5 Reasons I'm Still Taking Style Lessons From Vicky Cristina Barcelona

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

If you can believe it,Vicky Cristina Barcelona came out 10 years ago on August 15, 2008. Although the storyline about Americans traveling abroad to Europe for the summer and the romance that follows was enough to draw me in, the outfits are what I’m personally invested in. Ten years later, I still remember those easy summer outfits that made me want to pack my suitcase and hop on a plane to Barcelona myself.

While Scarlett Johansson’s character is dressed in normcore basics like T-shirts and jeans, Penélope Cruz—who plays the fiery ex-wife in the movie—has a collection of satin nightgowns and gauzy cotton dresses on heavy rotation. Add sultry waves and unexpected hats, and you get the unforgettable outfits that still inspire me today. Ahead, I’m breaking down the reason style moments from the film had such a big impact on me.

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Lesson 1: Nightwear for Day Is a Must
(Image credit: Rex Features)

One of the most impactful fashion takeaways from the film was no doubt lingerie as daywear. Penélope Cruz wore pieces like slips with lace details throughout the movie.

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Lesson 2: Reconfirming the Idea of Nightwear for Day
(Image credit: Rex Features)

More evidence from my last point to consider lingerie as daywear. In the last several years, satin slip dresses—like this one—have made a resurgence

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Lesson 3: Take Risks With Accessories
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Hats can be tricky and daunting—if you ask me—but why not take a chance with them? I would never think to wear one like the style here, but Cruz is making me rethink it.

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Lesson 4: Invest in Great Basics
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Though many of the most iconic style moments from the film are tied to Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson’s character offers some lessons as well. While she’s mostly dressed in normcore pieces in the film, they make the case for investing in well-cut basics.

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Lesson 5: Gingham Will Never Go Out of Style
(Image credit: Rex Features)

Gingham may have had its big moment a few seasons ago, but hold on to it. While the print isn’t quite as popular as it was a few years ago, here’s proof that it’ll come back again.

Next: 96 outfits for when you’re bored with your clothes.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.