56 of the most epic movie costumes of all time (yes, including Andie Anderson's yellow dress)
You know that feeling when you're housebound for six months (and counting...) and have completed Netflix? Same.
But while you may have already smashed your way through Tiger King, Too Hot To Handle and Normal People (twice), there's a whole new world of things to watch while you procrastinate a bit more, putting off that wardrobe clear out that you've been 'too manic' to make a start on just yet.
In fact, we don't know why we didn't think of it before. Perhaps we were too busy falling in love with Paul Mescal and perfecting our Dalgona coffee recipe, but there's a whole other world of entertainment just waiting to be devoured. That's right, it's time to rewatch some of the world's all-time classic movies...
One of our favourite things about rewatching the most epic films? Other than knowing every single line and driving our partner wild by saying each one a couple of seconds before the actress does (it truly riles them every time), we just can't help but enjoy falling back in love with the costumes all over again.
A good wardrobe department can certainly make a film more enjoyable, but great ones can make it truly iconic and incredibly memorable. And there is an array of amazing costume designers who have created some seriously incredible works of art.
From Kate Hudson's slinky yellow gown in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days to Lupita Nyong'o's empowering armour in Black Panther - not forgetting the outfits from movies such as Titanic, Clueless and Grease or those we fell for in Pretty Woman and Kill Bill - sartorial reminiscence is the perfect form of escapism right now.
We look back at the good, the amazing and the utterly fabulous costumes to have ever graced the big screen. We hope we've included your all-time favourite...
ShutterstockFilm: Black Panther
Character: Nakia
Played by: Lupita Nyong'o
Bursting with beautiful, empowering costumes, it's the warriors' embroidered red armour that particularly stands out. With metal plates doubling up as epic bracelets and necklaces, and elegant pattern-work to the central fabrics, the entire movie's wardrobe is a work of art.
Rex FeaturesFilm: How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Character: Andie Anderson
Played by: Kate Hudson
This full-length yellow silk gown that Composure Magazine's Andie Anderson wore during the end of How to Lose a guy in 10 days captivated fashion fans all over the world. If only we looked this good in yellow...
ShutterstockFilm: Catwoman
Character: Patience Phillips/Catwoman
Played by: Halle Berry
The badass leather look combined with her kickass character, Halle Berry was the perfect Catwoman.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Pretty Woman
Character: Vivian Ward
Played by: Julia Roberts
The moment that Vivian truly transforms into a sophisticated and elegant lady is marked by this amazing brown spotty dress, which she wears to the races. Complete with a stunning straw hat and belt which cinches in the waist, this is a classic movie favourite.
ShutterstockFilm: Legally Blonde
Character: Elle Woods
Played by: Reese Witherspoon
She may have initially been embarrassed turning up to a non-costume-party party in this get-up, but in typically brilliant fashion she makes it work. The embarrassment also serves to motivate her to work even harder at Law school.
ShutterstockFilm: Crazy Rich Asians
Character: Rachel Chu
Played by: Constance Wu
One of our favourite films of 2018, this brilliant comedy served up some seriously major fashion moments. The most memorable, of course, being this Cinderella-esque sky blue gown which is now housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
ShutterstockFilm: The Bodyguard
Character: Rachel
Played by: Whitney Houston
A wet-look bustier, a beaded neckpiece, a silver headpiece, and a fringed skirt... we bow down to this look almost as much as we do that soundtrack.
Rex FeaturesFilm: James Bond: Dr. No
Character: Honey Ryder
Played by: Ursula Andress
Being able to carry a dagger at your waist while all you're wearing is a bikini is actually fairly clever if you think about it. Perhaps this is the reason the "outfit" Honey Ryder was first presented in became so memorable. Or perhaps it was because Ursula looked completely fantastic in her white bikini.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Clueless
Character: Cher Horowitz
Played by: Alicia Silverstone
Aaaah, Cher. She taught us so much about boys, high school and most importantly, fashion. Arguably her most iconic costume was this bright yellow checkered suit, complete with knee-high socks and a cute knitted waistcoat.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Titanic
Character: Rose DeWitt Bukater
Played by: Kate Winslet
Who could forget Rose's sequinned elegant gown from the scene in Titanic where she waits for Jack on the staircase? The dress featured a sharp square neckline and was paired with white silk gloves and a rather large jewelled necklace.
