festive vibe to the film with his elaborately patterned shirt and yellow shorts — a combination meant to stand out. The loud hues and relaxed fit make it an ideal choice for a day party or a mellow day in the sun. Click here viewing options.
Party Girl — 1995 Sundance Film Festival
Party Girl is a wild ride through the life of Mary (Parker Posey), a New York City party girl trying to find her way while navigating work, life, and relationships. Mary is a fashion icon in her own right, showcasing dramatic, colorful outfits that are so ’90s! From her iconic leopard print jacket — a print that is currently in high demand — to her playful use of tights, textured fabrics, and accessories, like those powder blue satin opera gloves, Mary’s wardrobe is a masterclass in eclectic style. Click here viewing options.
Love Jones — 1997 Sundance Film Festival, winner of the Audience Award: Dramatic
A soulful romance that captures the essence of love, art, and poetry in Chicago, Love Jones stars Nia Long as Nina and Larenz Tate as Darius. While the looks in this film are all cool and stylish, the outfit Nina, a photographer, wears to a photoshoot — black tank top, straight-leg jeans, belt, boots, black knit skull cap, and black leather jacket — perfectly blends a bit of edge with urban sophistication. It’s a versatile look for those spring days that are warm in the afternoon and chilly in the evening. Click here viewing options.
Only Lovers Left Alive — 2013 Sundance Film Festival
The style in this dark and romantic film about two immortal lovers, Eve (Tilda Swinton) and Adam (Tom Hiddleston), is sharp and sleek. Think leather, luxurious opera coats, and ornate silk scarves. Speaking of leather, the creamy leather two-piece Eva wears in the film is a stunning blend of elegance and punk rock, while Adam’s brown suede jacket look adds a touch of ruggedness. The neutral tones of the ensembles make sophisticated choices for spring. Click here viewing options.
Past Lives — 2023 Sundance Film Festival
An exploration of love, identity, and missed opportunities, Past Lives is told through the lens of two childhood friends who reconnect years later. The style of Greta Lee’s character, especially her polished, collared shirts, feels both modern and classic. There’s a quiet sophistication to the simplicity of the film’s wardrobe, which works seamlessly among spring’s laid-back vibes. Whether paired with tailored trousers or tucked into jeans, this style is all about embracing subtle elegance. Click here viewing options.
Run Lola Run — 1998 Sundance Film Festival, winner of Audience Award: World Cinema
Franka Potente’s character, Lola, rocks a blue tank top paired with mint-colored pants, combat boots, and bright red hair, creating a dynamic, eye-catching look in this high-energy thriller about Lola’s race against time to save her boyfriend. This sporty outfit is ideal for spring, blending comfort with pops of color. Meanwhile, her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) opts for a simple drop shoulder shirt and stylish black vest, offering a muted contrast to Lola’s punchier look. Together, they master the styling of statement pieces and casual functionality. Click here viewing options.
Rye Lane — 2023 Sundance Film Festival
Rye Lane is a vibrant, feel-good film that explores the whirlwind romance between two strangers, played by David Jonsson and Vivan Oparah, in the heart of London. The fashion in this film mirrors its energetic, passionate spirit, with leopard print accents and playful, layered looks that make a statement. The characters’ outfits are full of personality, from the vivid hues to the mix-and-match approach to styling, creating fun and fresh looks for those adventurous spring days we get lost in. Click here viewing options.
Sorry to Bother You — 2018 Sundance Film Festival
Sorry to Bother You is a surreal satire tackling race, class, and capitalism issues, all while serving up some serious fashion moments. Tessa Thompson’s character, Detroit, embraces statement-making pieces, from oversized earrings with phrases like “Tell homeland security we are the bomb” to bold, graphic t-shirts that speak volumes. Her style is all about layering — mixing textures, hues, and accessories to create statement looks that are visually striking. Click here viewing options.
The Virgin Suicides — 1999 Sundance Film Festival
Focused on the lives of five sisters and the mystery surrounding their tragic fate, The Virgin Suicides is hauntingly beautiful in both story and style. The delicate floral, flowy dress worn by Kirsten Dunst’s Lux evokes a sense of ethereal beauty, making it a great choice for a spring wardrobe. Whether paired with simple sandals or layered with a sweater, dresses like these will help you embrace the season with a soft, sweet touch. Click here viewing options.
Welcome to the Dollhouse — 1995 Sundance Film Festival
This darkly comedic exploration of adolescence centering on the life of Dawn Wiener (Heather Matarazo), a socially awkward middle schooler, is full of floral print jumpsuits, dresses, and skirts, which Dawn rotates with bright, colorful outfits and accessories, like bead knocker ponytail holders. Her mismatched style is the perfect inspiration for jazzing up your wardrobe this spring. Click here viewing options.
(500) Days of Summer — 2009 Sundance Film Festival
Oh, the unconventional love affair between Tom (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and Summer (Zoey Deschanel) in (500) Days of Summer. It turns the classic storyline of boy meets girl; boy gets girl, boy loses girl on its head. In exploring the highs and lows of romance, Summer becomes an epitome of vintage-inspired style, often wearing sweet A-line dresses that feel retro and preppy. These dresses, with their clean lines, flattering silhouettes, and occasional floral patterns, offer a mix of nostalgia and modern femininity for those rooftop parties and backyard bashes. Click here viewing options.
