Rom-Com Core Is the New Barbiecore. Here’s How to Channel Your Inner Meg Ryan

A quintessential part of any rom-com, a meet-cute is equal parts awkward and adorable. And in Nothing Hill, the cult-favorite love story set in a charming London neighborhood, the run-in is no exception. It’s also quite stylish and, in the case of Julia Roberts’s casual-cool ensemble, easy to recreate. Just toss a leather blazer over your favorite white T-shirt, slip into pinstripe trousers and top everything off with a black beret. Where shoes are concerned, Vans lend a laid-back vibe (but you could totally dress this up a bit with some chunky loafers).

Shop similar styles: &Other Stories Wool Beret ($29);Ouay Narrow Cat Eye Sunglasses ($75); Rag & Bone Icons Leather Blazer ($696); Everlane Box-Cut Tee ($30); Maeve Pinstripe Trousers ($170); Vans Old Skool Core Classics ($70); Kate Spade Hudson Hobo Bag ($348)

You may have heard of Meg Ryan Fall, a TikTok style movement centered around You’ve Got Mail’s main character, Kathleen Kelly. A lover of statement collars and cardigans, the fictional bookshop owner continues to inspire fashion lovers decades later. This ensemble, in particular—oversize sweater, shift dress, black mock neck, and oxfords—is a fabulous outfit formula to follow.

Shop similar styles: Theory Mock Neck Sweater ($195), Misook Pullover Tank Dress ($268), Everlane Oversized Cardigan ($165), Dr. Marten 8065 Mary Janes ($130)

In 2002’s Maid in Manhattan, J.LO plays a hotel maid who finds herself romantically linked with Senate hopeful Chris Marshall (Ralph Fiennes). Her monochromatic park date outfit, one that was borrowed from a socialite staying at the hotel, is still enviable decades later. To copy it, pair a cream peacoat with matching wide-leg pants. If pointed sling backs aren’t your first choice for jaunting through the city, we’re right there with you. A pair of black ankle boots bring the look together just as well.

Shop similar styles: ASOS Double-Breasted Peacoat ($97), &Other Stories Tailored Trousers ($129), Everlane Italian Re-Wool Cocoon Coat ($224), Anne Klein Sleeveless Turtleneck ($69), Alexandre Birman Velvet Boots ($750)

Chunky knits and earth tones are made for autumn strolls in the park. Here we meet Meg Ryan again, this time playing Sally Aldridge, a confident and charismatic journalist living in New York City. To steal Sally’s style, start with a cozy turtleneck and tuck it into some straight-leg jeans. Tie together the look with a brown blazer and messenger bag, then grab a coffee and spend the afternoon meandering around The Met.

Shop similar styles: Neiman Marcus Cashmere Sweater ($150), Rag & Bone Cody Wool Twill Blazer ($650), Everlane Rigid Way High Jeans ($108), Anthropologie Slouchy Faux Leather Tote ($90), Koio Classic Penny Loafers ($295)

Clueless is a treasure chest of daring fashion choices. And while there’s debate over this film’s status as a rom-com, one thing is certain: Dionne Davenport’s wardrobe is a ‘90s fever dream. Master of mixing prints and bright pieces, Dionne shines in this green sweater set and gingham mini. To put a grown-up spin on the high schooler’s outfit, opt for an oversize outer layer, like a sweater or trench, along with a longer skirt hem. Then, slip on knee-high boots or ballet flats, depending on the season. Dionne might not know how to drive on the freeway, but she knows how to dress.

Shop similar styles: Mango Ribbed Cardigan ($25), Mango Houndstooth Skirt ($30), Rune Slouch Knee High Boot ($357), Lelet NY Jules Pin ($148)

No outfit paints a portrait of Y2K fashion like Jennifer Garner-as-Jenna Rink’s babydoll dress in 13 Going on 30. And in 2023, the striped number is perfectly on-trend, from its rhinestone-flecked straps to the triangular cutouts at the ribs. To channel her fun, youthful energy, combine a bright dress with strappy sandals, colorful jewels and a baguette bag. If you’re really committed to the bit, tie your hair into a spiky bun and sprinkle in some butterfly clips for good measure. 

Shop similar styles: Ronny Kobo Jo Low-Cut Mini Dress ($698), Vince Camuto Sanda Strappy Sandals ($83), Nadri Butterfly Pendant Necklace ($68), Coach Luna Shoulder Bag ($295), Lelet NY Crystal Clips ($198)