AlamyFilm: The Princess Diaries
Character: Mia Thermopolis
Played by: Anne Hathaway
When Mia finally decides she is willing to live her life as a princess, she needs a dress fit for a princess... and this is exactly what she got. Her gorgeous white strapless dress was topped off with a pretty, intricately designed tiara.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Sex and the City Movie
Character: Carrie Bradshaw
Played by: Sarah Jessica Parker
It's the Vivienne Westwood dress that kicked Carrie's suit's little ass, and it's the most memorable costume from the film. The large silk white gown is the piece Carrie is dressed in when Big leaves her jilted at the alter; setting off the synopsis for the entire first movie. And who could forget the blue bird Patricia Field put in Carrie's hair?!
Rex FeaturesFilm: The Seven Year Itch
Character: The Girl
Played by: Marilyn Monroe
The image of The Girl in a billowing white dress is perhaps the most recognisable picture of Marilyn Monroe. The designer responsible for the costume was William Travilla, who is award-winning. Following Marilyn's death, Travilla kept the dress in his collection, up until his own death in 1990. The piece is now owned by a buyer who paid over $5.6 million during an auction.
ShutterstockFilm: La La Land
Character: Mia
Played by: Emma Stone
The most memorable scene of the film, this yellow dress was mimicked and replicated endlessly by its most loyal fans. It also continues to encourage us to revisit the sunny colour within our own existing wardrobes.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Mary Poppins
Character: Mary Poppins
Played by: Julie Andrews
Red scarf? Check. Floral hat? Check. Umbrella and bottomless bag? Check, check. Mary Poppins is just as much known for her smart clothes and magical accessories as she is for her brilliant way with children.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Mad Max Fury World
Character:
Imperator Furiosa
Played by: Charlize Theron
Costume designer Jenny Beavan won an Oscar in 2016 for her work on Mad Max Fury Road, a remake of the 80s classic, this time set in post-apocalyptic wilderness.
Rex FeaturesFilm: The Danish Girl
Character: Lili Elbe
Played by: Eddie Redmayne
It seems fitting that The Danish Girl, which follows the story of Lili Elbe, who was one of the very first people in history to undergo sex reassignment surgery, should be set in the 20s when women's fashion trends were undergoing a liberation - shapes became looser, allowing for freer movement. The inspiration for the costumes was Coco Chanel, a pioneer in creating women's clothes that weren't restrictive.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Carol
Character: Carol Aird
Played by: Cate Blanchett
Carol was set in 1952, before the traditional full-skirted styles that we associate with the 50s were mainstream. Blanchett's costumes, therefore, are a fusion of 40s silhouettes with nods to the 50s - gloves worn for formal daytime, sailor necklines and dresses with a nipped in waist.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Atonement
Character: Cecilia Tallis
Played by: Keira Knightley
Recently voted 'Best Costume of All Time' by Sky Movies, Cecilia's green dress has become the defining costume in the 2007 adaptation of Ian McEwan's wonderful book. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran is the artist responsible for the creation. The stunning emerald green colour was requested by director Joe Wright, and alludes to jealously and temptation: two of the film's overriding themes.
Rex FeaturesFilm: The Virgin Suicides
Character: Lux Lisbon
Played by: Kirsten DunstIf ever you're in need of summer wardrobe inspiration, look no further than The Virgin Suicides, in which the five starring doomed sisters are dressed in varying 70s floaty, white dresses. Shot by Sofia Coppola, it's all so beautiful it could be a Chloe campaign.
