Costumes are an essential part of the cinematic and television experience. They represent the character in a way that even actors cannot. Some have remained iconic in their own way, becoming cultural fixtures. To see it is to immediately recognise the film that it comes from. They are widely copied and paid tribute to.
Here are 25 iconic looks from the big and small screen.
(Note that wedding dresses aren’t included, as they will come in a later article).
Blue Gingham Dress- Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), The Wizard of Oz, 1939
Designer: Adrian, MGM
The teenage Dorothy Gale, a farm girl from Kansas, finds herself in the magical land of Oz after a tornado sweeps through her home. It is there she accidentally kills a witch, and is then tasked with defeating another, along with the Cowardly Lion, a Scarecrow and the Tin Man.
Sounds like a fever dream, right?
Throughout the entirety of the film, Dorothy wears a blue and white gingham dress, worn over a blouse. It is exactly what one would expect from a simple farm girl from Kansas to wear. It also contrasts greatly with the theatrical costumes of Glinda the Good Witch and the Wizard himself. Dorothy is also given the famous ruby slippers, allowing her the ability to move around Oz both physically and in character.
The innocence of the dress suits the age of Dorothy and her place in life well. Said innocence makes it a popular costume for children and adults alike.
Red Party Dress- Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh), Gone With the Wind, 1939
Stretching over twelve years, Gone With the Wind tells us the story of fierce Southern Belle Scarlett O’Hara. As the Civil War and Reconstruction shapes her life, Scarlett grows as a woman, but often finds herself entangled with the roguish Rhett Butler.
Scarlett wears a variety of fashionable gowns throughout the film, including a dress made from curtains. The red dress worn to Ashley’s party, however, sets her aside. Whilst the other ladies of the party wear respectable clothing with large hoops, Scarlett arrives in an ostentatious red dress with fluffy sleeves, tulle trimmings and a tighter fit. Not only does this symbolise Scarlett’s ‘adulterous’ reputation, but her inner strength, fire and bravery.
Due to the importance of the scene for both the story and Scarlett’s character, the dress is one of the most remembered in the film.
Put the Blame on Mame- Gilda Mundson (Rita Hayworth), Gilda, 1946
Designer: Jean Louis
Rita Hayworth, the second most popular pin-up during WW2, plays the sultry Gilda, wife of a shady businessman.
During a scene in which Gilda sings ‘Put the Blame on Mame,’ the character wears a beautiful black sheath dress with matching opera gloves. It’s a sensual scene, and is as risqué as a Hay’s Code-era film would allow.
Rita Hayworth already had a reputation as a glamorous, sultry Hollywood star, but this showed her to be the ultimate femme fatale. When asked about her many marriages, Hayworth would later remark ‘men go to bed with Gilda, but awaken with me.’
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend- Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1953
Designer: Travilla
In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe plays the ditzy Lorelei Lee, whilst Jane Russell is the wise-cracking Dorothy Shaw. Lorelei is looking for a wealthy husband to keep her in luxury.
During the iconic scene in which Lorelai sings how ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,’ she wears a shocking pink satin number with matching gloves and a large bow on the back. This is accessorised with bracelets, necklaces and earrings. As she sings, we see a bombshell who is all about wealth.
It’s a dress that has been copied and satirised many times. In her famous Material Girl video, Madonna mimics both the performance and the dress. It’s also worn by some of the Glee girls when they cover the number. When one thinks of Marilyn Monroe, they will surely think of this fabulous dress.
Remember ladies, square cut or pear shaped, those rocks don’t lose their shape.
Black and White- Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly), Rear Window, 1954
Designer: Edith Head
In Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense classic, Grace Kelly plays Lisa Fremont, the beautiful socialite and frustrated girlfriend of James Stewart’s photographer Jeff Jeffries. She assists him in investigating the murder he believes to have seen.
