From Clueless to Wild Child: The films inspiring our back-to-school wardrobes

John Hughes’ 1985 cult classic The Breakfast Club is a masterclass in costume. Each character’s outfit reflects the clique to which they belong within the school hierarchy. Muted palettes and grungy plaids signal wallflower status, while pastel hues and delicate jewellery suggest a higher social standing. The costume department’s efforts to translate these character archetypes are brilliantly encapsulated by the film’s final line: “Each one of us is a brain... and an athlete... and a basket case... a princess... and a criminal... Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.”

Another John Hughes treat, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off remains a favourite among cinephiles - and for good reason. Slouchy, Eighties bomber jackets are paired with playful fringing, Bermuda shorts, Americana denim and red hockey jerseys to create some of the most recognisable movie ensembles to date.

A real comfort watch courtesy of Will Gluck, Easy A allows British school kids to escape to the sunny valley of California's Ojai, where polyester blazers are replaced with Y2K staples including checked blouses, boleros, hobo bags and controversial custom corsetry.

Elisha Cuthbert delivered a string of memorable Noughties outfits in beloved 2004 rom-com The Girl Next Door. From cherry red party tops to Y2K berets and corded jewellery (which is back en vogue, by the way), the star's wardrobe paid homage to the ever-fun, flirtatious nature of 2000s dress codes.

It would almost be rude not to include Grease here. The film's outfits are truly iconic - the perfect costumes for Halloween and themed birthday parties alike. From the bubblegum-hued jackets belonging to The Pink Ladies to Sandy's leather catsuit and Danny's buttery biker throw-on, the 1978 hit movie never fails to deliver some serious back-to-school style inspiration. 

Pink outfits on Wednesdays, army pants with flip-flops and questionable Halloween costumes – few movie wardrobes have enjoyed quite the longevity or vitality of Mean Girls. Y2K staples, from Juicy Couture tanks to low-slung jeans and baby tees, define the 2004 cult classic, cementing its characters’ wardrobes as some of the most recognisable in modern teen-film history. Two decades on, the film’s fashion influence shows no sign of slowing down.

Clueless gave plaid a place in fashion history. Cher Horowitz’s yellow co-ord is forever etched into our minds, alongside Dionne’s equally covetable checkered looks. The 1995 classic also imagined a futuristic approach to dressing, with our protagonist's computerised wardrobe helping her select her outfits. A dream come true.

Prada backpacks take centre stage in 90s rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You. While Kat Stratford’s rebellious style is a lesson in undone 90s grunge, from camo tank tops to zip-up hoodies, Bianca’s more polished look appeals to feminine dressers. Prom dresses, floral slips and mesh cardigans offer a sartorial snapshot of quintessential late-90s teen style.

Poppy Moore was ahead of the curve with her penchant for charity shopping. In this widely adored flick, Emma Robert's character begrudging swaps her LA-coded floral blazers, gold hoop earrings and bug-eyed sunglasses for something a touch more low-key, eventually going on to champion the beauty of being brunette and Yorkshire Terriers.

School uniform are treated to a anarchic makeover in St Trinian’s, where tartan skirts, loosened ties and knee-high socks replace conventional classroom classics. The 2007 classic leans into punky British school-girl style, with leather jackets, fishnets and heavy eyeliner adding attitude to the traditional uniform.

Unlike many other mentions on the list, Greta Gerwig's coming-of-age gem Ladybird very much sticks to the school dress code. We follow the character arc of protagonist Ladybird as she navigates Catholic school, love and laid-back life in Sacramento. Expect playful thrift shop scenes, candy pink prom dresses and pleated school skirts galore.

Scary Movie may be a spoof, yes, but it's a serious lesson in nailing kitschy-cute senior school style. The 2000 comedy riffs on everything from school-girl uniforms to wholly inappropriate crop tops and mini skirts. The aforementioned were, of course, debuted most notably by 2000s beauty queen Shannon Elizabeth, star of fellow high school comedy American Pie.

Let’s hear it for Gloria Gresham, the costume designer responsible for crafting Footloose's clash of costumes, juxtaposing Ren McCormack's urban, New Wave-inspired aesthetic (influenced by bands like The Police and A Flock of Seagulls) with the traditional midwestern denim, plaid, and cowboy boots of Bomont.

John Tucker Must Die ensured that hitting the books never looked so haute. A highly fashion foursome, merging Kate's unassuming girl-next-door staples with Beth's bohemian accessories, Celia's preppy-chic knitwear and Heather's sensual sportswear, the 2006 teen comedy is a bountiful source of style inspo for each and every chic clique. 

While we'd hate to go back to times at school ruled by skinny minnie blondie booby girlie girls like Slaggy Lindsay, sometimes we do miss the drama. Be it the blossoming of a new crush (hell) or a claws-out brawl on the netball court, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging covers it all. With a few olive costumes and ill-fitting uniforms thrown in for good measure.

Set in an upscale boarding school in Vermont, Dead Poet’s Society captures the buttoned-up style of an all-boys academy during the 1980s. Ties, blazers, shirts, tweed jackets and collegiate knits represent the conformist attitude of the institution which is subtly disrupted by impassioned English teacher Robin Williams.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an ode to living life on the fringes. Protagonist Charlie, an introspective student with a flair for literature, meets mischievous Patrick and popular Sam who introduce him to their clan. Tartan, band tees, oversized tailoring and slouchy layers give the film its nostalgic, thrifted appeal and help bring these complex characters to life both onscreen and on paper.

Maternitywear gets a burnout makeover in Juno. Jason Reitman’s cult favourite brilliantly captures the indie-slacker aesthetic of 2000s America. Our pregnant protagonist’s wardrobe is androgynous, thrifty and quirky, consisting of striped tees, hoodies, plaid shirts and Converse - a stark contrast to boyfriend Paulie Bleeker’s dinky yellow running shorts.