We go to the cinema to engage in the spectacle of narratives made visually manifest, and characters brought to life. While our 90 minutes are often spent consciously observing the events of the plot unfold, it is the outfits that we often come away remembering. Costume has the power to place a film amidst the greats, to take a moment of minutes and truly immortalize it.
Whether you’re searching for some bold wardrobe inspiration, or for a fashion icon to channel this Halloween, here’s our pick of the most iconic movie outfits.
Cher Horowitz in Clueless (1995)
Arguably, Cher’s wardrobe has come to epitomize ’90s school-girl chic. On donning her tartan mini skirts and knee high socks, Cher is the lovable mean girl that precedes the Mean Girls era.
Get The Look: Plaid Skirt from ASOS, Blazer from ASOS, Knee High Socks from Free People, Black Pumps from MatchesFashion
Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
If there is anyone who truly made the LBD iconic, it’s Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Decades after the film’s release, the dress’s classic tailoring and beautiful simplicity continue to make it an absolute wardrobe must-have for women everywhere.
Get The Look: Dolce and Gabbana LBD from Farfetch, Nadri Faux Pearl Necklace from Nordstrom, Earrings from Forever 21, Black Gloves from MatchesFashion
Cecilia Tallis in Atonement (2007)
Voted the best film costume of all time, Keira Knightley’s green slip dress in Atonement has captured our attention and the headlines over the past several years. Rarely does such a bold color grace the bodies of on-screen actresses, and when it does it truly shakes sartorial ground.
Get The Look: Green Maxi Dress from Free People, Bracelet Nordstrom, Silver Heels from Missguided
Roman Holiday (1953)
Pretty in its simplicity, Audrey Hepburn’s ensemble in Roman Holiday perfectly accentuates her narrow waist and lithe body. Evoking 1950s femininity, while the circle skirt continually darts on and off trend, it remains classically stylish.
Get The Look: A-Line Midi Skirt from Net-a-Porter, White Shirt from Farfetch, Neckerchief from Net-a-Porter, Wide Belt from ASOS, Ballet Flats from Net-a-Porter
Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990)
Nothing makes more of a statement than a floor-length red gown – particularly Roberts’s in Pretty Woman. Treading the line between risque and classy, with its plunging neckline and Victorian length, this bold wonder is sure to remain iconic over the years.
Get The Look: Red Dress from Missguided, Long Gloves from Farfetch, Heels From MatchesFashion
Sandy in Grease (1978)
While we love good ol’ wholesome Sandy with her ’50s skirts and pastel cardigans, there is something about the moment at which she dons her all-black ensemble that will remain our favorite scene. As she ditches her pretty clothing in lieu of this daring piece, her self-empowerment shines through, creating a moment that is truly memorable.
Get The Look: Black Catsuit from Nordstrom, Leather Jacket from MatchesFashion, Red Pumps from ASOS
Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (1977)
The character that made masculine clothing on women a thing, Annie Hall has inspired a multitude of runway shows and fashion lines over the decades. Inspiring designers to create their own take on this androgynous look, the film will always be hailed as the forerunner to a whole new fashion movement.
Get The Look: Straight-Leg Trousers from MatchesFashion, Shirt from ASOS, Waistcoat from MatchesFashion, Tie from ASOS, Brogues from Topshop
The Bride in Kill Bill (2003)
If the graphically gory scenes aren’t the first thing that come to mind on recalling Kill Bill, it’s sure to be Uma Thurman’s bright yellow jumpsuit. With its black racer stripes and pleather fabric, the piece’s overt boldness makes it a total emblem for the film.
Get the Look: Yellow Jumpsuit from Missguided, Yellow Trainers from ASOS
Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family
Of the on-screen family epitomized by their gothic aesthetic, Wednesday Addams sports the most iconic look. With her collared, monochrome dresses paired with oxfords, Wednesday’s ensemble is made iconic when worn alongside her jet-black, plaited hair.
Get The Look: Dress from Nordstrom, Black Tights from ASOS, Oxfords from Nordstrom
The Seven Year Itch
Is there a more iconic image than Marilyn Monroe in her white halterneck dress, standing over the grate? It’s a moment that has truly exceeded the film from whence it was borne, firmly planting itself into the world of pop culture.
Get the Look: White Halterneck Dress from MatchesFashion, Heels from Nordstrom
In need of more fashion inspo? Check out The Fall Trend That Makes Any Outfit Look Expensive
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