You can get fashion inspiration for Rom-Com Core from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
The latest nod to Y2K fashion is what trend forecasters are calling the Rom-Com Core, and it’s set to be big in 2023.
Marta Topran, Pinterest’s lead fashion and beauty creator, explained: “Rom-coms in general offer a sense of optimistic escapism and I think we’re all craving that right now.”
She went on to say that Generation Z and millennials look to the rom-coms that dominated the 2000s for tailoring inspiration. “Think iconic looks like short dresses in ’13 Going On 30′ or Kate Hudson in tubes. ‘Mean Girls’ miniskirts and ‘Save the Last Dance’ cargo pants are making a big comeback,” Topran told HuffPost.
“In our latest Pinterest predicts reports, we see popular searches that include the following findings: ‘2000s girl’ increased by 235%, ‘Cool girl aesthetic outfits’ increased by 140%; ‘Pink Mini Skirt’ up 145%; ‘Rhinestone Dress’ increased by 90%; and ’90s vintage summer wear is up 150%.” The vibe is decidedly fairytale, but with the benefit of understanding its limitations and finding ways to enjoy its sentimentality with nostalgic nods and winks.
In this way, Rom-Com Core is an homage to the strong female energy of the main character. “It’s more than just an aesthetic,” said Topran, citing Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union and J.Lo as the quintessential leading ladies of the genre. In addition to optimism, these characters embody self-confidence, Topran explained, “Beneath their candy-colored clothes and flawless hair were strong, confident ladies.”
HuffPost spoke with Chelsea Volpefashion and still life stylist based in Manhattan, to explain how Rom-Com Core looks translated from genre-defining films to real life with inspiration from five classic 2000s rom-coms.
Movie inspiration: ‘How to lose a guy in 10 days’ (2003)
Channel: Kate Hudson for the energy of the main character who is rebellious with a sense of humor and enjoys turning female stereotypes on their head.
As for the look, Volpe told HuffPost, think “sophisticated, understated Upper East Side. Floral print A-line dresses, button-down sweaters, and fresh, clean, white Ralph Lauren button-downs.” Each look should be worn with complete self-awareness. Volpe added that the film’s most sought-after look is the “skinny yellow number,” which is bold in its hue and provides a tailored silhouette.
Movie inspiration: ‘Mean Girls’ (2004)
Channel: Ensemble energy Lindsay LohanRachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert and Amanda Seyfried for looks that walk the line between fitting in and standing out in the crowd.
“Fuzzy pink pullovers, low-waisted jeans (cough, cough, True Religion), aggressive argyle pants, and barely-there pleated miniskirts sum up this hilarious cult classic aesthetic,” explained Volpe. To recreate The Plastics’ iconic talent show costume, she suggested a velvet slip dress. “So trendy, so sexy, so get it.”
Movie inspiration: ‘The Maid in Manhattan’ (2002)
Channel: Jennifer Lopez for the energy of the main character, which is a great retelling of the fairy tale. This look celebrates J.Lo’s star appeal, which shines despite a limiting Cinderella-esque storyline.
White on white makes for a powerful princess, but it’s not the only way to wear this look. “I’m here for a monochromatic moment if it’s done right,” Volpe said. “It takes a huge amount of confidence and ‘swag’.” You don’t have to wear all white to achieve this look, especially if you want to keep it stylish. Volpe suggested a “neutral palette for a monochromatic look” to update this style for 2023.
Movie inspiration: ‘The Fighting Temptations’ (2003)
Channel:Beyoncé for the main character’s energy that hits all the right notes. This look speaks to the understated elegance and strength of neutral, modest classics.
Beyoncé delighted with bohemian aesthetics in muted tones. To freshen up this trend, Volpe suggested paying attention to the details found in bohemian staples like peasant tops and prairie skirts. “Brands like Zimmermann offer stunning options for bohemian, feminine and curated looks [this aesthetic],” she said.
Movie inspiration: ‘Deliver us from Eve’ (2003)
Channel: Gabrielle Union for the energy of the main character in this modern and slightly feminist retelling “The tamed shrew,” where ambition and romantic love fight for equal screen time.
While this film is dominated by cropped tops and body looks, Volpe suggested that you can achieve the same fierceness without the “bandage-like silhouette” by embracing “a boundary-pushing, ambiguous, always exciting gender-fluid look.