Rex FeaturesFilm: American Hustle
Character: Sydney Prosser
Played by: Amy Adams
Michael Wilkinson, who worked as the costume designer for American Hustle, managed to make the 70s look sophisticated, elegant and glamorous. While the film featured several beautiful creations, including Amy Adams' stunning silver sequinned gown, the outfit she wears when about to board the private jet stands out in our minds the most. The elegant floppy hat and fur-collared coat represent her transition from small-town girl to sophisticated Manhattan lady.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Anna Karenina
Character: Anna Karenina
Played by: Keira Knightley
Another Wright-Knightley-Durran partnership marked the display of yet more fabulously meticulous designs, including Anna's stunning fur collars, scarves and headpieces. The costume in the film added to the drama and glamour of the story line, and helped to emphasise the rise (and fall) of Anna in the eyes of Count Vronsky.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Basic Instinct
Character: Catherine Tramell
Played by: Sharon Stone
The white dress worn by Sharon Stone during the interrogation scene of Basic Instinct serves as a representation of a devil in a white dress. It is also the outfit worn during the most memorable scene in the movie: when Catherine Tramell uncrosses her legs and reveals she is not wearing any underwear.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Breakfast at Tiffany's
Character: Holly Golightly
Played by: Audrey Hepburn
Quite possibly the most famous little black dress of all time, Hepburn's costume was designed by none other than Hubert de Givenchy (founder of Givenchy) and was worn in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's. The film is arguably remembered more for this iconic costume, rather than its actual storyline.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Cleopatra
Character: Cleopatra
Played by: Elizabeth Taylor
Large gold jewellery, graphic winged eyeliner and a seriously glamorous outfit: it must be Cleopatra. The 60s film is one of Elizabeth Taylor's most defining roles, and the costumes some of the most memorable.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Grease
Character: Sandy
Played by: Olivia Newton-John
What could be more iconic and memorable than Sandy's tough biker-chic transformation for the final scene of Grease. The off-the-shoulder top and high-waisted belted trousers (which Olivia Newton-John had to be sewn into) sparked the design of many modern-day fashion pieces, most notably the disco pant.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Kill Bill
Character: The Bride
Played by: Uma Thurman
Kick-ass characters need kick-ass costumes, and The Bride's yellow and black striped co-ord and matching trainers did the job like no other, so much so, that when you think of the film Kill Bill you often think of the bright yellow suit first.
Film: A Bigger Splash
Character: Marianne Lane
Played by: Tilda Swinton
Dior dressed Tilda Swinton for this epically stylish film, including a chic shirtdress, an elegant backless evening gown and of course signature mirrored sunglasses. It's the summer wardrobe of our dreams.
Rex FeaturesFilm: King Kong
Character: Ann Darrow
Played by: Naomi Watts
As well as being historically accurate (the 1930's was the decade evening dresses were recognised in the couture category), the simple white dress Naomi Watts wears after returning from skull island is in many ways is the most iconic look of the film. Designer Terry Ryan ensured the dress was simple, but had a touch of glamour in order to represent New York in the 30s. The white dress made Ann look even more feminine and fragile in comparison to the huge, frightening King Kong.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Cinderella
Character: Cinderella
Played by: Lily James
Lily James' Cinderella ballgown took 20 people and 500 man hours, using eight skirts. Over 111,000 Swarovski crystals were added for necessary fairytale charm. Her Swarovski glass slipper weighed just over 1kg.
Getty ImagesFilm: Rebel Without a Cause
Character: Jim Stark
Played by: James Dean
Ever wondered where the white tee and jeans combo really took off for men? Look right this way. James Dean's impeccably simple but sexy style won us all over in Rebel Without a Cause.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Romeo & Juliet
Character: Juliet Capulet
Played by: Claire Danes
That iconic balcony scene in the 1996 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet was made even more memorable by Claire Danes' bold angel wings and innocent white dress. This is the outfit we as viewers first see Juliet in, as well as the outfit Romeo first sees her in, making it the most special of the film.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Thelma & Louise
Characters: Thelma & Louise
Played by: Geena Davis & Susan Sarandon
Thelma & Louise is one of the biggest and best road trip adventure movies which is set in the USA. The lead roles needed outfits which were just as cool. It was the 90s, and high-waisted mom-style jeans were in, as were cool band T-shirts and double denim. Thelma and Louise rocked the look better than anyone.
Rex FeaturesFilm: The Wizard of Oz
Character: Dorothy
Played by: Judy Garland
Dorothy's checkered blue and white pinafore marked the character's innocence, and was, of course, clothing appropriate to the time. Her ruby red slippers, however, define the film entirely, and are the key to Dorothy's safe passage back home. There really is no place like home...
