Fashionable films ahead: Costume-driven cinema is expected to define 2026


Margot Robbie is pictured here with Jacob Elordi in the trailer for the new 'Wuthering Heights', where she wears a very modern latex gown. Photo: Handout

From reinvented period epics to sleek modern fantasies, 2026 is poised to deliver a parade of films where fashion is as compelling as the plot itself.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is highly anticipated, having generated buzz on social media for months, where leaked set photos teased fans with glimpses of the characters’ fabulous new looks.

The sequel reunites familiar faces as they navigate a ruthless industry – Andrea Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway), Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and more.

For audiences, the appeal lies not only in the nostalgia factor, but in the promise of a fresh wardrobe fantasy that reflects how dramatically fashion has evolved since the original film became a cultural touchstone in 2006.

Hathaway is also starring in another film this year with a strong fashion throughline, Mother Mary.

Charli XCX, whose
Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige and Keke Palmer play a crew of female shoplifters as they target a powerful fashion mogul in 'I Love Boosters'. Photo: Handout
The psychological drama pairs the actress with Michaela Coel in a story centred on a troubled pop icon and the reclusive designer tasked with rebuilding her image.

Read more: Swagger and spectacle: A look back at who and what is considered stylish in 2025

Early reports suggest the film will lean heavily into costume as narrative, with wardrobes that chart the power dynamics, identity crises and public reinvention at the heart of celebrity culture.

The soundtrack features original songs by several musicians, including Charli XCX – who, coincidentally, is also fronting her own semi-autobiographical film slated for release in 2026.

The Moment will see the pop provocateur play a heightened version of herself.

It blends behind-the-scenes tour footage with scripted satire to skewer celebrity culture, all while serving up a wardrobe that mirrors her boundary-pushing, club-to-couture aesthetic.

Charli XCX is also providing music for a new version of Wuthering Heights.

This is not a faithful retelling of the classic Emily Bronte novel, rather, it reimagines the story through a more modern lens, merging gothic romance with contemporary music and fashion.

Costume designer Jacqueline Durran has worked on films like Barbie before, so expect the unexpected when it comes to the film’s style.

The trailer already shows female protagonist Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) wearing a red latex gown, so this is not entirely your conventional period drama film in terms of outfits.

Another iconic tale set for a bold fashion reinvention comes with The Bride.

A sneak peek shows costumes that put a modern, couture twist on the familiar story of Frankenstein’s iconic counterpart.

Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige and Keke Palmer play a crew of female shoplifters as they target a powerful fashion mogul in 'I Love Boosters'. Photo: Handout

Read more: Fashion statement or relationship crisis? Decoding coordinated red carpet looks

The designs feature dramatic silhouettes, unexpected materials and striking details that transform the gothic narrative into a runway-worthy spectacle.

Rounding out 2026’s fashion-forward film offerings is I Love Boosters, a satirical comedy exploring the world of influencer culture and luxury obsession.

With costumes that mix streetwear, high fashion and over-the-top branded looks, the film turns every frame into a playful commentary on spectacle.

This looks like a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts and pop-culture fans alike.

Looking back at the past several years, films like Marty Supreme, Challengers and Babylon were already demonstrating how fashion can become an integral part of storytelling – shaping character, mood and even plot.

As the new year arrives, it builds on that momentum, promising a cinematic year where wardrobe is not merely decorative, but a central player in the visual and cultural impact of each film.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
fashion , trends , year starter , fashion films

Next In Style

Garden party: Why luxury fashion’s latest bags are blooming with nature
Not a one-hit wonder? Why designer Dario Vitale’s fashion comeback is a big deal
The drop-waist is back, bringing a fresh twist to fashion’s silhouette game
In wartime Kyiv, Ukrainian fashion finds power in punk and animal instinct
At New York Fashion Week, celebrities show how 'American cool' still has clout
Dario Vitale becomes first external fashion designer to lead an Armani line
Malaysia’s second-hand shoppers are finding style beyond the latest trends
Don’t turn your back on Venice Film Festival’s boldest fashion moments
New York Fashion Week runway drama puts sustainability and ethics debate on show
'He’s someplace better – designing dresses': Cher was with Bob Mackie at the end

Others Also Read