Black and White Movies Where Woman Wears Black Dress
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The Most Iconic Movie Dresses of All Time
We're still not over these looks from the silver screen.
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With every classic Hollywood film, there's the chance that you will spot a showstopping dress on a dazzling starlet. From Vanessa Bell Calloway's gold gown in Coming to America to Natalie's Wood's yellow number in West Side Story, we're breaking down all the cinematic sartorial choices that have gone from fan favorite to icon status.
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Fay Wray in King Kong (1933)
Fay Wray's character might have been under distress in this scene, but the actress's white gown with a sweetheart neckline has been tied to the King Kong franchise ever since.
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Jean Harlow in Dinner at Eight (1933)
Hollywood's original blonde bombshell, Jean Harlow, was playing Kitty Packard in Dinner at Eight when she wore this caped silk slipdress and white fur stole, but it could have just as easily been worn by the starlet herself.
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Katharine Hepburn in Bringing Up Baby (1938)
In a movie that costars Katharine Hepburn and a pet leopard, it's no surprise the star boldly opted for a showstopping gold lamé floor-length gown. She topped off the look with a sheer veil with gold borders that'll forever be associated with Bringing Up Baby.
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Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
There's no place like home, and there's no dress like this. Immediately after The Wizard of Oz's release, Dorothy's blue and white gingham dress became an iconic part of cinematic history. There's a reason why it's worn every Halloween, even decades later.
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Billie Burke in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
And who could forget Glinda the Good Witch? Her pink tulle dress was made by iconic costume designer Gilbert Adrian. It was first worn by Jeanette MacDonald in 1936's San Francisco, but minor changes were made to help it better fit into the story of Oz—the shoulders were puffed, the skirt got more sparkles, and sheer sleeves were added.
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Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind (1939)
Vivien Leigh wore a number of stunning outfits for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind—who could forget the stunner made from Tara's curtains? Her emerald-green velvet dressing gown is one of the most striking ensembles in the film.
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Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca (1942)
Ingrid Bergman was the epitome of '40s chic in Casablanca , but her casual white two-piece suit and diamond brooch is what stands out as most memorable. Oh, and the line, "Here's looking at you, kid." That too.
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Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946)
To play a 1940s pinup in Gilda , Rita Hayworth wore a strapless black satin gown with matching elbow-length gloves. The film launched Hayworth into the stratosphere, although the star always struggled with being compared to her sex-symbol character.
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Elizabeth Taylor in A Place in the Sun (1951)
Elizabeth Taylor was known for her glamorous style, and the characters she played on-screen were no exception. For her climatic scene in A Place in the Sun with Montgomery Clift, the starlet stole the show in a strapless tulle ball gown with floral appliqué.
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Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
One of Marilyn Monroe's most famous looks (of many) was in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. During her rendition of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," the actress—dripping in diamonds, of course—rocked a hot-pink strapless evening gown with matching gloves.
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Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina (1954)
When Audrey Hepburn's character in Sabrina returned to her childhood home as a stunning ingénue, she was outfitted with an entirely new couture wardrobe, including this striking embroidered black-and-white evening gown.
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Grace Kelly in Rear Window (1954)
Grace Kelly's perfectly poised character in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window , socialite Lisa Carol Fremont, paraded through the film in a string of coiffed outfits. The showstopper was the evening gown designed by Edith Head. Black and white with a V-neck and capped sleeves, it cinched at the waist and gave way to a full tulle skirt.
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Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones (1954)
For her role as the titular star in Carmen Jones, Dorothy Dandridge became the first African-American actress to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. More than 60 years later, we're still buzzing about the chic black-and-red ensemble she wore in the film.
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Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch (1955)
We doubt The Seven Year Itch director Billy Wilder knew when he told Marilyn Monroe to pose on the subway grate that the image would become one of the most iconic in pop culture history. Monroe playfully worked with the upward breeze under her pleated white halter dress, and the movie went on to become a smashing success.
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Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief (1955)
While portraying a wealthy heiress on vacation in the South of France, Grace Kelly managed to look the part in a white strapless chiffon evening gown and diamond necklace that we're sure no jewel thief could resist.
