The Most Famous Outfits in Film History

By Alexus Mosley

There are a great deal of components that constitute what one may consider a great film. More evident are the plot, writing, and acting. Though these factors are more often considered, it is the slighter elements that truly make a cinematic output magical. The type of film, set design, editing, and music are the key pieces that flawlessly tie the ends of a story together. Naturally, costume design is also significant in storytelling.

Wordlessly, costumes communicate a character’s personality to viewers. When done properly, it establishes a character so that even the most well known actor’s true identity is forgotten in exchange for the one they portray. At least that is the main goal of a costume designer. Though there are those that go above and beyond conveying a character’s persona. They (rather by strategy or by luck is unknown) make history.

Today we celebrate the costumes in film history that are sometimes more memorable than the character that wore them. Being able to stand alone, these outfits are so recognizable they can (and have) made for great Halloween costumes.

Film: The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Character: “The Girl”

Portrayed by: Marilyn Monroe

Costume Designer: William Travilla

We’re not certain if it’s the actual dress or the fact that it was being blown up as Marilyn stood on the subway vent that is so iconic. Either way you’ve got to love it.

Film: Clueless (1995)

Character: Cher Horowitz

Portrayed by: Alicia Silverstone

Costume Designer: Mona May

Though it were big names like Alaïa and Calvin Klein that scored the comedic lines, it is the Mona May designed plaid yellow suit that Cher wears in the movie’s opening that is the forever fan favorite.

Film: Gone with the Wind (1940)

Character: Scarlett O’Hara

Portrayed by: Vivien Leigh

Costume Designer: Walter Plunkett

Film: Grease (1978)

Character: Sandy Olsen

Portrayed by: Olivia Newton-John

Costume Designer: Albert Wolsky

Film: Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019)

Character: Beyoncé

Costume Designer: Olivier Rousteing

Beyoncé made history as the first Black woman to ever headline annual music festival Coachella with her HBCU Homecoming themed performance while wearing a custom made jumper embellished with her own fictional sorority BAK (also in pink) and boots with holographic tassels.

Film: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Character: Lorelei Lee

Portrayed by: Marilyn Monroe

Costume Designer: William Travilla

Worn during of the most iconic musical numbers in cinematic history, this outfit has been replicated many times. Including by Pop phenomenon Madonna for her “Material Girl” music video in 1984.

Film: Mean Girls (2004)

Character: Regina George

Portrayed by: Rachel McAdams

Costume Designer: Mary Jane Fort

Though this teen comedy was was filled with the best of Juicy Couture velour tracksuits, peplum skirts, and letter charm necklaces, Regina George’s A Little Bit Dramatic graphic tee And not pink pumps stole the audience’s heart and memory.

Film: Purple Rain (1984)

Character: The Kid

Portrayed by: Prince

Costume Designer: Marie France

Film: Carmen (1954)

Character: Carmen Jones

Portrayed by: Dorothy Dandridge

Costume Designer: Mary Ann Nyberg

Film: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Character: Holly Golightly

Portrayed by: Audrey Hepburn

Costume Designer: Hubert de Givenchy

The little black that sparked the love for all little black dresses. This outfit (complete with a party tiara) is so famous that many who wear it as a costume admit to never have even watched the movie.

Film: The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Character: Dorthy E. Gale

Portrayed by: Judy Garland

Costume Designer: Adrian Adolph Greenberg

And of course Dorothy just isn’t Dorothy without her ruby slippers.