Dressing for summer can be a real challenge. As temperatures rise and humidity kicks in, trying to stay cool while keeping even a little bit of style is… tough, to say the least. On the big screen, though, summer looks like golden light, glowing skin, and effortless, elegant fashion. It’s a dreamy—if idealized—version of those warm-weather days ahead.

Movies have always been a rich source of style inspiration, especially summer films with their escapist plots and clothes. The Talented Mr. Ripley is the classic example: the allure of the Amalfi Coast contrasts with all that mistaken identity and murder. Then there’s Call Me By Your Name—young, forbidden love blooming among rumpled resort wear and retro sportswear.

While these films remain go-to guides for anyone wanting to add a cinematic touch to summer dressing, they can feel a bit obvious. Here at Vogue, we looked at some lesser-known picks that might be unconventional but still offer plenty of unexpected style inspiration. From vampires in flowing robes to bad-girl outlaws in worn tees and skinny jeans, here’s our list of underrated summer style movies.

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
A strange, hazy film about students who go missing during a school trip in Australia in 1900, Picnic at Hanging Rock feels like a Victorian fever dream. Dressed in creamy white dresses, the characters’ gauzy, proper clothes contrast sharply with the weirdness closing in on them. It’s a fabulously odd, mesmerizing movie filled with Chloé-like dresses, lace blouses, and floor-skimming skirts. The costume design makes it even more enchanting. If I were a girl, I’d wear those soft, layered eggshell tones all summer long, practicality be damned! —Max Berlinger, senior fashion news editor

Thelma & Louise (1991)
Part of what I love about Thelma & Louise is how Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon’s characters loosen up as the story unfolds. They start as restrained women with updos, overstuffed suitcases, and limited options, and end up as sun-kissed outlaws in t-shirts and tight jeans, their wild curls blowing in the wind. They’re running from the law (spoiler: Louise shoots a man), but also from the patriarchy. Along the way, Thelma loses their getaway money to Brad Pitt’s con artist J.D., but she manages to steal his chambray shirt. With its sleeves cut off and her biceps showing, her transformation is complete. “Something’s, like, crossed over in me and I can’t go back,” she says. “I mean I just couldn’t live.” —Nicole Phelps, Director Vogue Runway and Vogue Business

And Then We Danced (2019)
If you haven’t seen 2019’s And Then We Danced, a gay romance set between two Georgian dancers, you’re seriously missing out. While the film’s wardrobe might not seem like an obvious summer fashion inspiration—it’s mostly super-thin Henleys and ballerina-like silhouettes—the minimalist-chic looks are exactly what you want to wear on a hot, sweltering day. Barely-there knits, easy-breezy fabrics! So good. All that’s missing is a hot dancer to go with them. —Christian Allaire, Senior Fashion and Style Writer

Do the Right Thing (1989)
The feeling of oppressive heat runs through Spike Lee’s incredible New York epic Do the Right Thing. Everyone’s skin is dewy, their hair damp, their mood deflated. Anyone who’s been through a brutal New York summer will relate. And yet, there’s a surprising amount of great menswear—printed shirts, athletic memorabilia, tank tops. IIt’s a reminder that no matter what the weather throws at them, New Yorkers still show up with style. —Max Berlinger, senior fashion news editor

The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (1970)
Based on a novel, The Garden of the Finzi-Continis is a sad story about unreturned love and the start of World War II. When Jewish people are banned from tennis clubs, the Finzi-Continis open their private courts to friends. Many lose in the games they play, but when it comes to style, they’re winners. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, senior archive editor

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
As someone who often wears black and leather, summer dressing can be… tricky, to say the least. I don’t usually go for cutoffs and crop tops, but I believe in Tilda Swinton’s approach to vampiric style. Indoor robes, outdoor robes, a slim leather jacket for cool coastal summer nights—that’s a hot-weather wardrobe I can get behind. —Alexandra Hildreth, fashion news writer

The Worst Person in the World (2021)
Yes, Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World is a total heartbreaker that captures the ups and downs of your twenties, but it’s also an underrated fashion film. I left the movie completely captivated by Renate Reinsve as Julie—and her wardrobe. Costume designer Ellen Ystehede moved away from typical Scandi style, dressing Julie in effortlessly cool, neutral basics. I loved the black satin backless dress she wears to an all-night party, but it was her simple black linen button-up that really inspired me to buy something similar. —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer

Smoke Signals (1998)
Every time I watch 1998’s Smoke Signals (maybe the best Indigenous comedy ever made), I get really inspired by all the summery outfits. From tie-dye shirts to perfectly worn jeans and amazing beaded jewelry, it’s what summer style is all about: bright, happy colors and nothing too fussy. I still want the ‘Fryebread Power’ tee that Thomas wears. —Christian Allaire, Senior Fashion and Style Writer

A Bigger Splash (2015)
While 2017’s Call Me By Your Name is still a top style movie, just two years earlier director Luca Guadagnino released A Bigger Splash, starring Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson, and the always-iconic Tilda Swinton. A rockstar and her lover are vacationing and recovering in a sunny Italian village when unexpected guests show up, causing emotional (and literal) chaos. There’s a sexy tension running through the film, set against sun-drenched scenery and relaxed, off-duty outfits. Flowing linen, worn-out stretched T-shirts, revealing bikinis, and casually thrown-on resort shirts in creamy tones feel lazy and effortless. The kind of ‘oh this old thing?’ clothes that just feel good to wear in warmer months, but still somehow look stylish without trying. —Max Berlinger, Senior Fashion News Editor

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the Vogue article featuring staffers favorite offbeat summer style movies

General Questions

Q What is this Vogue article about
A Its a list where Vogue staffers share their favorite summer movies that have great fashion but arent the obvious picks They focus on hidden gems and cult classics

Q Why are these movies called off the beaten path
A Because they arent the typical summer blockbusters or mainstream fashion films They are lesserknown indie or older movies that still capture summer vibes and unique style

Q Do I need to be a fashion expert to enjoy these movies
A Not at all The article is for anyone who loves movies summer or just wants fresh outfit inspiration The picks are fun and accessible

Specific Movie Questions

Q What are some examples of movies mentioned in the article
A Examples often include The Wicker Man for its eerie boho island looks Mystic Pizza for its late80s coastal charm and The Talented Mr Ripley for its Italian Riviera glamour

Q Is The Wicker Man really a style movie
A Yes in a quirky way The article highlights its use of floral crowns crochet and earthy linen costumesperfect for a pagan festivalinspired summer look

Q What makes Mystic Pizza a good summer style movie
A It features classic lowkey New England coastal fashion denim jackets highwaisted shorts band tees and scrunchies Its very relatable and easy to recreate

Q Is The Talented Mr Ripley a summer movie
A Yes Set on the Amalfi Coast its full of resort wear like crisp linen suits silk headscarves and vintage sunglasses Its aspirational but still dreamy and warm

Practical Style Questions

Q How can I use these movies for outfit ideas
A Watch for key pieces like a white linen shirt a bold floral dress or a straw hat Then try to mix one or two of those pieces into your own