When it comes to iconic ’90s Gwyneth Paltrow films, there are plenty that could earn a spot in the Fashion in Film hall of fame. Think Sliding Doors, Great Expectations, Shakespeare in Love—each one with its own instantly recognizable wardrobe. But one of my personal favorites, both for its plot twists and its impeccable style, is A Perfect Murder (1998).
Directed by Andrew Davis and starring Paltrow alongside Michael Douglas and Viggo Mortensen, the film is a sleek psychological thriller with a wardrobe that doubles as a mood board. Gwyneth plays Emily, the elegant young wife of Douglas’s wealthy, scheming financier. While she’s trapped in a fraught marriage, she’s also entangled in an affair with a struggling artist played by Mortensen. I won’t give away the plot (it’s too fun to spoil), but I will say this: the movie is worth watching for both the suspense and the fashion.
Gwyneth’s Look: Minimalist Chic Meets Upper East Side Luxury
What makes Paltrow’s costumes so captivating here is their effortless blend of polish and understatement. Her style in A Perfect Murder feels like a hybrid of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s timeless minimalism, an off-duty New York art collector’s sleek confidence, and a dash of Connecticut country club polish. It’s the kind of wardrobe that feels as relevant today as it did in the late ’90s.
The star piece? A chocolate brown shearling coat that she wears through much of the movie. It’s impossibly chic—rich, warm, and tailored in a way that feels simultaneously luxurious and lived-in. It’s one of those outerwear staples that instantly elevates even the simplest outfit, the kind of coat that you could throw over jeans and a turtleneck or pair with a slip dress for evening.
Then there’s the paisley shawl moment. Gwyneth wears it with a chunky knit sweater, a fitted tube skirt, and suede boots, and it’s honestly one of the best transitional fall looks I’ve ever seen on screen. It’s layered, textured, and cozy without sacrificing sophistication. I’m still taking notes on how well the patterned shawl plays against the pared-back neutrals of her wardrobe—it’s a reminder that one statement accessory can transform a whole outfit.
Details Worth Copying
What I love about Gwyneth’s styling in this film is that the magic lies in the details. Beyond the hero coat and shawl, there are smaller styling cues that feel incredibly modern.
- The headbands. They’re classic, practical, and paired with her clean, minimal makeup, they strike just the right balance of polished and casual.
- The silk scarves. Instead of being worn loosely or tied traditionally, she tucks them into chunky crewneck sweaters. It’s subtle, but it instantly makes a cozy knit look intentional and styled.
- The boots. Sleek suede pairs that add texture without overpowering the look. They’re functional for fall, but they also elongate her silhouette against the heavier knits.
Every outfit she wears reads understated but intentional—a hallmark of late-’90s minimalism that feels particularly relevant now.
Why the Style Still Resonates
Part of what makes A Perfect Murder so enjoyable from a fashion perspective is how wearable the looks are today. Unlike some over-the-top film wardrobes that feel locked in their era, Gwyneth’s costumes have that “timeless investment piece” quality. Watching it now feels like flipping through a fall fashion editorial that could easily be on newsstands in 2025.
We’re living in a moment where pared-back luxury and quiet elegance are having a resurgence—capsule wardrobes, elevated basics, subtle accessories. Gwyneth’s character embodies all of that. She’s the kind of woman who looks unbothered and pulled-together at the same time, whether she’s strolling through a gallery or confronting her unfaithful husband.
Final Thoughts
- A Perfect Murder* is worth a rewatch—or a first watch—whether you’re a fan of suspenseful thrillers, ’90s cinema, or simply great fashion. Michael Douglas is delightfully sinister, Viggo Mortensen broods as only Viggo can, and Paltrow shines as both a style muse and a quietly powerful character.
And yes, the “art” Mortensen creates in the film may make your eyes roll (some things just don’t age as gracefully), but Gwyneth’s wardrobe more than makes up for it. If you’re looking for inspiration for fall dressing, you’ll find endless ideas here: shearling coats, cozy knits, patterned shawls, suede boots, and the subtle accessories that tie it all together.
So don’t just scroll past the screengrabs—rent the movie. Let yourself get swept up in the suspense, and while you’re at it, take some style notes. Gwyneth’s wardrobe in A Perfect Murder is a perfect reminder that great fashion doesn’t just belong to the runway—it lives on in the films we return to again and again.
