Summer may be winding down, but as you plan out your last few weeks, let Bazaar editors help guide your end-of-summer style. Taking inspiration from some of our favorite cinematic style moments, consider senior features editor Ariana Marsh’s 2002 film pick, the cult-favorite Blue Crush. It’s the perfect surfer-girl-inspired way to bid adieu to summer if you’re planning to spend as much time as possible at the beach.
Alternatively, if you’ll be jet-setting off to the Greek islands or the Italian coast, consider Marge Sherwood’s irresistible summertime looks sported in the psychological thriller, The Talented Mr. Ripley (my personal favorite), or look towards channelling Amanda Seyfried’s character Sophie in Mamma Mia. Ahead, see Bazaar editors’ favorite style moments to inspire your wardrobe as summer comes to a close.
The Talented Mr. Ripley
“The film’s primary arc is set across Italy, from Rome and Venice to a fictional seaside town called Mongibello, which was inspired by the Amalfi coast and Ischia. The cast is stacked: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jude Law star, while Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman are in supporting roles. Marge Sherwood (played by Platrow) wears an irresistible vacation wardrobe throughout the film: breezy white button-downs, A-line printed skirts, gingham-print bikinis, and more. Despite the film’s darker undertones, I can’t deny that I found the characters’ Italian vacation style something to be envied.” —Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead
Polo Ralph Lauren Garment Dyed Oxford Shirt
Dôen Belline Gingham Tie Midi-Dress
Reformation Lucia Tote Bag
Carolina K Catalina Skirt
Jamón Jamón
“This movie inspired a million Pinterest style boards! I love how this film shows Penelope Cruz at the very beginning of her career and also the start of her stint as a true style star. While the most popular look from this film is Cruz in a curve-hugging red mini dress and worn in flats, she wears a number of subtly sultry looks in the film, like lace camisoles, off-the-shoulder boat tops, espadrille wedges, and era-appropriate oversized scrunchies.” —Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Jenny Bird Large Staple Hoops
Kaxi Co. Chiffon Jumbo Scrunchie
Loeffler Randall Mason Natural/Black Platform Espadrille
Blue Crush
“Blue Crush nails a certain early-2000s surfer-girl energy that my friends and I all went wild for when the film first came out—sporty bikinis, low-slung board shorts, and handwoven necklaces threaded with seashells. It’s carefree, cool, and just nostalgic enough. As I get ready for an upcoming beach vacation, it’s exactly the vibe I’m aiming for—but with a slightly more refined take. I’m picturing a tropical-print bikini, slouchy denim shorts, and Miu Miu rope sandals that feel both functional and fashion-forward. I also found the most beautiful necklace—a glass-blown seashell wrapped in delicate woven threads—that gives a subtle nod to the ladies of Blue Crush but feels like a timeless treasure.” —Ariana Marsh, senior features editor
Alémais Day Dream Triangle Top
Mamma Mia
“Mamma Mia will forever be a summer movie I wish I could live in. Maybe it’s the stunning Greek setting, or possibly it’s the mermaid-core worn by Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep. While 2025 has celebrated the sardine girl summer, I personally want to deck myself out in seashells, put on a ruffled sundress, and frolic along the beach to Abba. The film is filled with carefree, beachy, boho bliss, topped off with salty beach curls and sun-kissed skin. Perfect for soaking up the final days of summer.” —Olivia Alchek, senior designer
Kinn Studio Gaia Scallop Earrings Silver
Reformation Waldena Block Heeled Mule
Juju Vera Petra Shell Necklace
Bonjour Tristesse (1958)
“After watching the new Bonjour Tristesse in theatres, I was inspired to watch the old one for a little compare and contrast. I love the costumes in both, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about pretty much everything the iconic Jean Seberg wears in the 1958 version. Some things are so simple—a striped tee with tiny white shorts or a big blue men’s shirt knotted over a red one-piece—but so good. Then, of course, there’s the finalé black Givenchy dress that’s to die for—and clearly the inspiration for many modern silhouettes.” —Camille Freestone, senior digital fashion writer
J.Crew Baird McNutt Irish Line shirt
Now 10% Off
Ciao Lucia Fasano Stripe Crochet Shift Dress
Eres Les Essentiels Aquarelle Swimsuit
Agnes B Striped Cotton Jersey Knoxy T-shirt
I Am Love
“Emma Rechi (played by Tilda Swinton) in Luca Guadagnino’s I Am Love is a woman bound by expectation and circumstance. She gradually breaks free, though the aftermath is heartbreaking and literally messy. Her fashion, however, is impeccable, filled with silky dresses the color of ripe fruit, tailored knits, and glamorous eyewear. As summer winds down, I’ll take a couple cues, scooping up a few colorful sweaters to pair with my white linens and petite pumps that are classic but far from dull.” —Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor
Arch4 Imogen Organic Cashmere Sweater
Tom Ford Icon Collection Sunglasses
Cruel Intentions
“I’ve probably seen the original Cruel Intentions film dozens of times, and the easy yet sophisticated styling of each of its characters never gets old. While each of the characters in the late ‘90s movie is high school age, their elevated outfits can seamlessly transition into present-day adulthood. From Reese Witherspoon’s fitted cardigans and preppy button-ups to Ryan Phillippe’s iconic flowing trench coat and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s daring corset and lacy satin tank combination, the looks in Cruel Intentions always deliver summer style inspiration.” —Tiffany Dodson Davis, beauty commerce editor
Guest In Residence Jane Cardigan
Danielle Guizio Crochet Halter Mini Dress
Aisling Camps Modern Mist Translucent Ribbed Turtleneck
Ronny Kobo Knox Faux Leather Miniskirt
Down With Love
“Fellow vintage lovers will find a cinematic mine of inspiration in Down with Love, a 2003 rom-com starring Renée Zellweger, Sarah Paulson, and Ewan McGregor. Set in 1962, the film follows Barbara Novak (Zellweger), a young writer who publishes a book encouraging women to swear off men and pursue a life of independence. To match her provocative views, Barbara boasts an equally evocative style. Her wardrobe teems with bold colors, textures, patterns, and shapes—providing the perfect blueprint for anyone else who longs to wear an over-the-top gown for a night with the girlfriends, or a cherry-red gingham set for a casual night in. The biggest style lesson from Down with Love? No outfit is complete without some fabulous headwear.” —Chelsey Sanchez, editor
Norma Kamali Floral Lace Slip Dress
Proenza Schouler Tala Halterneck Maxi Dress
Gig Burris Ingrid Silk-Blend Satin Hat
