Women

Top 10 Iconic Movie Dresses

Top 10 Iconic Movie Dresses

From Audrey Hepburn's iconic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's to Uma Thurman's yellow jumpsuit in Kill Bill, movie dresses have become entwined with some of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history. From classic to modern, these 10 iconic movie dresses have been immortalized in the hearts and minds of viewers around the world. Read on to discover some of the most iconic movie dresses of all time.

Michelle Pfeiffer's blue slip dress from Scarface

[Image Credit: www.pinterest.com]

 

Our styles of today are built on the beautiful designs of yesterday. Yes – this includes THE DRESS. So here are our picks for the top 10 iconic movie dresses (in no particular order!), which may have inspired your personal style whether you realize it or not.

 

1. Pretty in Pink: DIY Vintage 

Molly Ringwald in her character's DIY prom dress from Pretty In Pink

[Image Credit: https://www.mondieu.com.br]  

 

Pretty in Pink (1986) is known for its teenage love story between poor girl “Andie” (Molly Ringwald) and rich guy “Blane” (Andrew McCarthy). And although the fashions throughout the film are 80s style at its best, it’s the pink prom dress Andie makes for herself that stole the movie. Not only is it an awesome DIY vintage style dress in a super-feminine shade of pink with lovely lace details, the statement of the dress is the most beautiful feature of it: stylishly rebelling at the prom instead of crying at home because a guy sucks.

 

2. Breakfast at Tiffany's: Love For The “LBD” 

Audrey Hepburn in the iconic Little Black Dress and pearls from Breakfast at Tiffany's

[Image Credit: https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/]

 

Nearly every chick has love for the “little black dress” – the versatile fashion item that works with steampunk stilettos as well as black gothic boots (depending on your personal style). We can thank the 1961 romantic comedy film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, for playing a major role in the pioneering and popularity of the LBD. Starring Audrey Hepburn as “Holly Golightly,” Breakfast at Tiffany’s makes fancy schmoozing and shopping a coveted affair. 

 

3. Pretty Woman: The Sexy Silhouette 

Julia Roberts looks stunning in her long red gown from Pretty Woman

[Image Credit: https://thescript.thetake.com/]

 

It’s the story of a prostitute and a wealthy businessman falling hard for one another. Yup – we’re talking about the 1990 romantic comedy, Pretty Woman. Starring Julia Roberts as “Vivian” and Richard Gere as “Edward,” this film explores the distinctions between smutty fashion and sexy style, and how a woman feels when adorned in head-to-toe glam. Vivian’s fiery red, form-fitting gown symbolically added color to her life, made viewers smile, and complemented her body with a cleavage and shoulder-baring cut.

 

4. Coming to America: Gold And Nearly Nude

Vanessa Bell Calloway is a vision with her gold belly baring gown from Coming To America

[Image Credit: https://respect-mag.com/

 

The gold and nearly nude, cut out dress featured in Coming to America (1988) remains of the hottest iconic movie dresses in American history! Worn by Vanessa Bell Calloway, in which she plays the arranged wife of “Prince Akeem” (Eddie Murphy) early in the movie, this dress has inspired many Halloween costumes as well as celebrities, such as Beyoncé. The imaginative, fantasy aspect of the gold, sexy dress makes it royalty-chic and a work of art.

 

5. The Seven Year Itch: Flirty White Dress

Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress from Seven Year Itch is a classic vintage style

[Image Credit: https://missdeestyle.com/

 

Not only does Marilyn Monroe stand out in one of the best-known scenes in The Seven Year Itch (1954), the white flirty dress she’s wearing has become a famous beauty too! Playing the role of a gorgeous blonde model who catches the attention of New Yorker “Richard Sherman” (Tom Ewell), Marilyn makes an awkward situation adorable and sexy as she smiles and giggles while her dress blows from the subway air vent on the street. The halter style, backless dress, which is form-fitting on top and billowy from the waist down, keeps the audience intrigued as Marilyn fought an upward breeze. Unfortunately, in her real life, this dress actually caused problems in her personal life.

According to theguardian.com

The scene allegedly played a role in Monroe’s divorce from Joe DiMaggio. Despite the roar of approval from fans, DiMaggio was less than pleased with what he felt was an ‘exhibitionist’ scene.

