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Image by Nimesh Niyomal Perera
Throughout the years, dresses have proven to be more than just beautiful garments in film. From Old Hollywood's shimmering gowns to unforgettable contemporary looks, these clothing pieces help tell a story and symbolize key elements in its narrative, providing audiences with fashion inspiration while offering insight into the characters they're watching.
In this list, we delve into some of the most iconic dresses in movies, examining what makes them so great, and how they transcend the screen to inspire fashion trends and pop culture. From Andie's yellow gown in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to Dorothy's timeless gingham dress in The Wizard of Oz, these iconic garments have earned their place in cinematic history and the viewers' hearts, inspiring fashion trends, and pop culture.
10 Andie's Dress in 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' (2003)
Designed by Carolina Herrera
Image via Paramount How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days has swept audiences off their feet with its witty enemies-to-lovers narrative, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey as the lead couple. Hudson shines as a journalist for a women's magazine who is crafting an article on how to drive a man away in record time. Meanwhile, McConaughey's advertising ad executive bets he can make any woman fall head over heels in just 10 days.
This iconic 2000s rom-com is beloved for many reasons, with its creative, fun-loving storyline at the top of the list. However, at the heart of the movie's allure is a standout moment in which Hudson dazzles in a timeless elegant, bright, sunny canary yellow dress, perfectly paired with a beautiful Isadora diamond necklace. Together, they create a look so breathtaking that could only result in a jaw-dropping moment, both for McConaughey's on-screen counterpart and the audience.
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How to Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Release Date February 7, 2003
Director Donald Petrie
Runtime 116 minutes
9 Elvira's Dress in 'Scarface' (1983)
Designed by Patricia Norris
Image via Universal Studios This iconic Al Pacino-led Brian De Palma crime drama, set in 1980s Miami, centers around a criminal-minded Cuban immigrant who becomes the biggest drug trafficker in Florida, eventually coming undone by his own addiction. Michelle Pfeiffer stuns in one of her most iconic roles.
Pfeiffer's breakthrough turn as Elvira, the mistress of Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia) and eventual wife of Pacino's Tony Montana, is immortalized not only thanks to her captivating performance but also through the memorable, utterly stunning clothing she wears. The silky blue gown she shows up in during the club scene is among her most legendary looks in Scarface — it has become a symbol of elegance in 1980s film history, perfectly mirroring Elvira's minimalist glamour and class.
Release Date December 9, 1983
Runtime 170 minutes
8 Vivienne's Dress in 'Pretty Woman' (1990)
Designed by Marilyn Vance
Image via Touchstone Pictures Much like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, the hugely influential Pretty Woman is the perfect romantic comedy, delivering both laugh-out-loud and heartwarming moments and featuring palpable chemistry between the leads. Marking Julia Roberts and Richard Gere's first big-screen collab, this modern-day Cinderella story illustrates the romantic relationship between a wealthy entrepreneur and a sex worker, who he hires to accompany him to a few social events.
There are layers to what truly makes Vivienne's off-the-shoulder red dress a truly iconic one in cinema, including how it marks a pivotal moment in the transformation of Roberts' on-screen counterpart, showcasing a more refined and polished version of her character. She wears Marilyn Vance's design when Edward takes her to a lavish dinner, captivating viewers with a blend of elegance, sophistication, and sensuality, with the deep red color exuding powerful confidence.
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Pretty Woman
Release Date March 23, 1990
Runtime 119 mins
7 Cecilia's Dress in 'Atonement' (2007)
Designed by Jacqueline Durran
Image via Universal Studios Joe Wright's period drama epic, based on the 2001 novel by Ian McEwan, delves into the consequences of little white lies as it follows thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan in an Oscar-nominated performance) who changes the course of several lives when she accuses her old sister's lover of a crime that he did not commit.
On top of the spellbinding chemistry between Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, Atonement captivates through its breathtaking visuals and gut-wrenching narrative, cementing itself as an essential for any romance fan. Adding to the movie's allure is another great example of cinematic fashion: Cecilia's V-cut emerald green gown with delicate spaghetti stripes and a glorious open back, which exudes sensuality and class. Designed by Jacqueline Durran, this Atonement garment ranks among the most beloved pieces ever worn on screen, inspiring countless reproductions and securing a lasting impact on pop culture.
Release Date September 7, 2007
Director joe wright
Runtime 123 minutes
6 Jessica Rabbit's Dress in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' (1988)
Designed by Richard Williams
Image via Disney Particularly inspired by Rita Hayworth's gown from Gilda — an iconic one in its own right — and elements of Veronica Lake's hairstyle, Jessica Rabbit's iconic dress in Who Framed Roger Rabbit is regarded as one of the most unforgettable, despite being totally fictional. The Robert Zemeckis adult animation sees a cartoon rabbit accused of murder, enlisting the help of a burnt-out private investigator to prove his innocence.
A marvel of animation — with professionals employing groundbreaking techniques to make it shimmer realistically — Jessica's dazzling gown is not merely a dress but an extension of her femme fatale personality: it embodies the character's larger-than-life allure, reflects her exaggerated sensuality, and celebrates her iconic persona. Its cultural legacy is just as enduring: Rabbit's dress is a touchstone that has inspired many cosplays, homages, and even red-carpet looks.
