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.
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: HandoutThe 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.
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.
