Spring has sprung, which means weβre officially in ourΒ Romanticize EverythingΒ era. Between the cherry blossoms and dogs in raincoats, it can feel like weβve been dropped into the title sequence of an early 2000s rom-com. But before manifesting a meet-cute of your own, you need to plan *the* spring outfit. One that would be Jenna Rink, Kathleen Kelly, or Elizabeth James-approved. So who better to take inspiration from than the on-screen heroines themselves?Β
Fashion trends are cyclicalββ90s and Y2K wardrobes fit right in on the streets of SoHo today. This is why our favorite romantic comedies from 2002 are serving as our fashion mood boards in 2023. Leather jackets, LBDs, and cotton candy pink β fitβhello, the main character! And while weβre romanticizing things, hereβs a spoiler: You and *that person* at the bookstore cafe live happily ever after. But for now, youβre just a girl, standing in front of her closet, looking for something to wear. Weβll take it from here.
Notting Hill

Julia Roberts is our forever style icon, and her characterβs off-duty, incognito look inΒ Notting HillΒ won all of us over. While yes, sheβs an A-list celeb playing the part of an A-list celeb, her outfits are less red carpet and more street style. This leather jacket-beret-Vans combo is equal parts glamour and grunge, and we canβt get enough for a chilly spring day look.

13 Going on 30

Oh to be 30, flirty, and thriving. All it takes is some wishing dust and an impressive (albeit illogical) walk-in closet. Jenna Rinkβs playful, feminine style appeals to the 13Β andΒ 30-year-old in all of usβand luckily itβs easy to recreate. Her monochromatic pink ensemble in the magazine pitch scene is a must-wear this spring.

The Parent Trap

Nancy Meyers never fails to create movie magic, andΒ The Parent TrapΒ is no exception. We watch it again and againβfor the epic handshake, the nonstop scheming, and of course, the timeless fashion. This leads us to our next point: the ever-elegant Elizabeth James. Weβd happily borrow all of her outfits, but the black mini dress she wore to reunite with her ex-husband was as classic as it gets.

Maid in Manhattan

We never know when weβll meet and fall in love with a political candidate under pretenses, so itβs always good to look as chic as ever, just in case. Weβve got J.Lo to thank for this outfit inspo (that happens to be perfectly transitional for spring). The white trench and matching wide-leg pants are tonal dressing at their finest. Make it appear effortless by trading the pumps for a pair of sneakers.

Youβve Got Mail

This couldnβt be a complete list without the rom-com queen herself. While we typically associate Meg Ryan with all things fall, the final scene inΒ You’ve Got MailΒ encapsulates everything that makes spring the romantic season it is. Kathleen Kellyβs beige linen dress and short-sleeve cardi are sweet and simple, especially set against the backdrop of Riverside Park in full bloom. For the same effect, pair this look with freshly cut daisies (aka the friendliest flower).
















