Films & Series That Have Given Rise to Popularizing 1920s - 40s Fashion Trends
Recent films and TV series have done a fantastic job of reviving and popularizing fashion trends from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, with both period dramas and modern takes on vintage styles influencing contemporary fashion. Here are some notable examples:
1920s Fashion:
"The Great Gatsby" (2013, film) Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby is one of the most prominent films to popularize 1920s fashion in modern times. With lavish costumes designed by Catherine Martin, the film showcased iconic flapper dresses, art deco accessories, and tuxedos, which resonated with audiences and revived the glamour and excess of the Roaring Twenties.
"Downton Abbey" (2019, film) While the series itself spans from the early 20th century, the 2019 "Downton Abbey" film takes place in the late 1920s and continues the narrative of high-society fashion. The costumes include elegant gowns, cloche hats, and detailed tailoring, providing a visual journey through the evolving fashion of the decade.
"Peaky Blinders" (2013–2022, series) Though set in the 1920s and 1930s, the period drama series "Peaky Blinders" has been instrumental in bringing men's fashion from the era into the modern day. The sharp suits, fedoras, and overcoats worn by the characters, especially Cillian Murphy's Thomas Shelby, have influenced contemporary fashion trends, inspiring tailored suits, flat caps, and more dapper, masculine styles.
1930s Fashion:
"Coco Before Chanel" (2009, film) This biographical drama about the early life of Coco Chanel focuses on her influence on fashion, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. It showcases the beginning of Chanel's revolutionary designs—such as her iconic suits and the introduction of simpler, more practical clothing for women—which helped define 1930s fashion. The film highlights understated elegance, relaxed silhouettes, and the pioneering of the "little black dress.".
"The Artist" (2011, film). A silent film set in the late 1920s and early 1930s, "The Artist" captures the transition from silent films to talkies. The film features stunning 1930s-inspired costumes, with elegant dresses and sharp tailoring for both the leading lady Berenice Bejo and the leading man Jean Dujardin. The glamorous and nostalgic costumes helped bring the elegant fashion of the early 20th century back into the spotlight.—such as her iconic suits and the introduction of simpler, more practical clothing for women—which helped define 1930s fashion. The film highlights understated elegance.
1940s Fashion:
"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" (2024, film) has contributed to popularizing 1940s vintage fashion by showcasing military-inspired styles and sharp tailoring, with characters wearing iconic wartime uniforms, tailored suits, and rugged accessories. The film blends classic menswear with rebellious undertones, reviving the “gentleman spy” look and making it relevant for today’s fashion trends. Its cinematic depiction of wartime fashion has sparked renewed interest in both military and formal 1940s styles, influencing modern streetwear and vintage collections with a mix of elegance and utility.
"The Crown" (2016–2023, series) The hit Netflix series "The Crown" follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and spans several decades, with a particular focus on the 1940s during the early seasons. The show’s depiction of royal and wartime fashion, especially the military-inspired looks and post-war glam, has influenced modern perceptions of 1940s elegance. The military coats, polished suits, and formal gowns have been influential in modern fashion collections. Matt Smith is seen sporting a boiler suit below. 
"Dunkirk" (2017, series) Christopher Nolan's World War II epic "Dunkirk" not only captured the heroic spirit of the war but also presented a look at the practical, yet stylish, fashion of the 1940s. The film's military uniforms, flight suits, and civilian clothing from that era have inspired contemporary designers and fashion houses, leading to a resurgence in vintage military-inspired outerwear, trousers, and accessories.
"1923" Series (2022 - 2025) The series follows a generation of the Dutton family in 1923, during a time of various hardships including Prohibition, drought, and the early stages of the Great Depression, which affected Montana long before the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Seasons 1 and 2 bring to life fashion from the 1920s to 1940s—through its period-accurate costumes. These outfits help popularize key trends from both eras by showcasing detailed depictions of clothing that influenced society at the time.
Overall Influence in Recent Years:
These films and series have reignited an appreciation for vintage fashion, especially as designers and consumers look to the past for style inspiration. The resurgence of 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s trends can be seen in fashion collections, streetwear, and vintage-style reboots, blending old-world style with modern sensibilities.