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Grace Kelly in High Society (1956)
High Society was Grace Kelly's final film before leaving Hollywood to marry Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. Perhaps that's why the actress is often remembered on the big screen in this pastel gown with metallic florals and mesh sleeves.
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Leslie Caron in Gigi (1958)
Leslie Caron oozed sophistication in the 1958 Academy Award–winning film Gigi. Caron's off-the-shoulder silk and feather evening gown designed by Cecil Beaton captured the public's attention as much as the musical numbers did.
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Natalie Wood in West Side Story (1961)
The simple yellow shift dress Natalie Wood wore as Maria in West Side Story is proof that an ensemble doesn't have to be elaborate to be memorable. The wardrobe piece has since become synonymous with the marriage of Maria and Tony.
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Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
The moment Audrey Hepburn traversed the screen in her black evening gown and pearls, the look became an instant classic. Although the Breakfast at Tiffany's star wore many noteworthy outfits in the film, it's this sophisticated combination that's most directly connected to her character, Holly Golightly.
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Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra (1963)
There are so many things to note about Cleopatra—from Elizabeth Taylor's budding romance with costar Richard Burton to the film's elaborate set and overextended budget. But the one thing that is undeniable is the amazing wardrobe designed for Taylor, starting with the 24-karat gold headdress and cape she wore when arriving in Rome.
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Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (1964)
Another Audrey Hepburn–approved and Cecil Beaton–designed outfit that makes our list is Eliza Doolittle's frilly lace ensemble in My Fair Lady. From the high collar to the ribbon accents, we can hardly look at this dress without bursting out in song.
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Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music (1965)
Although Julie Andrews's character, Fräulein Maria, receives a well-deserved makeover in the second half of the movie, her simple long-sleeve dress and striped apron remain a true classic.
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Sharon Tate in Valley of the Dolls (1967)
In one of Sharon Tate's most memorable roles, the actress played sex symbol Jennifer North in Valley of the Dolls. She wore mostly nightgowns throughout the film, but the mint-hued printed maxi dress she wore for the film's promotional photo shoot is a standout look.
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Diana Ross in Mahogany (1975)
Diana Ross wore a sequence of gorgeous gowns while starring as aspiring fashion designer and model Tracy in Mahogany. But it's this silk peach-colored gown with embroidery and embellishments that still stands out all these years later.
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Carrie Fisher in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Although this Princess Leia gown might be considered more costume than couture, with the draping fabric, billowing sleeves, and high neck, the Star Wars ensemble incorporates some of the biggest trends of the '70s—and it has rightfully earned a page in the pop culture history books.
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Olivia Newton-John in Grease (1978)
It wasn't all poodle skirts and cardigans in Grease—Olivia Newton-John also wore a pale yellow spaghetti strap dress in the movie's famous hand jive dance sequence that we'd honestly wear today.
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Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface (1983)
Michelle Pfeiffer exudes glamour wearing various Halston-esque dresses while playing Elvira Hancock in Scarface. Her slinky, plunging-neckline teal evening gown is no exception. Designed by Patricia Norris, the minimalist look has served as inspiration for many fashion moments since the film premiered in 1983.
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Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing (1987)
They rehearsed all summer long, and, boy, that final dance did not disappoint, although that light pink A-line dress—paired with Patrick Swayze's all-black getup—nearly stole the show. So, what'd we learn? 1) Nobody puts Baby in the corner, and 2) Baby's style choices are extremely underrated.
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Vanessa Bell Calloway in Coming to America (1988)
Vanessa Bell Calloway's entrance at the beginning of Coming to America as the intended wife in the arranged marriage with Eddie Murphy's character is unforgettable. Partly due to her downright regal evening gown made of black sheer paneling and gold embroidered lace.
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Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (1990)
There are too many fashion moments in Pretty Woman to count, so we'll just give credit where credit is due to Vivian's most glam moment. The off-the-shoulder evening gown she wears to the opera is red hot.
Janaya Wecker Lifestyle Editor Janaya is a Lifestyle Editor for Hearst Magazines.
Source: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/g32447915/best-movie-dresses/
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