Fashion In Film Volume 6: Desperately Seeking Susan

Today, I’d like to discuss the incredible fashion from my ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE AND INSPIRATION: Desperately Seeking Susan. This is seriously one of my favorite 80s flicks and the fashion is BANANAS!! It stars Rosanna Arquette who plays a bored suburban housewife seeking adventure in her life. She accidentally gets hit on the head, wakes up with amnesia, and is mistaken for the free-spirited, bohemian New York City downtown girl – Susan (played by Madonna).

Madonna’s care-free, signature style was really brought to mainstream pop culture in this film.I am in love with her eccentric style and general attitude all together. From her black dresses paired with leggings to men’s pants with exposed lacy bras to rolled-down, rhinestone boots to even men’s boxers…this film possesses all the elements of pure 80s fashion.My favorite scene is the bathroom changing scene when Madonna come’s back to NYC from Atlantic City. She changes her outfit from a men’s jacket to a see through lacy top and looks at herself in the mirror posing – the whole thing is really charming and sexy!

Many of the key fashion elements in this film are still completely wearable today!The lacy crop tops, headbands, leggings, studded boots, jackets, beads, crosses, bracelets…and of course all that obvious bleached-out hair. Layering was also an essential and was a great opportunity to mix textures – lace and sequins galore! Beyond the basics, probably the best part of the fashion in Desperately Seeking Susan is the accessories! Madonna was so daring and there isn’t a girl out there who isn’t inspired and enthralled by her early look. This movie is definitely for all 80s lovers and Madonna’s fans alike and worthy to watch again – for the fashion alone. THANK YOU MADONNA!