Grace Kelly’s entrance in the film is one of the most famous in history, and that is helped by the beautiful gown she wears. With a black top and fluffy detailed skirt, we immediately know that the character is a stylish one. It’s accessorised with pearls, a clutch back and red lipstick. The audience sees Lisa through Jeff’s waking eyes, and we’re more entranced than he is.
It’s another iconic Edith Head design, and shows why Head received thirty-five Oscar nominations and eight wins. Kelly wears several stunning outfits in the film, but this is the standout.
I have a picture of Grace in this dress on my wall.
Patterned Dress- Sabrina Fairchild (Audrey Hepburn), Sabrina, 1954
Designer: Hubert de Givenchy
Audrey Hepburn plays the sweet Sabrina Fairchild, daughter of a chauffeur and in love with one of her father’s employers. After two years in Paris, Sabrina returns as a cultured, sophisticated woman. Both the employer and her brother fall for her.
In one showing of Sabrina’s new popularity, she arrives at a party and all male eyes are on her. She’s wearing a beautiful strapless white dress with black embroidery, a skirt underneath and pure white opera gloves. It’s feminine and youthful without being too girlish, showing Sabrina’s new sophistication.
Whilst Edith Head designed the majority of the gorgeous clothes in the film, it’s widely believed that this particular item was designed by Hubert de Givenchy. Head won an Oscar for the film, but did not credit Givenchy’s help. Both Givenchy and Hepburn were outraged. Hepburn insisted that from then on, he would be openly credited on screen for his contributions.
Subway Grate Dress- The Girl (Marilyn Monroe), The Seven Year Itch, 1955
Designer: Travilla
In the Billy Wilder comedy, Marilyn Monroe plays an unnamed beauty staying in a subleased apartment. She tempts her older neighbor Richard Sherman (Tom Ewell), a married man whose wife and son have gone away for the summer.
In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Monroe’s character stands over a subway gate and watches her dress fly up. It’s a white halterneck with a plunging neckline, very simple but very elegant. When it flies up, we see her long legs.
It’s a dress that’s popular in pop culture and is instantly recognisable as a costume. Examples include the waitress in the Pulp Fiction dance scene.
Blue Dinner Dress- Frances ‘Francie’ Stevens (Grace Kelly), To Catch a Thief, 1955
Designer: Edith Head
In another Hitchcock collaboration, Grace Kelly plays the wealthy and icy Frances ‘Francis’ Stevens, an heiress who is introduced to retired cat burglar John Robie (Cary Grant).
There are many beautiful dresses in this film, such as the pure white gown and the huge golden masquerade dress, but her blue dinner gown is the winner. It’s an a-line taffeta with spaghetti straps and a matching scarf to throw over her. It represents her ice queen persona, contrasting the pure white when she’s in a more inviting room.
It was another hit for Edith Head, who by then had become a close friend of Grace Kelly. Unfortunately, Head did not win the Oscar. Many believed that Head would design Kelly’s bridal gown, including Head herself, but that honour would fall to Helen Rose of MGM.
Red Model Dress- Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn), Funny Face, 1957
1957’s Funny Face is probably the film about fashion. Audrey Hepburn’s Jo Stockton is an intellectual bookstore worker who agrees to become a fashion model in exchange for a trip to Paris.
There are a number of stunning looks in this film, including a beautiful ballerina style wedding dress, but that red number is a sight to behold. It’s a fitted dress with a slight slit and matching scarf for Jo to hold aloft. It’s barely on the screen for a minute, yet remains a famous look.
Head was nominated for an Oscar for this film, but sadly did not win it. Remember- think pink!
Little Black Dress- Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961
Designer: Givenchy
Audrey Hepburn played one of literature’s most famous ladies when she portrayed Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The character is dramatically changed from the book to make it more palatable, but Hepburn puts her own spin on it.
In the opening scene, Hepburn’s Holly walks up to the window of Tiffany and Co, pastry and coffee in hand. Her Givenchy dress from that scene became an instant sensation. It’s a little black dress with several strands of pearls, earrings, a tiara, gloves and sunglasses. Elegant, chic and exactly what we’d expect from Audrey Hepburn.
