7 Movies And Shows All Aspiring Fashion Journalists Need To Watch At Least Once

This is for the aspiring journalists and the rom-coms that inspired us.

Related: The Most Iconic Fashion Moments And Trends Made Famous By Sex And The City

Do you remember the first time something—or someone—made you fall in love with fashion? Fashion wasn’t just a phase for me—it’s been the main character in my life story. Ever since I was little, I would have an obsession of wearing my mom’s clothes and heels and raiding her handbags. It started with a love for playing dress-up, but now it’s a full-blown passion. And one of the ways that passion for fashion, and especially writing about it as a profession, was built came from the media I watched.  

Admittedly, these chick flick films painted journalism in a way that felt beautiful and eye-catching, and that vision still fuels my ambition today. As Sylvia Plath said, “I write only because there is a voice within me. That will not be still.” If you’re an aspiring writer dreaming of a career in fashion or magazines (or both), you know the power of a story that sticks. Fictional characters like Andy Sachs and Jenna Rink made fashion journalism look like chaos wrapped in couture, and while some might say it’s all exaggerated, I’d argue there’s truth in the drama. 

As a budding young journalist, I’ve watched my fair share of romantic-comedies. Growing up watching these early 2000s rom-coms really shaped my aspirations, and now I’m determined to make a name for myself in New York City’s buzzing scene. It’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler. Capiche? *winks* 

Check out these movies and shows that make for a great movie night or binge session for any young fashion writer. 

UGLY BETTY

22 and fresh out of college, rewatching this, I realized Betty Suarez, an assistant and junior editor of Mode Magazine—and the equally iconic America Ferrera who brought her to life—not only showed Latina women they could belong in the fashion world, even in an era dominated by thin, Eurocentric beauty standards, but she also became an early 2000s style icon. Her maximalist looks are still inspiring today, with pieces like her signature colorful tights making a 2023 comeback.

Back when the show aired from 2006 to 2010, Betty was finding herself, transforming in a way that feels massive for any twenty-something learning confidence. I was growing, too, as a dramatic, quirky kid figuring out how to fit in. I saw myself in Betty’s outsider status, her courage to stand out even when others didn’t get it. But now, as a fashion writer, I see more of what made Betty truly iconic, and I connect with her even more, not just as an outsider but as someone breaking into an industry that doesn’t always make room for voices like ours. 

THE BOLD TYPE

The Bold Type centers around Jane, Kat, and Sutton, three women hustling in different roles at Scarlet magazine. At first, I wasn’t that hooked, but over time, I found myself relating to Jane, especially as a writer. She covered everything from politics to health and sex—and the way her words actually made a difference really made me realize that that type of journalism was my vibe. 

Thanks to Jane and her powerful storytelling, my passion for journalism was reignited. It made me think, “How do I tell stories that matter?” and the answer was clear: pursue a career in journalism. But more than anything, the show teaches young, aspiring female journalists to value their interests and passions, while also preparing them for the challenges they’ll face.

13 GOING ON 30

It’s the story of 13-year-old Jenna, a nerdy teen with big dreams of becoming an editor for the fashion magazine Poise—all while searching for her perfect guy. But life has a funny way of showing you that what you want isn’t always what you need. Jenna wakes up one day as her 30-year-old self—with all the awkward innocence of her teenage mind still intact. As the editor of a fashion magazine, Jenna serves up plenty of iconic looks that had me dreaming of the day I’d have a walk-in closet just like hers. 

But what stuck with me most was how the movie shows the effect fashion can have on young girls. Jenna’s obsession with growing up, stuffing her bra, and trying to fit in with the popular crowd all stemmed from idolizing the polished, unreachable women she saw in magazines. Later, during her big pitch to redesign the magazine, Jenna flips the narrative by showing that fashion doesn’t have to be distant or exclusive—it can be relatable, fun, and something we share. That sleepover scene with the girls raiding her closet? Pure magic.

CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

The most dangerous place in the world for a shopping addiction? New York City. Rebecca Bloomwood (played by Isla Fisher) tries to steer her journalism career for a financial magazine; she constantly gets sidetracked—whether it’s buying a new scarf, a statement coat, or even splurging on 20 hot dogs. I couldn’t help but see parts of myself in Rebecca. She’s obsessed with fashion, she’s a journalist, and she has a fearless love for mixing patterns in her outfits. But what resonated the most was the way her career and personal life intertwined.

I love connecting with my writing, and my best pieces come from diving into what I know or exploring what I don’t. There’s an art to weaving a bit of yourself into your work without overshadowing the subject. Watching Rebecca figure that balance out in the film felt oddly validating as her shift made me reflect on my own writing journey, and for that, I’ll always have a soft spot for her.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

As someone who grew up watching Andy Sachs find her footing in that world, this movie wasn’t just a cautionary tale—it was also a roadmap. It taught me that fashion and media are as much about grit as they are about glamour. Watching Andy evolve, I realized that being in this industry isn’t just about the killer wardrobe or big names.

Every time I question if I can make it, I think of Andy and remind myself: if she can handle Miranda Priestly, I can prove to myself that I belong in the room, even when it feels impossible. That lesson still keeps me grounded every time I doubt myself, and for that, I’ll always owe a little bit of my hustle to The Devil Wears Prada.

HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 1O DAYS

Andie Anderson is the blueprint: a fresh grad working at a women’s magazine in NYC, full of charm and ambition, and played by Kate Hudson in her 2000s rom-com prime. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days serves up iconic chemistry, humor that’s still trending on TikTok, and a classic rom-com setup—though rewatching now, the casual body-shaming feels outdated.

Andie agrees to write an article about how to lose a guy by being as clingy and dramatic as possible, while Ben secretly bets he can make her fall in love with him. Despite the chaos, Andie owns every moment. When Ben dismisses her work, she reminds him she has a Columbia Journalism degree and big dreams beyond Composure Magazine. She’s proof that you can play the game and still know your worth. The movie had me wishing for my own meet-cute with a Matthew McConaughey type (though let’s be real, in the age of Tinder, 10 days feels like forever).

GOSSIP GIRL

If you’re a Gossip Girl fan like me, you already know Blair Waldorf—the queen bee of the Upper East Side. Sure, she’s manipulative (okay, downright ruthless at times), but she’s also a total inspiration. Blair taught me the value of ambition, hard work, and owning your destiny. One of her best lines? “Destiny is for losers. It’s just a stupid excuse to wait for things to happen instead of making them happen.”

Despite her flaws, Blair’s determination is unmatched. She worked her way to success in the fashion world, proving she’s more than just Chuck Bass’s girlfriend. She’s bold, honest, and unapologetically herself—a reminder to always hold your head high and go after what you want.

Continue Reading: Feeling Lost? Here Are 6 Films To Help You Survive Your Quarter Life Crisis