To the nines: 21 iconic movie dresses
Movies and fashion go hand in hand. For every blockbuster, there is a look that has become a permanent fixture in pop culture. James Dean’s red jacket in Rebel Without a Cause, Willy Wonka’s purple ensemble, or The Bride’s yellow suit comes to mind, but today is not about jackets and other pieces of apparel. It’s about the gowns, the formal attire, and the most iconic dresses in movie history.
Andie’s Pink Creation, ‘Pretty In Pink’
Andie taught the world in Pretty in Pink that when the fashion can’t be found, make it yourself. It’s so ‘80s in the best way possible.
Dorothy’s Checkered Number, ‘The Wizard of Oz’
The Wizard of Oz came out in 1939, and Dorothy’s dress has been a mainstay during Halloween ever since.
Belle’s Golden Gown, ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Belle emerging in the gold gown is probably one of the most iconic moments in Disney's and movie history. She looked like the personification of elegance.
Rose’s First Look, ‘Titanic’
She really showed up to sit on a boat, looking like an immaculate angel.
Rachel Chu’s Wedding Guest Look, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’
Guests are never supposed to outshine the bride at a wedding, but Rachel Chu did just that in something blue.
Mary Poppins’ Dapper Delight, ‘Mary Poppins’
Dapper Days would not be the same had it not been for Mary Poppins in this delightful ensemble.
Romy and Michele’s Homemade Couture, ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’
According to former A-group member turned associate fashion editor for Vogue Lisa Luder, "They're really not bad."
Regina George’s Spring Fling Look, ‘Mean Girls’
On Wednesdays, we wear pink — and don’t forget it.
The Girl’s Windy Apparel, ‘The Seven Year Itch’
Marilyn Monroe’s white dress flying up around her is more legendary than the actual movie itself. That’s how great the dress was and will always be.
Elsa’s Icy Fashion, ‘Frozen’
Almost every person who had a child under the age of nine in 2013 knows anything and everything about Elsa’s dress in Disney’s Frozen. They may know it against their will, but they still know it.
The Fritz Bernaise, ‘Bridesmaids’
The designer may’ve been made up for the movie, but that doesn’t mean fans weren’t dying to get their hands on their own Fritz Bernaise bridesmaids dresses.
Vivian’s Night Out, Pretty Woman’
Costume designer Marilyn Vance did not have to go that hard for Pretty Woman, but she did just that. Every single look Julia Roberts wore in that film is a masterpiece, but it’s hard to deny the impact of the red dress she wears to the opera.
Elvira’s Gothic Dream, ‘Elvira: Mistress of the Dark’
She didn’t, but it feels like Elvira invented black dresses with incredible deep v-cuts.
Cinderella’s Magic Moment, ‘Cinderella’
Cinderella was riding the struggle bus until she found herself with a Fairy Godmother by her side who then gave her not only the night of her life but also one of the most imitated Disney looks of all time.
Cher’s Alaia, ‘Clueless’
Clueless is, without a doubt, one of the most influential movies when it comes to fashion. It helped set a precedent for cool in the ‘90s like no other, and it was primarily because of everything Cher Horowitz rocked throughout the film. A millennial cannot see yellow plaid without thinking, “As if!” However, when it comes to dresses, it’s hard to top her red Alaia because it’s the only outfit in the film that got a very memorable shout-out.
Holly Golightly’s LBD, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany's’
Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress. That’s it. That’s the caption.
Ariel’s Blue Dress, ‘The Little Mermaid’
Halle Bailey shined in the live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid both under the sea as well as on land thanks to the gorgeous light blue dress she wore once she had, what’s the word again? Oh yeah, feet!
Lydia Deetz’s Red Wedding, ‘Beetlejuice’
Beetlejuice has a lot of memorable fashion, from the black and white striped suit to even the outfits the Maitlands were destined to spend the rest of eternity in, but the cherry on top of the looks in the ‘80s classic is the outlandish red dress Lydia Deetz wore when she almost had to say “I do” to the ghost with the most.
Jessica Rabbit’s Shimmering Style, ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’
She can’t help it; she was drawn to be a fashion icon.
Baby’s Finale, ‘Dirty Dancing’
Was this the most spectacular thing ever worn in cinema? No. However, the way it managed to drape when Baby was lifted into the air by an Adonis, otherwise known as Johnny (Patrick Swayze), ingrained that dress into the minds of movie lovers.
Princess Leia's Rebel Gear, ‘Star Wars’
Star Wars showed that sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a lasting impression. Princess Leia showed up in the original movie in a very comfortable-looking white linen dress, and almost half a century later, it’s still being duplicated by fans worldwide.
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