This week marks 15 years since my favorite romcom, (500) Days of Summer, hit cinemas. The film’s defining image of Tom meeting Summer in a drab office lift has become iconic, with their stylish outfits now making waves on Gen Z TikTok. Costume designer Hope Hanafin, responsible for the film’s wardrobe, explains how fashion trends are cyclical and how she predicted the return of late 2000s-era trousers.
Hanafin, known for her work on various TV shows and movies, including The Newsroom and The Patient, shares her insights on the resurgence of normcore preppy chino silhouettes and the mixing of smart pieces with casualwear. She emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own identity through fashion, a theme echoed in (500) Days of Summer.
The film follows Tom, a young architect working at a greeting card company, who falls for his boss’s assistant, Summer. However, the movie is not a typical love story but a reflection of millennial angst. Hanafin explains how Tom’s modest wardrobe was carefully curated on a limited budget, with most pieces sourced from high-street stores and thrift shops.
Tom’s wardrobe in the film reflects his emotional journey, with autumnal tones symbolizing his introverted nature. Hanafin suggests that Tom’s higher-end look in the climax represents his progression and experimentation with his identity. She encourages viewers to express themselves through fashion and recommends Uniqlo as a go-to for achieving the Tom look.
As (500) Days of Summer celebrates its 15th anniversary, the film continues to resonate with audiences for its relatable themes and timeless style. It is available for streaming on Disney+ in the UK and Hulu in the US, allowing fans to revisit the iconic story of boy meets girl in a non-love story.
 Days of Summer, iconic fashion trends from the film are making a comeback, influenced by nostalgia and Gen Z.){kind=link}