Steal Their Look: The Best Movies & TV Shows for Fashion Inspiration (on a Broke Uni Student Budget)

Byfirstclassuni.com

University life means three things: surviving on instant noodles (somehow, this seems to be a universal experience), regretting last night’s decisions (whether it’s staying late at a party or staying up late to study, and in both scenarios waking up at 10:45 am to realize you missed your 8:00 am class), and, most importantly, figuring out how to slay on a budget. 

If you’ve ever stared at your closet like it personally insulted you, then it’s time to take notes from some of the most stylish movies and TV shows ever made. From classic Hollywood, Bollywood, & Nollywood glamour to Korean drama perfection to animated characters who somehow dress better than real people, here’s your ultimate watchlist for fashion inspo. 

Bonus: I’ll tell you where to get the looks without selling a whole kidney(maybe just half or a piece of liver).

1. Clueless (1995) – Peak 90s Preppy Chic

Cher Horowitz walked so Y2K fashion could run. If you’ve ever dreamt of a wardrobe that spins (we all have), then this movie is your fantasy. Plaid skirts, knee-high socks, tiny bags—it’s giving preppy, it’s giving effortless rich-girl vibes. Try not to crash your car while channelling your inner Cher though.

Where to get the look:

  • Thrift stores (Cher would approve of sustainable fashion)
  • ASOS & YesStyle for affordable preppy pieces
  • Depop for vintage designer steals

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

2. Gossip Girl (2007-2012) – NYC Rich Kid Aesthetic

Serena and Blair were out here dressing like they had unlimited trust funds and zero student loans, which was true, of course. See unlike you, they actually had the money for a dream closet. Think designer headbands, tailored coats, and school uniforms that somehow cost more than your tuition.

Where to get the look:

  • Zara for polished blazers and preppy skirts
  • Shein (but proceed with caution—fast fashion drama incoming)
  • Thrift vintage blazers for that Upper East Side vibe

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Devil Wears Prada (2006) – Corporate Baddie in Training

If you’re prepping for that internship where you’ll be underpaid and overworked, channel your inner Andy Sachs. Or if you’re already in your mind 40’s era even in your twenties, steal a few looks from Miranda Priestly herself: clean blazers, designer handbags (or bags that look designer but have friendly price tags), rock-solid, sharp-point heels, and of course… A gorgeous haircut. 

Warning: You may lose friends when you start rocking great fits.

Where to get the look:

  • H&M or Mango for budget-friendly office chic
  • Uniqlo for sleek, quality basics
  • Vinted or eBay for pre-loved designer handbags

Where to watch: Disney+

4. Legally Blonde (2001) – Elle Woods Energy

Pink. Power suits. Confidence. Elle Woods proved that you CAN be stylish and smart. Also, her court outfit? Iconic. Whether you’re a sorority girl with a good heart and misunderstood personality, a BOSS lawyer-in-the-making, or just a girl who loves pink, Elle Woods should dominate your Pinterest boards. (P.S. Follow me on Pinterest)

Where to get the look:

Where to watch: Netflix 

5. Itaewon Class (2020) – Korean Streetwear Goals

If you’re obsessed with Korean fashion, let this K-drama be your guide. Bold cuts, oversized fits, edgy layering—this show serves streetwear excellence on a silver platter. 

Where to get the look:

  • YesStyle for affordable Korean street style
  • H&M men’s section (the baggy fits live here)
  • Fashion Chingu for more K-Drama fashion Inspo (psst: they deliver worldwide!)

Where to watch: Netflix

6. Emily in Paris (2020 – Present) – Euro Chic (with a Side of Chaos)

Say what you want about Emily, but her wardrobe is a moment. Berets, bold prints, chic dresses—it’s the Parisian aesthetic we dream of. You might not be planning on traveling the world after uni, but you can say Bonjour to an international style starting now.

Where to get the look:

  • Zara or Mango for Parisian chic
  • Vintage stores for statement coats
  • Amazon for cheap berets (because let’s be real, you’re not wearing them daily…or maybe you are, go Glen Coco!)

Where to watch: Netflix

7. Aisha (2010) – Bollywood Meets High Fashion

Think Clueless but make it Bollywood. Sonam Kapoor delivers luxe, feminine, high-fashion looks in this modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma. And if you know Bollywood, you know you can’t go wrong with a Sonam Kapoor fit. So say namaste to new looks that catch the right attention.

Where to get the look:

Where to watch: ZEE5

8. Bridgerton (2020 – Present) – Regencycore Royalty

No, corsets are NOT comfortable, but boy! Do they make an outfit? If you’re into vintage aesthetics, Bridgerton’s empire waist gowns and delicate florals are pure inspo. And no, you don’t have to put on the full costume, wigs and all, to live out your Bridgerton aesthetic. Get a few comfy corset tops, some floral dresses, and maybe a few gloves, and mix them up until a great outfit emerges.

