Cos fashion is fun when everything else has turned to shit.
If you think of Sandy from Grease, Vivian in Pretty Woman, or Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, instantaneous images of their iconic outfits come to mind. An iconic outfit is one that stands the test of time, that you notice with awe on the screen and remember long after the credits have rolled. An iconic movie outfit is one you can wear to a dress-up party and know no-one will have trouble knowing who you are. To celebrate these momentous occasions in fashion, let's talk the Most Iconic Fashion On Film!
Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), Breakfast at Tiffany's
Although the dress and outfit are only worn for a very small portion of the film, there's no mistaking a Holly Golightly at a Halloween Party.
According to Vogue, the iconic Givenchy dress was designed specifically for Audrey. In 2006, it was auctioned off for charity for over US$900,000.
Dion and Cher (Stacey Dash and Alicia Silverstone), Clueless
Is there a girl who grew up in the 90s that didn't want these iconic outfits? Amy Heckerling's re-imagining of Jane Austin's Emma created a generation of kids who were totally buggin', rollin' with the homies, and waiting for the day they'd be able to sport this look. Now 25 years later, the costumes arguably have not aged and are instantly recognisable when they appear on and off the silver screen.
Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), Pretty Woman
Hard to pick just one outfit from this iconic film. Do we use the classic white and blue body-con she uses to pick up Edward, the gorgeous red off the shoulder for the opera, the black mini-dress at dinner? They're all fabulous, but I've chosen the brown polka dot, because it is regal, beautiful, timeless, and I CAN'T FOR THE LIFE OF ME FIND A PROPER DUPE ANYWHERE. I mean...just look at her. Iconic.
Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley), Atonement
Look, full disclosure. Did I like this film? No. So long, omg, I aged in there. But I'm also not blind and knew when Keira Knightley appeared on the screen in this flowing green beauty that it was truly breathtaking. Costume Designer Jacqueline Durran apparently dressed Keira only in shades of green throughout the film to symbolise both her character's sister's envy, her temptation, and ultimately, her cursed existence.
Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Talk about a spectacular fashion moment on film. From Barbie to Madonna, many have tried to emulate the late star's fabulous turn as Lorelei Lee, a showgirl seen here performing 'Diamond's Are A Girls Best Friend'. The Travilla-designed pink silk satin strapless gown has since been described as 'the most important film costume to ever come to auction' selling for over $US 370K in 2010.
I wish I could wear it. Mmm, pink and lots of shiny things!!
Eliza DoLittle (Audrey Hepburn), My Fair Lady
The rags to riches spin on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion is filled with iconic one-liners, songs and scenes, but none more breathtaking than the introduction of Eliza at the Royal Ascot, the Ascot Gavotte. Featuring spectacular black and white costumes from designer Cecil Beaton, Eliza stuns in what Beaton describes as his true 'magnum opus' of fashion on film.
According to Forbes, it remains the most expensive costume ever purchased at auction, selling for over US$4 million.
Romy and Michele (Mena Suvari and Lisa Kudrow), Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
Everyone has dressed up in these outfits at least once, right?
Comeback queens Romy and Michele have their high school reunion coming up, and in an attempt to impress the people that bullied them, pretend to come as 'strong businesswomen' who 'invented post-its'. When they get found out, instead of breaking away, they come back as their fashionista bad-ass selves. Their new alley Lisa Luder from Vogue even describes their self-made outfits as having '...Nice lines. A fun, frisky use of color [sic]. All and all, I’d have to say they’re really … not bad!'
The now-iconic duo are unmissable in these sexy shifts. Not bad...not bad at all.
Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Okay, so aside from the fact that her first name is her last name and she 'just wants to write about real stuff' despite never showing an interest in 'real stuff' for the duration of the film, there's no shying away from the stylish simplicity and iconic fashion moment that is Andie Anderson in this striking yellow gown. Worn to Ben's (Matthew McConaughey) diamond launch, she 'frosts herself' with diamonds (look, if you know, you know) to match her spectacular look.
The year this movie came out, everyone wanted to look like Andie for their school formal. Co-LAL Founder Nicole might even share an old '05 photo of her now-defunct Veronica Lodge dupe if we are lucky...
Sandra Dee (Olivia Newton John), Grease
I got chills...
Whilst there are those that in modern times have questioned the morality of Sandy 'changing' for Danny, there's no doubting the true fashion Moment she has in this ensemble.
Costume designer Albert Wolsky delighted in the fact that after Olivia Newton-John was physically sewn into the pants they were that tight (um, jomo), the crew didn't even recognise her.
Sexed-up from head to toe, it's an iconic outfit that has remained in vogue, on-trend, and instantly recognisable on film and at any dress-up event.
Regina George (Rachel McAdams), Mean Girls
Is it fashuun? No. But it is an iconic fashion moment on screen? Absolutely. In an attempt to denigrate popular 'Mean Girl' Regina George, Cady and her friends cut holes in her shirt, hoping this will provide embarrassment and ridicule. However, Regina is so self-confident that she owns it, walking around the school in her new ensemble - which everyone else starts wearing a day later.
Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), The Wizard of Oz
I mean, is it great fashion these days? No. But if I said to you 'The Wizard of Oz' or 'Dorothy' does this picture immediately spring to mind? You know it does. Whilst mundane, costume designer Gilbert Adrian based the outfit on the illustrations from the book, whereas the shoes actually had over 5000 hand-sewn sequins attached after being dyed red with rhinestone bows attached. It seems to have paid off, with the now-iconic dress sold at auction for over US$1.5 million, whilst the ruby slippers - once stolen which launched an investigation by the FBI (!) - sit at the American History Museum.
Elise, Brenda and Annie (Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton), First Wives Club
I mean...
Iconic.
Honourable mentions: Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Honey Ryder in Dr No, Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch, Annie Hall - Who'd We Miss?
