Pop Culture Moments to Inspire Your Summer Style

While it's no secret that pop culture has the power to start conversations and build relationships – whether it's what movie to watch or what music to listen to – it can also influence what you wear daily. For instance, in the '80s, the star was Madonna, considered the queen of pop for her swinging, electronic music, but also as a fashion icon for her daring style. Teenagers and young adults left the house wearing shirts with quotes, leather jackets, sunglasses, crucifix necklaces, a dozen bracelets, lace gloves, and messy hair with bows. Now, from actors and actresses to singers, the entertainment industry and its figures continue to be one of the main vehicles for setting trends. And this summer is no different. While TikTok re-popularizes classic romantic comedies, such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and 13 Going on 30, or the audience turns on recent songs like Sabrina Carpenter's Espresso and Charli XCX's new album Brat for summertime inspiration – and actor Paul Mescal is spotted in ultra-short shorts –, we have compiled some iconic pop culture moments to help you get through the season in style.  

Donna Summer in Thank God It’s Friday (1978)

For the ultimate glam disco look - perfect for summer parties – look no further than Donna Summer in Robert Klane's musical Thank God It's Friday. Wearing a shiny auburn dress and an orange flower in her ear, the Queen of Disco proved that summer can still be brilliant. 

Madonna’s Cherish videoclip (1989)

For classic '90s minimalism enthusiasts, Madonna's Cherish music video, in which the singer rescues a mermaid on the beach, can serve as inspiration. Sporting a black dress, Madonna proves that summer doesn't have to be all about lighter colors.

Sex and the City Party (2000)

In the controversial episode 18 of season 3 of Sex and the City, after insults, throwing a bucket of water, and various offenses to sex workers that she could hear on the street outside her apartment, Samantha throws a party on the terrace as a way to correct her mistakes. While the ladies drink Flirtinies, made by Destiny, they also share some great summer fashion ideas. While Miranda has a boho dress, Charlotte has a floral spaghetti tee and black shorts. As for Samantha, she's wearing a gingham set. And Carrie, a gray mini shorts with a black belt with a diamond-like detail in the middle, a multi-colored polka-dot top and a floral pin. 

Britney Spears’ I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman (2001)

In Britney Spears' music video I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman, the singer wears low-waisted jeans with a chunky brown leather belt, a muted yellow sleeved top, a silver necklace and a belly button piercing. 

Beyoncé in The Pink Panther (2006)

Starring in Shawn Levy's crime comedy The Pink Panther, singer Beyoncé has a chic and refined style. In one scene, she wears a white cocktail dress, polka dot sandals, and a straw hat with a white band around it.

Mamma Mia backstage (2008)

For those looking for a more casual style while enjoying the summer heat, Phyllida Lloyd's Mamma Mia! is an excellent source of inspiration. The musical offers a variety of laid-back outfits, including floral dresses, dungarees, Greek embroidery shirts, swimwear, capri pants, and loose blouses – as well as a fantastic playlist.

 Lana Del Rey and A$AP Rocky in National Anthem video clip (2012)

In the music video for Lana Del Rey's National Anthem, the singer teams up with rapper A$AP Rocky to portray Jacqueline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, respectively. From backyard picnics to boat rides at sea, the pair showcase a preppy style in fresh blouses and shorts, miniskirts and breezy shirts, and sleeveless dresses with matching headbands. 

Rihanna in Brazil (2014)

While visiting Brazil in 2014, singer Rihanna was photographed on a surfboard in the sea wearing a mustard yellow bikini with a body chain around her waist.