Iconic Movie Fashion Moments
Sometimes, people look to films to get what’s trending. Thankfully, the screen never disappoints because some blockbuster movies have a look that has become a lasting part of pop culture. Let’s count 25 of these together, shall we?
Grace Kelly’s Dress In To Catch a Thief (1955)
You can see Grace Kelly wearing an iconic white, strapless organza dress paired with a stunning diamond necklace in the To Catch a Thief. In this third and final collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock, the apparel was designed by American costume designer Edith Head.
All of GRACE KELLY'S Outfits in TO CATCH A THIEF (1955) by Issy's Edits
Andie’s Dress In How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)
With Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey as stars, this movie is among the most beloved rom-coms of all time. The movie has an enthralling scene when Hudson shines in a classic, sophisticated, sunny, canary yellow gown that is exquisitely matched with a stunning Isadora diamond necklace.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: You’re so vain (HD CLIP) by Binge Society
White Outfit Of Marilyn Monroe In The Seven Year Itch (1955)
In Billy Wilder’s 1955 picture The Seven Year Itch, Marilyn Monroe wore a white outfit. It was worn in the most famous sequence of the film and was designed by costume designer William Travilla. Her windy subway grate image is considered a 20th-century icon.
Associated Press, Wikimedia Commons
Olivia Newton-John's Black Spandex Pants In Grease (1978)
The high-waisted spandex trousers Olivia Newton-John dons in Grease’s closing sequences were already vintage when the film was shot in 1977. The actress auctioned off the pants and the matching leather jacket in 2019 to raise funds for cancer research. The items reportedly sold for $405,700 together.
Grease (1978) - You're the One That I Want + ending scene (HD) by Andrea YT
Reese Witherspoon’s Pink Jackie O look
Costume designer Sophie De Rakoff visited numerous sororities in Los Angeles before the filming of Legally Blonde, to have an understanding of the colors that college-aged girls were drawn to. She decided to make pink Elle Woods’s (Reese Witherspoon) signature color.
Madonna’s Jacket In Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
According to the director of Desperately Seeking Susan, Susan Seidelman, Madonna won the film’s main character, a grifter named Susan, as she personified downtown Manhattan in the 1980s. Susan’s iconic gold-lapelled jacket was a design that matched Madonna’s style. The garment sold for $252,000 at a 2014 auction.
Desperately Seeking Susan (2/12) Movie CLIP - Stalking Susan (1985) HD by Movieclips
Alicia Silverstone’s Yellow Plaid Suit In Clueless (1995)
Alicia Silverstone, who played Cher in Clueless, revealed that the costume designer considered three colors for the Dolce & Gabbana plaid suit she wears early in the movie. They eventually selected the yellow as it best suited the scene. To date, the whereabouts of the suit are unknown.
Clueless (1995), Paramount Pictures
Maggie Cheung’s Outfit In In the Mood For Love (2000)
Costumes in In the Mood for Love are integral to the storytelling process. Designer William Chang made 50 cheongsams for Maggie Cheung, but she only wore about 30. A rose-patterned cheongsam appears in the film’s climax when the characters confess their love for each other.
20 Cheongsams Worn By Maggie Cheung in the Movie: IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE by Cheongsam Collection
Anita Ekberg’s Fountain Gown In La Dolce Vita (1960)
The world was exposed to Italian fashion through La Dolce Vita. An excellent illustration of this is the black strapless dress that Sylvia, played by Anita Ekberg, dons in the Trevi Fountain. The dress, which was created by the Fontana sisters, is prominently displayed on the movie poster.
Riama Film, La Dolce Vita (1960)
Vivien Leigh's Green Dress In Gone With The Wind (1939)
The University of Texas raised $30,000 in 2010 to restore five original outfits, the famous green dress among them. It’s the one Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) wore in Gone with the Wind (1939). Since the costume was only meant to last for filming, it had already deteriorated.
the importance of scarlett's dresses in gone with the wind 🔥🎬🎞 by ModernGurlz
Diana Ross’ Tangerine Kimono In Mahogany (1975)
Diana Ross, who was both the star of Mahogany and designed the costumes, spent eight months creating 50 looks. Many of them were bold and flashy, but some believe they challenged biases against colorful fashion. One standout piece was a tangerine kimono with a sequined dragon.
Lisa Kudrow And Mira Sorvino's Metallic Minis In Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
In Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, the pink and blue metallic minidresses that Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino wore have become iconic. The costume designer had planned a pink chiffon dress for Kudrow initially, but she opted for a matching outfit to show the unity of the characters.
