Have you ever been watching a film, enjoying and engaging with the story, finding yourself lost in the action… when all of a sudden time stops? An actress steps into the screen and takes your breath away. It’s not what she says or does that captures your attention, but what she is wearing. Her outfit is so perfect… so completely wonderful… that it burns into your mind and takes up space in the closet of your dreams. You are convinced that wearing an outfit so lovely would make everything in the world possible.
As a film and television lover, I believe that a character’s wardrobe tells just as much of the story as the dialogue does. Clothes set a sense of time and place and speak of the character’s personality, motivations, and dreams. There have been so many dresses on screen that have captured my attention… way too many to name. However, here are ten looks that I still hope find their way into my wardrobe someday.
Judy Garland in Meet Me In St. Louis: The dress from this film that stole my heart was the dress Esther (Garland) wears to the Christmas Ball. This rich, red velvet gown had a sweetheart neckline and puffed sleeves and was paired with a simple string of pearls and white gloves. She stands out amongst the others at the dance in the candlelight. The moment Esther is whirled behind the Christmas tree by her Grandpa and emerges with her boyfriend, John, is one of the most magical and romantic moments I’ve seen.
Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas: To be honest, I love most of Clooney’s clothes in this movie. But the dress she wears in the Carousel Club scene is amazing! This is truly a revenge dress. It’s suited so well to her hourglass shape, has a uniquely scalloped neckline, and a glorious rhinestone brooch on her backside.
Amy Adams in Enchanted: This may not be the most famous dress cut from the household drapes, but it’s my favorite. I adore the princess cut and the pastel colors of this dress. The chiffon petticoat flows gorgeously when Giselle (Adams) dances and twirls through Central Park, while all of New York joins her. GOALS!
Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina: Every single outfit I have ever seen Hepburn wear is a dream. She literally helped the “Little Black Dress” become a necessary part of every woman’s wardrobe and made classic chic style seem effortless. But, it’s this cream colored, black beaded gown that has my whole heart.
Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose in West Side Story: I absolutely cannot choose between the two Anitas on film. Whether it is Moreno in lavender with a petticoat in shades of purple, or DeBose in yellow with a red petticoat, the dresses both women wear in the America dance sequence are mesmerizing. I swear if I were twirling in a skirt like this, I would never stop!
Kate Winslet in Titanic: I think the whole world had their breath taken away the moment Rose (Winslet) stepped onto the staircase. Her turn of the century, sheer black, silver beaded gown, with a blush layer underneath is so completely romantic. And the way Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) gazes at her while she walks toward him is every girl’s dream.
Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music: I know that not every dress that Maria (Andrews) wears in this movie is enviable, but there are two that I think are just perfect. The blue floral chiffon dress she wears in the gazebo scene is vintage, simple, and lovely. Her dirndl style dress from the ball is also wonderful. I love the embroidered flowers and mint buttoned bodice.
Grace Kelly in Rear Window: Clean, elegant, and perfect. This dress with a simple black v-neck bodice and fluffy, embroidered tulle skirt is an absolute vintage dream.
Emma Watson in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: It’s no wonder that this is the moment Hermione’s (Watson) friends noticed that she was pretty. The ombre berry colors and layers of cascading chiffon with a blush satin bodice are so feminine and romantic.
Emma Stone in La La Land: The vivid jewel tones of this film are what immediately drew me in. I love the costumes of the opening dance sequence and every single dress Stone wears during the movie. But, I can’t decide which dress I love more… the yellow dress from Someone in the Crowd or the emerald dress from the scene at the observatory. All I know is both scenes prompted me to buy bright, flowy dresses and to take tap lessons. (Seriously!)
Obviously, dresses are not the only costumes in movies that have spoken deeply to me, and there are gems from television that deserve their own spotlight. (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel deserves a post all of its own!) Maybe I will commission someone to create one of these looks for me! What are the Hollywood fashion moments that have inspired you?
Forty Fat and Fabulous 