Where to get the look:

Where to watch: Netflix 

9. Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Luxury Like You Can Only Imagine 

If you ever want to pretend you’re disgustingly rich, watch this movie. The outfits scream wealth, confidence, and expensive taste (even if your bank account doesn’t). And you can copy the style in cheap ways. I once had a roommate who always wore fake plastic pearls. It was obvious that they were fake, but my girl liked pearls and no one could stop her. Shop cute, cheaper versions of your favourite runway glamour looks and boldly rock the dupes until you can afford the real thing! Need a few ideas to start making big bucks? Check this out.

Where to get the look:

Where to watch: Netflix

10. Nana (2006) – Rock Chick Goals

This anime is basically punk rock fashion heaven. Leather, plaid, edgy accessories—it’s the blueprint for a rebel wardrobe. Still, there’s soft girl inspo with Hachi’s looks to balance the show. Whether you’re in your dark feminine or light feminine era, Nana’s got the looks for you.

Where to get the look:

  • Thrift leather jackets for budget rebellion
  • Hot Topic for Punk Aesthetics
  • Etsy for custom band tees, leather fits, and more.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

11. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay (2019) – High-fashion Psycho Goals

Oh did you think we were going to discuss fashion killers and not give a nod—or a full bow—to Ko Mun-Yeong? The queen of K-Drama fashion herself? No way. Raging psychopath or not, this babe was serving looks in every scene. From ridiculously short and impractical dresses to bold shades and pretty pink skirt suits, this always-hungry queen of chaos lives rent-free in every fashion lover’s mind.

Where to get the look:

  • YesStyle for all sorts of Korean looks.
  • Fashion Chingu for actual remakes/dupes of your favourite K-Drama character’s outfits 
  • Fashion Nova if you want a quality skirt suit (be warned: the outfits do NOT come with So Yea Ji’s (Ko Mun-Yeong actress) incredible waist.

Where to watch: Netflix

12. Friends (1994) – Because Your Wardrobe Should Be There for You

So no one told you fashion would be this way? Your wardrobe’s a joke; you’re broke, and your sense of style is D.O.A?

Well, if you can only dream of fashion, then Friends will supply you with a good amount of fits for your imaginary closet. From Rachel’s ever-stylish cool girl fits to Monica’s casual but cute looks, and that one embarrassing leather pants Ross wore, you’ll find endless fashion Inspo with this show. 

Where to get the look:

  • Temu if you’re ultra-broke and don’t mind mid-quality clothes.
  • Amazon also has some nice jeans at a budget price.
  • Fashion Nova is ever ready to serve you looks. 

And don’t worry if your old clothes start to feel jealous about you going shopping one time, YOU WERE ON A BREAK!

Where to watch: Netflix

13. The Bling Lagosians (2019) – Nigerian Luxury Done Right

This Nollywood film is all about wealth, power, and fashion-forward opulence. Expect bold colors, structured dresses, and extravagant accessories. From clean-cut suits, bold African prints, and edgy fusion looks, you’ll find the style in this film as dramatic as the wild, luxurious lives of its characters.

Where to get the look:

  • Afrikrea for African luxury fashion
  • Etsy for trendy pieces
  • Thrift gold jewelry for that Lagos billionaire vibe

Where to watch: Netflix

14. Bleach (2004) – Stylish Samurai Meets Streetwear

Ichigo and the gang weren’t just fighting Soul Reapers—they were flexing. The mix of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern streetwear elements makes Bleach an underrated fashion gem.

Where to get the look:

  • Uniqlo x Bleach collabs for anime-inspired streetwear
  • Thrifted kimonos for a modern twist
  • Nike Dunks (because Ichigo would totally wear them)
  • Etsy for Bleach merch

Where to watch: Hulu

15. Totally Spies (2001) – Unforgettable Animated Slay

Last, but definitely not least, I’ve saved this iconic trio for the very end intentionally. If nothing else gets you going fashion-wise, Sam, Alex, and Clover’s commitment to looking good while kicking bad guy butt AND still keeping up with school work should definitely get your motor running. I mean were they not one of the very few cartoon characters of their era to actually change outfits every episode? Standing ovation for these girls, please.

Where to get the look:

  • Etsy offers Totally Spies merch if you just want the girl’s faces on your clothes.
  • It won’t be green, yellow, or red, but you will find nice leather bodysuits on Fashion Nova.
  • YesStyle also offers a wide variety of cute tees and skirts + makeup! So you can completely slay your look.

Where to watch: Prime Video

Dress Like the Main Character

Fashion is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Take inspiration from these movies and TV shows, mix them up, and create your own main character moment. And remember: confidence is your best accessory (but a killer outfit doesn’t hurt either).

Now go forth and slay—without killing the ghost of your already dead bank account. 

Wishing you peace and funds,

Dee

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