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Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Release Date June 21, 1988
Director Robert Zemeckis
Runtime 103
5 Rose's Dress in 'Titanic' (1997)
Designed by Deborah Lynn Scott
Image via 20th Century Studios James Cameron's box office hit endures as a beloved picture to this day, with many romance fans rewatching it frequently. The disaster epic, based on real-life accounts of an actual sinking, sees a seventeen-year-old aristocrat (Kate Winslet) fall for a kind but poor artist abroad the luxurious, though ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic.
From Titanic's memorable quotes to its captivating romance story and three-dimensional characters, Cameron's feature is regarded as a cinematic treasure for plenty of reasons. Adding to its timeless appeal are the beautiful costumes, particularly Rose's evening gown. Featuring a deep burgundy base with an intricate black beaded overlay, the dress exudes Edwardian elegance while subtly emphasizing her character's conflict, particularly her struggle between social status and her desire for freedom. Far from being merely a beautiful garment, Rose's iconic dress adds to Titanic's visual storytelling and emphasizes its character-driven design.
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Titanic
Release Date November 19, 1997
Director James Cameron
Runtime 194 minutes
4 Lorelai's Dress in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' (1953)
Designed by William Travilla
Image via 20th Century Fox Forever associated with Marilyn Monroe's legendary musical number "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," William Travilla's hot pink dress has cemented its place among unforgettable cinematic looks. In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Monroe plays showgirl Lorelai Lee who, along with her friend Dorothy Saw (Jane Russell), travels to Paris while being pursued by a private detective.
When it comes to legendary Hollywood couture, Monroe's dress in the movie stands in a league of its own. Undeniably vibrant and bold, this pink dress encapsulates Lorelai's glamorous, fun, and flirtatious personality, resulting in a show-stopping centerpiece and an important ingredient in the recipe for cinematic magic. For these reasons, the gown has become a fashion and pop culture landmark, transcending decades, inspiring countless tributes (like Madonna's "Material Girl" music video or even Margot Robbie in Birds of Prey), and enduring as a quintessential image of Old Hollywood allure.
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Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Release Date July 14, 1953
Director Howard Hawks
Runtime 91
3 Scarlett's Dress in 'Gone With the Wind' (1939)
Designed by Walter Plunkett
Image via Warner Bros. Gone With the Wind is a controversial watch that hasn't aged gracefully, with its romanticized portrayal of the antebellum South and depictions of race having drawn criticism over time. However, the 1939 feature is still regarded as a significant cornerstone and towering achievement in cinematic history, and its striking costumes are a huge standout. The film centers around the romance between Vivien Leigh's manipulative Southern Belle and a roguish profiteer (Clarke Gable).
Among the most memorable designs is Walter Plunkett's curtain dress, fashioned from emerald green velvet curtains, broad shoulder pads, and dramatic gold accents, which symbolize Scarlett's dedication to maintaining her image of status and wealth even during troubling times. Beyond its flair, the dress works as a mirror to Scarlett's layered character, seamlessly blending vanity with ambition. After all these years, the iconic garment has become a symbol of Gone With the Wind itself, inspiring countless homages and parodies and cementing its place as one of the most recognizable costumes in cinema.
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Gone With the Wind
Release Date December 15, 1939
Director Victor Fleming , George Cukor , Sam Wood
Cast Thomas Mitchell , Barbara O'Neil , Vivien Leigh , Evelyn Keyes , Ann Rutherford , George Reeves , Hattie McDaniel
Runtime 238 minutes
2 Audrey Hepburn's Dress in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1961)
Designed by Hubert de Givenchy
Image via Paramount Pictures Audrey Hepburn's partnership with renowned French designer Hubert de Givenchy is one of the most memorable of all time, and Breakfast at Tiffany's reinforces this once more. The Blake Edwards romantic comedy initially turned down by Monroe follows a young New York socialite who becomes interested in a young man (George Peppard) who has moved into her apartment. However, her past threatens to get in the way.
A stylish movie that excels in both the storytelling and the acting departments, Edward's feature is also known for its beautiful costumes. Among them is Holly's black dress, which she wears in the opening scene as she gazes into Tiffany & Co.'s window with a croissant and coffee in hand. Designed by Givenchy, the beautiful gown that perfectly fits Hepburn's elegant silhouette has become a touchstone in fashion and film history, with some considering it the most iconic dress of all time. Paired with long black gloves, pearls, and oversized sunglasses, Givenchy's masterwork perfectly captures her character's image of simple sophistication.
Release Date October 6, 1961
Director Blake Edwards
Runtime 115minutes
1 Dorothy's Dress in 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)
Designed by Adrian Adolph Greenburg
Image via Loew's, Inc. While there are plenty of iconic dresses in film fashion, Dorothy's in The Wizard of Oz is arguably the most recognizable, hence it taking the first place. The classic fantasy and adventure epic follows a young girl (Judy Garland) who, along with her dog, is swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm, landing in the magical Land of Oz and embarking on a quest with new friends.
The Wizard of Oz is, in many aspects, a towering cinematic achievement — its costume design being one of his most enduring and timeless elements. Designed by the legendary Adrian Adolph Greenburg, Dororthy's blue-and-white checkered dress captures the character's nativity and down-to-earth, humble nature. Forever linked with the line "There's no place like home," this gingham garment has transcended the film to become an enduring icon of classic cinema, inspiring recreations from Halloween costumes to pop culture references, and standing the test of time as an emblem of home and hope.
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The Wizard of Oz
Release Date August 25, 1939
Director Victor Fleming
Runtime 102 minutes
English (US) ·