27 Iconic Dresses From Film
In an industry that’s constantly making something new, it’s hard to create fashion that’s truly memorable. But these iconic dresses from Hollywood’s best do just that.
From Kate Hudson’s backless yellow slip dress in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to Ingrid Bergman’s high neckline in Casablanca, these dresses are some of the most iconic to ever make their way to the big screen.
Grace Kelly in How to Catch a Thief
Grace Kelly is always the epitome of elegance, but perhaps never more so than when she starred in How to Catch a Thief in this strappy blue gown that seemed to make her tan skin glow. The different shades of blue chiffon made this dress unforgettable.
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The satin black Givenchy gown was so simple, yet it could be argued as the most iconic dress from cinema of all time. After all, who hasn’t seen the classic shot of Audrey with a croissant in hand outside the famous Tiffany’s flagship in New York City?
Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Kate Hudson shines in this long strappy yellow gown with an open back. The whole room had their eyes on her and that dress, so much so that she almost walked out with the borrowed diamond unnoticed.
Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman
The most iconic thing from Pretty Woman might be Julia Roberts’ smile. But second to that is her show-stopping, off-the-shoulder red dress. No wonder Edward fell for her!
Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries
“Shut up!” That is such an iconic dress. In her role as Mia Thermopolis, Anne Hathway undergoes quite the transformation in this film with a cult following, culminating in her sleeveless ivory ball gown with a tiara to match.
Julie Christie in Shampoo
John Bates designed an audience favorite when he made the black floor-length sequined gown that Julie Christie donned in Shampoo. But the dress is more than first meets the eye. Watch the movie to see the scooped back that caught the attention of the fashion world.
Constance Wu in Crazy Rich Asians
There’s only one word to describe this gown from the Marchesa fall 2016 runway: beautiful. The stunning baby blue chiffon gown with a daring neckline and floral detailing now sits in the Smithsonian – and for good reason. The gown and Crazy Rich Asians both made their mark on American cinema.
Keira Knightley in Atonement
The jaw-dropping green dress that Keira Knightley wears in Atonement alone is enough to make you stop your scroll of movie trailers on Netflix. The deep V and fitted waist let her long, lean figure shine.
Anna-Taylor Joy in Emma
When Alexandra Byrne was selected for costume design for the 2020 Emma, it was a big deal. But from the get-go, her selections met the mark, with the most memorable of the Regency era fashion being the bright, sunny hue for the gown Anna-Taylor Joy wears on the movie poster.
Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing
The light pink flirty mini that Jennifer Grey wears to do the iconic lift in Dirty Dancing seems to reflect the light in the room. The way the fabric moved with her as they danced made it forever attached to the movie and the classic “I’ve Had the Time of My Life.”
Alicia Silverstone in Clueless
As if Cher’s strappy white Calvin Klein mini dress wasn’t iconic! Even if she did have to go put something on over it, that scene alone (and the relatability of it) makes this dress an unforgettable part of movie history.
Diana Ross in Mahogany
Diana Ross actually designed her classic orange kimono gown herself, with the help of 1975 Mahogany’s costume designer Susan Gertsman. And it was certainly runway worthy with the sequin embellishment adorning the whole length of the gown.
Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada
The sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeve on her floor-length black gown make Miranda Priestly the star of the show, even in a sea of black. In that moment, we’re pretty sure she was right when she said, “Everyone wants to be us.”
Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby
Carey Mulligan stunned in a ‘20s flapper inspired silhouette for her role in The Great Gatsby. The contrast of the minimalist nude tone and the sparkly sequins make this gown one to remember.
Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface
Scarface might not be known for its fashion, but this midnight blue slip dress is worth knowing. Costume designer Patricia Norris really paid attention to detail with this dress, right down to the barely there straps that had a hint of sparkle.
Julie Andrews in Sound of Music
Julie Andrews can do no wrong. Her practical, apron-like dress might not be your first thought for a fashionable style, but the prairie-inspired look has a place in viewers' hearts and will forever be a landmark of the classic film.
Natalie Portman in Jackie
Few people reach the fashion icon status in the way that Jackie Kennedy did. And in the movie Jackie, this floor-scraping shimmery black gown doesn’t disappoint. The way it cinches in at her waist makes it look like this dress was made for her.
Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind
You could say maximalist fashion was in style when the original fashion icon Scarlett O’Hara was alive. And her layers of tulle on this green gown that bring out Vivien Leigh’s piercing green eyes don’t disappoint.
Olivia Newton-John in Grease
The pastel yellow and scallop detailing on Olivia Newton-John’s dress in Grease make her look not only a show-stopping choice for a musical dance number, but an iconic dress from all of cinema.
Lily James in Cinderella
Lily James’ blue silk ball gown in the live-action version of Cinderella truly was the stuff of fairytales. The fitted bodice and puffy sweetheart neckline are the work only of a fairy godmother – or incredible fashion designer Sandy Powell.
Lauren Bacall in To Have and Have Not
The ‘40s were the pinnacle of American fashion, in my opinion. And Lauren Bacall’s dress in To Have and Have Not was no exception. The expert ruching that draws attention to her waist is the perfect example of a flattering dress that is not soon to be forgotten.
Julia Roberts in Mystic Pizza
Bows are typically thought of as a hair accessory for little girls. But on the neckline of Julia Roberts in Mystic Pizza? You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t find it an elegant, mature design.
Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The sweetheart neckline and white hue make this gown Elizabeth Taylor donned in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof an instant classic. And the A-line silhouette makes this dress classy and feminine in a way only ‘50s fashion could.
Emma Stone in La La Land
Yellow is unflattering? When it comes to Emma Stone’s floaty dress with a floral green design, we couldn’t disagree more. It looks like it was made for dancing in the street with the sunset behind you, and Ryan Gosling by your side, of course.
Grace Kelly in High Society
It’s only fitting that Grace Kelly would make this list twice. With the beautiful Greek-inspired draping and cinched waist, how could she not?
Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City
Sure, it’s a bit over the top in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, but if you aren’t intrigued by the head-turning layers on this famous fictional wedding dress, you’re kidding yourself. Her full ballgown is one for the books in an age that’s shifting toward sleeker, more minimal wedding dress designs.
Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca
Ingrid Bergman would look lovely in a paper sack. That said, the high neckline and fitted bodice, contrasting with the way the dress flares out at the waist, make this dress look and feel as timeless as she is.
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