Some of the best films ever made have several great components that come together to make them so memorable. The scripting, casting, writing and directing all converge to create the experience we see on screen. But one aspect in film that is largely overlooked is wardrobe. This is sometimes due to how well costume and wardrobe designers seamlessly infuse the character’s style and clothing into the fabric of the film. But wardrobe can really make or break a film’s effectiveness, and if the style does not align with the overall setting of the movie, you are definitely going to notice. So when the costume designer does a stellar job, and if you are really into fashion in films, you have likely noticed some of the best dresses worn by the leading ladies of the most popular films. These dresses transport us into the era and time of the film, and make us want to wear them ourselves. The actors who had the lucky fortune of wearing these pieces, made them look so natural and perfectly aligned with their character and situations in the films. If you are ready to take a stroll down film fashion memory lane, check out these 8 iconic movie dresses we desperately wanted to wear when we saw them on screen.
Green dress in Atonement (Keira Knightley)
In the movie Atonement, Keira Knightley plays Cecilia Talis and the movie is directed by Joe Wright. In the film, there is a scene where Cecilia wears a beautiful backless green dress that looks absolutely stunning on Keira Knightley.
White dress in The Seven Year Itch (Marilyn Monroe)
This classic white dress was made an iconic look by Marilyn Monroe in the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch. In the scene, she stands over a street vent and the white dress is history after that. This dress alone helped to continue to launch a high profile career for Marilyn Monroe.
Golden gown in Snow White and the Huntsman (Charlize Theron)
This supremely elegant gown is worn by Charlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsman. In the film, Charlize Theron plays the character of Ravenna, a queen and protagonist to Snow White.
Pink dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn)
There may be no movie more iconic for its fashion choices than Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The pink dress with tiara and a matching pink coat worn by Audrey Hepburn had us all ready for our turn to wear this ensemble.
Lavender dress in My Best Friend’s Wedding (Julia Roberts)
Although the goal might be to be a bride and not a bridesmaid, the lavender beauty that Julia Roberts wore in My Best Friend’s Wedding might give us reason to make an exception. And in a dress like that, there’s no wonder her best friend had some trouble actually walking down the aisle and saying “I Do.”
Evening gown in Titanic (Kate Winslet)
This beautiful gown covered in beads and paired with crisp white elbow length gloves was worn beautifully by Kate Winslet in Titanic.
Embroidered gown in Mahogany (Diana Ross)
This beautiful gown worn by Diana Ross in the 1975 film Mahogany was a stunning number, with peach fabric, embroidered accents, and flashy embellishments. We’d all take a stroll in this dynamic gown.
Spaghetti strap dress in Grease (Olivia Newton John)
This legendary film was full of fashion favorites, like poodle skirts, slicked back hair with leather jackets, and Olivia Newton John’s yellow spaghetti strap dress. She wore this piece in the famous scene featuring the hand jive dance.
