The Best All-American Movies to Inspire Cool Fourth of July Style Inline
Photo: Photofest1/6King of Brooklyn
Film: She’s Gotta Have It
Character: Mars Blackmon
Long before any hipsters crossed the East River, there was Mars and his black and white Brooklyn snapback. From his thick-rimmed geek frames to the sports jerseys and oversize name chain, Mars’s one-of-a-kind late-eighties style would all but define the nineties American streetwear trends that are resurfacing today around the world—many thanks, Spike Lee.
The Look: A black Brooklyn Nets cap (sorry, Knicks). Vintage oversize Cazal glasses. An athletic tank, or Nets jersey, layered over a heather gray Hanes tee. Colorful shorts and white compression socks with Air Jordans—it’s gotta be the shoes.
Photo: Everett Collection2/6Frontier Girl
Film: Little House on the Prairie (the two-hour pilot!)
Character: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Nineteenth-century pioneers were the first American fashion icons (probably), and no pioneer girl is more beloved than Laura Ingalls Wilder. From her gingham and calico dresses to the sturdy lace-up boots she wore to tromp through the fields, Wilder’s spirit and perseverance embody a picturesque idea of frontier life, sans backbreaking labor.
The Look: Twin pigtails, loosely braided. A floral-sprigged dress from Céline, or gingham check from Bottega Veneta and Ralph Lauren, all spring 2015. A pair of lace-front ankle boots, and a prairie sun bonnet from Dsquared2, if you dare.
Photo: Everett Collection3/6The Varsity Crew
Film: Bring It On
Characters: The Clovers and Toros
They’re sexy, they’re cute, they’re popular to boot: Cheerleaders are pure Americana, and their crop tops and sporty minis are super versatile—just ask Tommy Hilfiger and his football extravaganza for fall. While the Toros rock it in red (perfect for the Fourth), we can’t help but prefer the Clovers’ emerald green pleats and retro script—did it just get cold in here?
The Look: A cropped tee or tank top from the Reformation. A matching pleated miniskirt and sweater à la Tommy Hilfiger fall 2015. White Adidas Stan Smiths and a high ponytail (don’t forget the spanky pants).
Photo: Everett Collection4/6Angsty Teen
Film: Rebel Without a Cause
Character: Jim Stark
Two words: red jacket. Need we say more? With little more than slicked-back hair, a plain white tee, and high-waisted Lee 101 Rider jeans—plus that red windbreaker—James Dean became the face of fifties suburban teenage rebellion and an all-American icon, whose legacy endures to this day. Think Ryan Gosling in Drive and **Michael Bastian’**s spring 2012 homage.
The Look: A red Ralph Lauren windbreaker. Vintage Levi’s 501s, high-waisted and rolled. A white Everlane tee, and your best angst face.
Photo: Courtesy of DC Entertainment5/6The Super Squad
Film: The Justice League Part One
Characters: Wonder Woman
OK, so The Justice League movie isn’t out yet (2017!). But it stars a literal league of iconic figures (Superman, Batman) known around the world. And although Wonder Woman does usually stick to red, white, and blue, Gal Gadot promises to offer a fresh take on the Amazon princess in bronze and silver hues—as for **Jason Momoa’**s brand new Aquaman, there are no words.
The Look: Thick bronze cuffs from Eddie Borgo. Layered rings from Pamela Love. A gold Jennifer Behr headwrap. A bustier top and a dozen Flash Tattoos (for Aquaman).