It’s instantly recognisable as an image and a costume. If you wear a LBD and a cigarette holder, then everyone will know who you are.
I have a drawing of Audrey in this dress on my wall.
Pharaoh- Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor), Cleopatra, 1963
Designers: Renie Conley, Irene Sharaff and Vittorio Nino Novarese
The 1963 epic Cleopatra nearly bankrupted the studio, and the costume budget ($194,800) certainly didn’t help. Elizabeth Taylor plays the titular Egyptian Queen, with twice-husband Richard Burton portraying Mark Antony.
Worn when she arrives in Rome, the golden dress and headdress are intricate, luxurious and an example of symbolism. The headdress is a nod to Ra, the sun deity, with feathers and scales all around. Cleopatra wants to look powerful, and boy does she.
The cape she wears sold at auction for nearly $60K at auction. It’s no wonder, considering it was made up of gold leather, sequins and beads that took hours to make.
Off To the Races- Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), My Fair Lady 1964
Designer: Cecil Beaton
In this delightful adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, arrogant phonetics professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) bets that he can turn Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a proper lady.
Professor Higgins takes Eliza to the Ascot races after she successfully speaks in a perceived renunciation. She wears an over the top Edwardian dress with a large hat, parasol and ruffled sleeves. The hat carries large amounts of material on top of it.
It’s nearly impossible to recreate, and would be highly impractical to wear on any occasion. It’s nevertheless a symbol of how far Eliza goes in the film, despite her never really being an ostentatious person.
Superhero- Wonder Woman/Diana Prince (Lynda Carter), Wonder Woman, 1975-1979
Designer: Donfeld
Wonder Woman was always one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, but Lynda Carter’s fabulous portrayal in the series really showed her off. Set initially in WW2, we see Diana/Wonder Woman assist Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner) and the Allies.
Wonder Woman wears a red and gold corset, belt and white-starred blue shorts, along with high boots, metal bracelets and a headband. We can’t forget the Lasso of Truth either. Whilst it seems highly impractical for a superhero, Wonder Woman’s goddess-like abilities protect her well. She fights bad guys and looks amazing doing it.
Whilst there have been many versions of Wonder Woman since, the Lynda Carter incarnation remains the one most people think of.
White Gown- Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977
Designer: John Mollo
In George Lucas’ space opera epic, Princess Leia is a resistance fighter against the evil Empire, whose kidnapping kick starts the plot.
Compared to other outfits on this list, it’s rather simple. In fact, we don’t expect it from a princess, though we would from a rebel. It’s a long, white tunic like dress with a hood and a silver belt. The dress is memorable in itself, but her iconic ‘cinnamon buns’ hairstyle makes it even more so.
Leia’s iconic hair and tunic dress have been recreated and parodied more times than I can count. It’s a popular costume for all ages.
Catsuit- Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John), Grease, 1978
Designer: Albert Wolskey
‘Tell me about it, stud.’
The iconic musical tells the story of Greaser Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and innocent new girl Sandy Olsson as she arrives at Rydell High in 1958.
In the film’s final scene, good girl Sandy sheds her wholesome 50’s look and slips into something a little less comfortable. She wears a tight black catsuit, leather jacket and heels. Danny is instantly hooked, and it seems that Sandy is no longer the girl who arrived months before.
Poor Olivia Newton-John had to be sewn into the suit, but it seems like it’s for good reason, considering how iconic the look became. Anyone wearing a catsuit will surely be game for comparisons.
Prom- Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald), Pretty in Pink (1986)
Designer: Marilyn Vance
In this John Hughes classic, Molly Ringwald is Andie Walsh, a girl seen as poor compared to her super wealthy classmates. Things change for her when she catches the eye of the popular and rich Blane (Andrew McCarthy), much to the chagrin of best friend Duckie (Jon Cryer).
