There’s nothing better than streaming your favourite rom-com on a gloomy day to pull you out of that depressing funk. And while everything about rom-coms is delightful, the one trope that we love the most about them are makeover sequences.
Best Hollywood Films Featuring Makeovers
The transformation of the protagonist helps her gain confidence, feel good about herself, and even get her crush’s attention. So, if you’ve been contemplating getting a makeover youself, allow these movies to provide inspiration.
Clueless (1995)
Cher Horowitz, a matchmaker, brilliant negotiator and the queen of makeovers once said that revamping someone’s style gave her “a sense of control in a world full of chaos.” Taking on the responsibility to give the new girl in school, Tai, the makeover of her dreams, she soon discovers that maybe there is more to someone than how they look on the outside. So, just like Tai, ditch the boxed red hair dye and give your gorgeous curls some much-needed TLC. Oh, and don’t forget to sport a vintage plaid co-ord set to feel extra cute.
She’s All That (1999)
Probably every millennial’s favourite makeover film, She’s All That showed us that sometimes, “the new, not improved” is not always bad. Taking on a challenge to give the high school dork a makeover for prom, all for a bet, Zack Siller realises that Laney Boggs is perfect in her own artsy yet chaotic world, something that makes him fall head-over-heels in love with her. So, take cues from Laney and switch up your trusty jeans with a gorgeous, well-fitted short dress that makes you feel sexy. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, might we suggest opting for that lob you’ve always wanted?
Princess Diaries (2001)
When you’re going through high school feeling rather average only to discover that you are the heir to the throne of Genovia, things tend to get a little chaotic. So when the magic of Pablo’s hands transform Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi from an awkward teenager to a real princess, things only get more interesting. By far, one of the best makeovers in films, consider this all the inspiration you need to take a leap. If you’ve been thinking about doing something drastic then take a leaf out of Mia’s book and just go for it.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
Need to go through a makeover to participate in a beauty pageant to catch some bad guys? Sign us up! When FBI agent Gracie Hart needs to go through an entire visual change for her next mission, she gets right into the action, all while she’s wearing ramp-worthy clothes and high heels. So, take some inspiration from Hart and pull out that gorgeous dress from the back of your closet. In fact, stay one step ahead and make sure your outfit is equal parts sexy and efficient à la Hart.
Devil Wears Prada (2006)
If you can’t beat them, be them. When Andrea “Andy” Sachs gets the fashion job “a thousand girls would kill for”, her lack of knowledge and interest in fashion turns out to be a bigger roadblock than she had imagined. So, needless to say, she turns things around starting with a sartorilist-approved makeover. The lesson to take away though is that it’s not always a bad idea to dress for your job, and also, every girl should own a well-fitted skirt and blazer set.
Pretty Woman (1990)
A fake dating plot coupled with a stunning makeover is hard to hate, especially when it features our favourite ’90s pair, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. And, let’s be honest, Vivian Ward’s breathtaking makeover is a knock out of the park (the heartless Edward Lewis agrees too). So, take yourself out on a much-needed date with yourself in a stunning red dress and feel like you own the world, much like Vivian Ward.
Cruella (2021)
A true visual treat that has made us fall in love with one of Disney’s meanest villains, Cruella gives us not just one but multiple fashion makeover that prove that she truly is the queen of fashion. So, if there’s a voice in your head telling you to finally indulge in that extreme makeover, this might just be the time to do it. Also, you can never go wrong with statement coats.
