Watching classic films from our childhood days can be nostalgic for more reasons than one. Not only can we mimic the scripts word-for-word, but we scrutinise the fashion sense of our favourite characters, wondering: ‘Did I ever really dress like that?’ Whatever the answer, the truth is that you might actually be dressing more like Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, Cher Horowitz in Clueless, or Diane Keaton in Annie Hall now, more than you ever did back in the day.

With designers embracing vintage styles in a time of financial crisis and recycling trends from season to season, it isn’t unusual for us to see styles on the catwalk that are linked with the film characters of our youth. In the first of a series of articles surrounding the topic, Running in Heels takes a look at three silver screen characters and the current catwalk trends that helped define them.

It's an Alaia!

Film: Clueless

Character: Cher Horowitz

Year: 1995

‘Ok, so you’re probably thinking “Is this like a Noxzema commercial or what?” ‘But seriously, I actually have a way normal life for a teenage girl.’ Yeah right. Who could forget the character of Cher Horowitz in one of the 90s’ most fashion fabulous films? Fashion was Cher’s lifeblood and this is demonstrated constantly throughout Clueless, in her on-screen references to the likes of Azzedine Alaia and Calvin Klein. Indeed, it is Cher’s simple, body-con pieces from said designers that have stood the test of time, with the re-emergence of skin-tight dresses over the past few seasons. Favoured by celebrities a-plenty, Herve Leger is still the go-to brand for body-con but this season saw the likes of Richard Nicoll and Hussein Chalayan explore fitted leathers in a bondage-Jean Paul Gaultier fashion. Calvin Klein of course offered a more ‘Cher Horowitz’ option, with sexy LBDs in severe cuts and lace textures.

Other noteworthy style moments include:

Thigh high socks: It’s always a good way to keep warm – especially if you’re not investing in a pair of over-the-knee boots. Paul Smith went for country lady this season teaming them with an oversized cardigan and camel coat, instead of a Horowitz-inspired micro mini. The high street has also gained a new over-the-knee sock of sorts, since Henry Holland has collaborated with Pretty Polly to create the ‘Mock Stock’: tights made to look like stockings! Genius.

Cher rocks the checks

Plaid: This trend crops up in the film quite a lot. Most memorably in a yellow, shoulder padded skirt suit: the first outfit we see when Cher goes to school. Looking like it could have walked straight off Henry Holland’s fall 2008 catwalk (not to mention a past Vivienne Westwood runway), the bright ensemble still works today, particularly with the all-important shoulder pads. While plaid is not nearly as prominent this season as it perhaps was last year, it has already been forecasted in neutral tones for next season by Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney’s Resort collection.

Ruffles: Worn for her unsuccessful driving test, Cher gets out her ‘most capable looking outfit’, consisting of a white, 70s inspired, sheer, frilly shirt – a look that is so easy to recreate for fall 2009. Whether you want ruffles on your shoe boots (Elizabeth and James), on your peplum dress (Balmain) or head to toe (Louis Vuitton), this is the season for frills. Try Catherine Malandrino or Paul and Joe for a simple, ruffled shirt.

Film: Pretty Woman

Character: Vivian Ward

Year: 1990

We’re not advocating that everyone goes around dressing like a prostitute, but Vivian Ward was certainly on to something when she sauntered out onto the streets of LA in her over-the-knee boots. Yes, they were patent and generally garish but one only needs to look at the fall 2009 collections to see that designers have embraced the trend with open arms. Rodarte, Hussein Chalayan and Prada are among those who opted to cover up the legs with these sexy boots, keeping hemlines short. We wouldn’t choose the shiny look however; flat leathers are definitely the way forward with this style.

Work it baby...

Other noteworthy style moments include:

Polka dots: While some of Vivian’s fashion moments were a little questionable, we love the polka dot look that was donned for her trip to the polo match. Spots were all over the spring 2009 runways, seen in monochrome at House of Holland, Marc Jacobs and Giles. This season, Luella toned down the print in textured black, adding punky details in the shape of zips and buttons and after Aussie boy, Josh Goot’s show in London last month, we can look forward to little polka dot pieces teamed with vibrant shades for that Bondi beach, surf style.

Off the shoulder: Nobody could forget that red dress, could they? The floor-length, off the shoulder stunner, courtesy of moneybags Edward Lewis stole the (fashion) show when Vivian was escorted to the opera. US Vogue featured an equally gorgeous, dress from Valentino’s haute Couture collection in 2007 but since then, we’ve not seen anything as striking. Luckily for us though, the off the shoulder trend can be seen from season to season. Take a peek at Yves Saint Laurent’s spring 2010 collection for 80s-inspired, off the shoulder dresses, or Prabul Garung’s efforts for next season, which include an elegant Grecian number in white.

Film: Crocodile Dundee

Character: Sue Charlton

Year: 1986

Crocodile Dundee might be a surprising addition to this particular ‘fashion list’, but who can deny Sue Charlton’s city girl dress sense that combined sassy journo power with daring sexiness? The New York reporter – who brought crocodile hunter Mick Dundee from the outback to the Big Apple – looked immaculate at all times whether she was getting to grips with crocs in the depths of Australia or dressing for a night out in the city that never sleeps.

Sue Carlton goes for body con

The most memorable of Charlton’s fashion choices has to be her risqué, cut out red dress that was so barely there, it brought new meaning to the term body-con. While the level of flesh that said dress revealed may not entirely have been recreated in recent catwalk shows, the cut out look certainly has. Remember the spring 2009 shows from Narciso Rodriguez, Balmain, Herve Leger and Preen? These designers updated their take on the much copied body-con trend by upping the ante with cut-out, while a more casual take on the look has been applied for fall 2009. Herve Leger, Charlotte Ronson and Jonathan Saunders all embraced the shoulder this season, creating a more slouchy look, keeping the rest of our bodies warmer for the winter months. How thoughtful.

Other noteworthy style moments include:

Scarves: Worn over the head, this look was big on the D&G catwalk of last fall. The scarf-cum-hood look has also been emulated this season with the return of the 80s snood. See Burberry, Missoni and Michael Kors for their take on the cover up.

Leather gloves: The leather glove is never far from the fall catwalks. This season, designers paid particular attention to the trend by adding finer details and elongating the arm. Zac Posen offered over-the-elbow while Thakoon and Fendi stayed just below. Shorter gloves a la Sue Charlton were also seen at Miu Miu and Celine.

Khaki: Proenza Schouler’s spring 2008 collection glamourised the safari look that was seen over two decades ago on Crocodile Dundee’s fashionista as she first set foot in Walkabout Creek. Her high-waisted trousers teamed with a brown belt and red lippy screamed sophistication and over 20 years on, she doesn’t look too far from the image of Carrie Bradshaw, trotting towards New York’s library dressed in that Proenza Schouler vest for the Sex and the City movie. If you’re after a wintery version of the khaki trend, opt for a Burberry-style trench this season. Visit Running in Heels next month for another look at Film Fashion for Today, featuring more movie favourites from the 70s and 80s.