Towards the end of the film, Andie attends prom. The dress is pink (as you’d imagine), dotty and off the shoulder, held up at the top by high neck lace. It was put together by Andie herself, and reflects her unique image as compared to the high end clothes worn by her classmates. It’s also perfectly 80s.
The dress itself is iconic, but not considered good by any stretch, considering how particularly unchic it is. Molly Ringwald hated it originally and even cried, but now reflects on it with a certain wistful fondness.
Opera Dress- Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), Pretty Woman, 1990
Designer: Marilyn Vance
Pretty Woman was originally written as a dark tale of prostitution, before evolving into the beloved rom-com we know and love today. Vivian Ward is a Hollywood Boulevard prostitute hired by corporate raider Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), to be his escort for a week.
Lewis takes Vivian to the opera, allowing her the opportunity to wear some very fine clothing. She takes this chance to wear a classic red evening dress, with off the shoulder ruffles, white opera gloves and a ruby necklace. Red is a symbol of lust and sex, something which Vivian usually represents, but she now represents a proper lady.
It’s very late 80s/90s with its ruffles, yet it’s a look one could probably get away with today if they were so inclined. Vivian’s fun nature is not yet swept away by high society.
Yellow Suit- Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), Clueless, 1995
Designer: Dolce and Gabbana
Ugh, as if!
In this sweet 90s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, Alicia Silverstone is Cher Horowitz. Cher is an extremely wealthy, yet well-meaning Beverly Hills teenager with a love of fashion and matchmaking.
Cher suits up in an early back to school scene. She chooses a yellow and black plaid jacket with matching skirt, yellow waistcoat, high white socks and black ballet flats. It’s nothing you would imagine wearing to debate class, but it’s perfect for the fashionista Cher. Bestie Dionne (Stacey Dash), wears a similar black and red ensemble, but protagonist Cher steals the show.
It’s an outfit that’s popped up often since, such as when Iggy Azalea dressed as Cher in her music video for ‘Fancy,’ a tribute to Clueless. Almost equally iconic is the computer programme Cher uses to match her outfits. I would love that.
Red Dinner Dress- Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), Titanic, 1997
Designer: Deborah Lynn Scott
In 1912, old money but unhappily engaged Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) meets starving artist Jack Dawson (Leonardo Dicaprio). It’s just unfortunate that they’re on the Titanic.
As a thank you for saving Rose earlier, Jack is invited to dinner with the First Class passengers. Rose wears a satin dress with a sequined overlay of darker red and black beading. It’s a little grown up for a girl meant to be only seventeen, but that’s perfect for the rich Rose marrying an older man. When she joins Jack downstairs to party with the Third Class passengers, it transforms from an elegant evening gown into a fun party dress.
Rose wears a lot of gorgeous clothes in the film, from a tailored black-and-white suit and gigantic hat to a pure white gown with pink sash, but this look takes the cake. Getting eleven Oscars surely helps the memorability.
Tutu- Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Sex and the City, 1998-2004
Designer: N/A
Whenever I see the HBO introduction, I immediately hear the theme tune to Sex and the City. Get your Manolo Blahniks out.
The fabulous TV show follows columnist Carrie Bradshaw and her friends, the sex-obsessed Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), level headed lawyer Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), and traditional Charlotte York (Kristin Davis), as they juggle being single women in NYC.
In the opening credits, Carrie is seen wearing a simple pink tank top and white tutu. It’s a little out there and very kitsch, but it represents Carrie’s fun, unconventional style to a tee. The tutu was found for $5 at a flea market, so it contrasts with Carrie’s usual designer looks, but we can’t expect her to afford everything in NYC. Unfortunately, the moment is somewhat ruined by being splashed by a bus.
Carrie wears a lot of iconic outfits throughout the series, from a newspaper dress to a cute LBD, but the tutu is seen in every episode. Who else could wear a tutu like Sarah Jessica Parker?