Time After Time - Romy and Michele's High School Reunion by skyMTV
Whitney Houston’s Futuristic Stage Costume In The Bodyguard (1992)
When Susan Nininger designed costumes for The Bodyguard, it was her first major film. She created Whitney Houston’s iconic futuristic performance outfit, inspired by was inspired by the movie Metropolis. In 2018, the costume was auctioned with a starting bid of $10,000.
The Bodyguard (1992) | Queen of The Night | Warner Bros. Entertainment by Warner Bros. Entertainment
Diane Keaton's Menswear Mashup In Annie Hall (1977)
In the film Annie Hall, Woody Allen left the character of Annie Hall and her costumes to the discretion of Diane Keaton. The iconic menswear-inspired outfit was Keaton’s own creation, showing her style. Although costume designer Ruth Morley reportedly disliked it, the look went on to influence women’s fashion.
Annie Hall (1977), United Artists
Kate Winslet's Sequined Gown In Titanic (1997)
In Titanic, Rose (Kate Winslet) wears a breathtaking red with black lace dress when Jack first sees her moments before she nearly jumps overboard. Deborah Lynn Scott, Oscar winner, designed multiple versions for stunts. The dress sold for $330,000 in 2012.
Audrey Hepburn’s Gown In My Fair Lady (1964)
Audrey Hepburn’s black-and-white Ascot race dress from My Fair Lady is the film’s most iconic costume, according to Salvador Perez, the Costume Designers Guild’s president from 2013 to 2022. The elegant lace gown and hat inspired Ralph Lauren’s 2008 collection and a near-identical 2012 red-carpet look for Nicole Kidman.
My Fair Lady - Restoration Example 2 by CBS Home Entertainment
Uma Thurman’s Tracksuit In Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Uma Thurman's black-and-yellow tracksuit from Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a great costume, but she apparently did not like to wear it. She had just given birth, and the form-fitting clothes made her nervous while performing those intense action scenes for months.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Outfit In Cleopatra (1963)
Elizabeth Taylor wore over 65 costumes in Cleopatra; however, her most famous one was the gold phoenix-inspired cape made out of 24-karat gold and thousands of beads. Her wardrobe cost a record amount of $194,800, and in 2012, the iconic outfit sold at an auction for $59,365.
Cleopatra (1963 ) Elizabeth Taylor Entrance into Rome Scene (HD) by Astrotema
Rita Hayworth's Strapless Black Satin Gown In Gilda (1946)
Jean Louis designed the iconic strapless black dress Rita Hayworth wore in Gilda, inspired by John Singer Sargent’s Madame X portrait. The gown featured hidden stays for support during her sultry performance. Though it has been auctioned, no sale has ever been finalized.
Keira Knightley's Emerald Green Gown In Atonement (2007)
Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran designed Keira Knightley’s emerald green gown in Atonement based on director Joe Wright's direction for a bare-backed, full-skirted design. The dress, which was a blend of styles from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and 2000s, became memorable for its striking color.
The Making of Atonement (2007) | Behind The Scenes | Screen Bites by Screen Bites
Elvira's Blue Gown in Scarface (1983)
In Scarface, Al Pacino stars as a Cuban immigrant who ascends to power in Miami’s drug trade, while Michelle Pfeiffer shines as Elvira, his glamorous mistress. Her iconic blue gown from the club scene has become a symbol of 1980s elegance and minimalist style.
Vivienne's Dress In Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty Woman is a classic romantic comedy, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film features amazing chemistry between the lead actors. The red off-the-shoulder dress designed by Marilyn Vance for Julia Roberts symbolizes her character's change, showcasing grace and confidence.
Buena Vista, Pretty Woman (1990)
Jessica Rabbit's Iconic Red Dress In Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Jessica Rabbit's iconic red dress in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, inspired by Rita Hayworth's gown in Gilda and Veronica Lake’s hairstyle, is a standout symbol of her femme fatale persona. The groundbreaking animated gown has influenced countless cosplays, homages, and red-carpet looks.
Touchstone, Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Marilyn Monroe’s Pink Dress In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
Marilyn Monroe’s dazzling pink dress in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, worn during the Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend song, has become a symbol of glamour. Designed by William Travilla, the dress personifies Monroe's playful persona and has influenced fashion and pop culture.
Sofia Coppola’s Costume In Marie Antoinette (2006)
Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, starring Kirsten Dunst, offers a unique take on the queen’s life and blends history with modern elements. Mila Canonero’s Oscar-winning costume design captures the extravagance of Versailles, with details like lavender Converse sneakers that show Marie’s youth and influence on fashion.
