techman
Fashion
Leesa
Sisi
Jeska
Harry
Jana
Maddy 1
Tyronne
the-mothball-cardigan
Nella
yaviz
Australian Fashionista
Brenton
Chic Critique
Cibbuano
Cheryl J
LouieFashion in Film: 16 Candles
July 19th 2007 07:13
We ALL wanted to be her - Molly Ringwald in 16 Candles - image from hollywoodteenmovie.com
As a 12 year old, watching 16 candles for the first time, my first aspirational fashion hit came. I wanted to act like, be like and most importantly, look like Molly Ringwald. She instantly became my idol, and was an immediate fashion icon for adolescent girls across the Western world.
The seemingly effortless way in which she jumbled slacker with feminine was a continuing theme throughout her whole teen movie career. With 16 candles, she hit the ground running. From the opening phone call; "All it shows is that I don't have any sort of a tan left" we can see her room decked out in girly teen trinkets, and she's dressed in a sweet little cami.
Once downstairs greeting her ignorant and insane family about to head off to school, she is decked out in the full kit. Straw fedora, cool full skirt and ankle boots with two off the shoulder tees, funky belt and chunky bangles. This was my first "I WANNA LOOK LIKE HER!!!!" ever.
"..they ****** forgot my birthday!
This look was pivotal for all of us, and began our love with the unsinkable Molly. If I wanted to look like her these days, I could very easily pick up the gear I need.
Let's start with the slouchy tees. You need two (layering is an 80's staple) preferably one in a darker colour than the other. One slouches over your right, the other over your left. You should have some kind of pastel, pink is usually your best bet. You might need to stretch the neck a little, this was something we all did a fair bit back then.
Slouchy Bassike T-shirt - image from mycatwalk.com.au
Then you grab yourself a skirt. It needs to be around the knee or lower, full or handkerchief style. Something in cotton is best.
Catherine Malandrino Handkerchief skirt (in PINK) - image from couturecandy.com
Over the top of the tees, we need a soft belt, in tan, pink, or white.
Street Chic Belt from UO - image from uo.com.au
Thankfully this last season we've got a plethora of sloppy ankle boots to choose from. I remember I had some in blue suede. Ah....if only I'd kept them! To go with the outfit, I've chosen something a little more subtle, to achieve the 80's sensibility without the cringe factor.
Ftay Rhino Tan Ankle Boots - image from wittner.com.au
Your bag, along with the outfit, needs to have an element of slacker. Mimco have an awesome range (as always), but I feel this fits in with our Molly look. Remember, bags must be BIG.
Mimco Oversized Teardrop Bag - image from mimco.com.au
To accessorise; to look your Mollyest, you're going to need a hat. We all loved hats in the 80's, particularly the straw fedora. Getting your hands on these is relatively simple. So do it.
Glue Store Straw Fedora - image from gluestore.com.au
You're ready now. Grab your school folder, your best pouty lips, put on your best "pining about your unrequited love" face, some bangles and cute drop earrings, and head out the door to grab the bus ("I loathe the bus"). Channel Molly - we've all got one in us waiting to get out.
Don't forget your wayfarers. Or your birthday.
| 109 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Comment by Fashion
Fashionista Files
Great post, how convenient for you to list all the online stockists so we can all be Molly clones in no time!
Comment by Chic Critique
I'll be doing a Pretty In Pink post in NO time, just you wait!!!
Comment by Aimzster
Health and Beauty
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Love this movie though...whatever happened to the actor who was Sam's lust bunny??
...and didn't The Geek grow up to be sooo not a...??
(I'm sure I read that Molly and Anthony were dating around this time...)
Thanks for the memory trip Chic...great fashion and film post!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Great post, really well put together.
I was more of an Ally Sheedy in the Breakfast Club kinda guy, before they made her up into something she wasn't at the end.
I swung towards Demi Moore in St Elmo's Fire a little later.
Forgive me I was only 15.
Comment by Chic Critique
And yes, Anthony Michael Hall went out with Molly Ringwald (hard to imagine) and turned out to be a major buffed up hottie and is now seen in Sci-Fi series "Dead Zone".
I'll have to wait now until my Desperately Seeking Susan post! You stole my thunder!! Just kidding
JD - Ally Sheedy is totally cool. I love her in St. Elmo's Fire - that cool way she speaks "Alec is becoming a REPUBLICAN!". And how hot was Demi Moore - that husky voiced vixen. You're TOTALLY forgiven!
Thanks for stopping by guys!!!!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
What a great post.
I loved Molly as well as all the other Brat Packers and their films. I wanted to be 'unsinkable' ike you described Molly....but I wasn't....ah well,
Tracy
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by JuliaC
Comment by Sisi
Comment by Chic Critique
Bryn - Clare was hot in Breakfast Club - the tension between her and Judd Nelson was palpable!
JuliaC - yep - I'll be doing more fashion and film blogs - check out my Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction!
Sisi - Molly did have her own style, but it was still unique to each film - check out what I call her "trilogy" on DVD one weekend. A true insight into the 80's mind. 16 Candles, Breakfast Club and Pretty In Pink.
Thanks for stopping by everyone!!!
Comment by JuliaC
I want to check out your Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction very much, but how to check it?
Thanks !
Comment by Chic Critique
Really Long Link
Thanks heaps!! Cheers!