Yellow Party Dress- Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 2003
Designer: Carolina Herrera
Magazine journalist Andie Anderson is desperate to write about more serious topics, but she’s tasked by her editor to write a guide How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Unfortunately, Benjamin Barry (Matthew McCanaughey), has been tasked with making a woman fall in love with him in that timeframe.
Benjamin and Andie head to a party, and she turns heads in her gown. It’s a light yellow Carolina Herrera slip dress with a crossed neckline, low back and matching bag. Considering that Andie writes for a women’s lifestyle magazine, it’s no wonder that she’s in a show stopping outfit. Barry can hardly believe his luck, and presents her with a gorgeous necklace.
Google is full of ways to get a similar dress for cheap. It was used in all the promos and on the DVD cover as well. Kate Hudson was asked about it a few years ago, and stated that she wished to find out what happened to it. Me too, Kate, me too.
Yellow Jumpsuit- The Bride (Uma Thurman), Kill Bill: Vol 1, 2003
Designer: Catherine Marie Thomas
When the unnamed Bride wakes up from a coma after several years and discovers that she seemingly lost her baby, she seeks revenge on those who ruined her life.
During her rampage, the Bride wears a simple yellow jump/tracksuit with black lines down the side. It’s not much, but we can’t expect an assassin to be in a designer ball gown. The jumpsuit is generally practical to wear, with the yellow marking her out as our protagonist in a world of black.
It’s a popular costume, but not for its wearer. Quentin Tarantino, who wrote directed the film, said that Uma Thurman hated it and said that it made her look like a ‘yellow popsicle.’ Ouch.
Green Evening Gown – Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley), Atonement, 2007
Designer: Jacqueline Durran
In pre-WW2 Britain, the relationship between the wealthy Cecilia and working class Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) is exposed by Cecilia’s confused and jealous younger sister Briony (Saorise Ronan), leading to changed lives.
At dinner, Cecilia wears a jaw-dropping green number. It’s emerald in colour and silk in material, backless and with a large skirt. The dress is perfect for a beautiful young woman of high social standing, and works well with Keira Knightley’s pale skin.
The dress remains popular, and many replicas were sold. Green is an unusual colour as it does not flatter everyone, but when one thinks of a green dress, they’ll surely think of this slinky look.
Ball Gown – Cinderella (Lily James), Cinderella, 2015
Designer: Sandy Powell
In a live-action retelling of the classic, Cinderella’s good heart allows her the chance to go to the ball, where she reunites with the handsome Prince Kit (Richard Madden, handsome as usual).
There are many Cinderella films, with many different dresses, but this one is in a league of its own. Cinderella wears a bright blue dress with a tight waist, followed by a billowing skirt over many layers of material. We cannot forget, of course, those classic glass slippers. Everyone at the ball is entranced, and we can’t blame them.
Wedding Guest – Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), Crazy Rich Asians, 2018
Designer: Marchesa
When ordinary college professor Rachel Chu is invited to her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding)’s home in Singapore, she’s expecting a poor family. Instead, she finds out that Nick is from one of the wealthiest families and social circles in Asia. Unfortunately for Rachel, Nick’s fierce mother Eleanor (Michelle Yeong) is not a fan.
It’s a battle of high fashion in the wedding scene, and whilst no one outshines the bride, Rachel makes a good go of it. Helped by her friend Peik Lin (Awkwafina) and Nick’s cousin Oliver (Nico Santos), Rachel finally gets to wear a dress fit for Singapore high society. It’s a low cut, light blue gown with ruffled straps and flowers at the waist. Even the press can’t stop snapping photos, angering the wealthy women who had tried their best to get Rachel out.
The clothes in the film are incredible, as we would expect from the rich. Gemma Chan’s character Astrid is the main style icon on screen, but even she can’t match Rachel’s ‘ugly duckling’ to swan story.
Future Articles: Famous wedding looks and famous real-life looks.
I guess it’s not exactly a dress but the green outfit worn by Cyd Charisse in Singing in the Rain is definitely iconic!Report