 

6. Scarface: The Sexy Slip Dress 

Blue Satin give a simple elegance to the slip dress from Scarface

[Image Credit: www.pinterest.com]

 

Playing “Elvira Hancock” in the 1983 iconic mob movie, Scarface, Michelle Pfeiffer helped make the spaghetti-strap slip dress one of the most popular fashion trends during that time. The skin baring maxi dresses that Elvira wore as wife to Cuban refugee Antonio “Tony” Montana (Al Pacino) embraced her character as well as her slim shape. Having inspired celebrities to rock a slip dress on the red carpet, including Rihanna, this type of casual-yet-glamorous dress makes for a versatile styling piece. (Try it with a black leather jacket or a dramatic choker!)

 

7. Titanic: Sparkly and Modest      

The stunning gown worn by Kate Winslet in Titanic almost takes away from Jack's tuxedo reveal

[Image Credit: www.pinterest.com]

 

In the 1997 epic film that tells the tale of an unlikely romance during the ill-fated maiden voyage of the R.M.S. Titanic, Kate Winslet (“Rose DeWitt Bukater”) is dressed in various classy dark looks throughout the movie. But it’s the sparkly and modest dinner dress she wears in Titanic that keeps us locked in. The drapey quality and detailing of the beaded vintage style dress, paired with white gloves fits Rose’s personality and body nicely. The love interest of Leonardo DiCaprio (“Jack Dawson”) shows us the beauty of being sexy without being too revealing.

 

8. Atonement: The Backless Green Dress

The gown worn by Keira Knightley in Atonement perfectly blends a revealing backless cut with a modest green shade for the perfect blend of sex appeal

[Image Credit: www.thefashionpolice.net]

In Atonement (2007), a tangled English drama about two lovers torn apart and then reunited during World War II, the truth about heartache and romance reveals itself. Starring “Cecilia Tallis” (Keira Knightley) and “Robbie Turner” (James McAvoy), it’s the emerald green silk gown worn by Cecilia that evokes just as much emotion from the audience. The distinct high fashion style and deep color are breathtaking!

LesBeehive.com couldn’t have said it better:

It’s a wonderful sensation, to be moved so completely by colour. Atonement is a lush, beautiful film, based on a sumptuously worded novel, but it’s the green gown that will live on as the film’s true masterpiece.

 

9. The Princess Bride: Romance ‘N Renaissance

Robin Wright looks like royalty in this Renaissance style dress from Princess Bride

[Image Credit: www.sohollywoodchic.blogspot.com]

 

Just as “Buttercup” (Robin Wright) and “Wesley” (Cary Elwes) fell in love in the 1987 fanstasy-comedy The Princess Bride, fashion lovers grew head over heels with the Renaissance dresses that Buttercup wore throughout the film. This includes the light pink and gold wedding gown! Topped with a jewel-encrusted crown, a pendant necklace, and loose hair waves, Buttercup’s dress memorably supported the movie’s 15th century vibe and could be considered a source of inspiration to Neo Victorian fashion and goth dresses. (The perfect style to wear with a Victorian corset!)

 

10. The Wizard of Oz: The Symbol of Innocence

Who can forget the blue and white gingham dress worn by Julie Andrews as Dorothy in the The Wizard of Oz?

[Image Credit: www.dailymail.co.uk]

 

Although it may have been years since you watched the classic fantasy-adventure film, The Wizard of Oz (1939), we’re sure you can immediately visualize what “Dorothy” (Judy Garland) wore the entire movie! Her blue and white checkered pinafore (sleeveless apron-like garment) is a beloved piece of vintage fashion, which helped to create Dorothy’s innocence and youthful personality in the magical land of Oz. Clad with pigtails, her infamous ruby red shoes, and a white blouse, Dorothy’s super-girly style was a nice complement to her pure heart. According to a 2015 CNN.com report, the dress sold for $1.56 million at a New York auction.

 

Which iconic movie dress has inspired your personal style over the years? Please share in a comment below!

 

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Cover photo courtesy of: www.complex.com

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About the Author

Elana Pruitt