Rex FeaturesFilm: Black Swan
Character: Nina Sayers
Played by: Natalie Portman
Nina's struggle with the dark side of her lead role in Swan Lake ends up consuming her entirely, which is represented by the change in her outfit. This majestic costume was designed intricately by Amy Westcott, and was contributed to by the Rodarte sisters. The collaboration between the sisters and Amy soon became controversial, however, when the question over how much input the sisters had arose after only Amy was considered for Best Costume Designer.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Coco Before Chanel
Character: Coco Chanel
Played by: Audrey Tautou
Before she became one of the most influential designers in history, Coco Chanel stuck to the basics: crisp white shirts, black blazers and chic fabrics. If you are yet to watch this film, do it now, even if only for the fashion.
Rex FeaturesFilm: The Wild One
Character: Johnny Strabler
Played by: Marlon Brando
Defining rebel style, Marlon Brando's Strabler rocked a tough leather jacket, motorbike boots and rolled-up jeans like no other. His costume was reflective of his attitude, and became memorable in audience's minds.
Rex FeaturesFilm: My Fair Lady
Character: Eliza Doolittle
Played by: Audrey Hepburn
Eliza Doolittle's transformation into an elegant and sophisticated lady was nowhere clearer than in her costume change. Designed by Cecil Beaton, the extravagant outfit is worn when Eliza attends the Royal Ascot horse races, and nearly blows her cover and reveals her identity by shouting in a stream of cockney.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Beauty And The Beast
Character: Belle
The scene in which Belle makes her entrance down the grand stairs and dances with the Beast (all to the sound of a tea pot singing, of course) is made even more special by her large yellow gown. We always thought yellow was a colour which is impossible to look good in, and yet Belle totally rocks it.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Butterfield 8
Character: Gloria Wandrous
Played by: Elizabeth Taylor
Dressed in nothing but the best fabrics and styles, Gloria Wandrous is possibly one of the only characters we know who can rock the 'underwear as outerwear' trend. Helen Rose's costumes in the film peaked when Elizabeth Taylor wore this fabulously decadent slip-dress, seen in the first scene of the film.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Indecent Proposal
Character: Diana Murphy
Played by: Demi Moore
Moore's cut-out dress became a talking point following the film's release. The strappy black LBD cost a whopping $5,000 and was designed by Thierry Mugler.
PARAMOUNT/THE KOBAL COLLECTIONFilm: A Place In The Sun
Character: Angela Vickers
Played by: Elizabeth Taylor
Costume designer Edith Head won one of her eight Academy Awards for costume design by designing the prom-style ball gown worn by Elizabeth Taylor in A Place in the Sun, and, when looking closely at the dress, we can see why. With a fixed bodice and flowing netted skirt, this piece is the definition of iconic.
PARAMOUNT/THE KOBAL COLLECTIONFilm: To Catch A Thief
Character: Frances Stevens
Played by: Grace Kelly
Edith Head was also responsible for the masterpiece that was Grace Kelly's icy blue chiffon dress, which debuted in 1954 blockbuster To Catch a Thief. The dress was worn without jewellery or accessories, but stood out within the film.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Shakespeare In Love
Character: Viola De Lesseps
Played by: Gwyneth Paltrow
The costumes in Shakespeare in Love are all fantastic, but the most memorable is Viola's wedding dress, which is complete with a thick quilted bodice.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Sabrina
Character: Sabrina Fairchild
Played by: Audrey Hepburn
Audrey's first collaboration with Givenchy proved just as impressive as all those that followed. This stunning white strapless ballgown with gold detailing totally stole the show in Sabrina.
Rex FeaturesFilm: The Duchess
Character: Georgiana Cavendish
Played by: Keira Knightley
BAFTA award-winning costume designer Michael O'Connor created the Georgian-style costumes for Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes in The Duchess. The wedding outfit, shown in this picture, was the most memorable, and reflected the best of Georgian attire.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Gentleman Prefer Blondes
Character: Lorelei Lee
Played by: Marilyn Monroe
This shocking pink dress, created by William Travilla, was worn when Marilyn Monroe performed the famous sequence for 'Diamond's are a girl's best friend'. Our favourite aspect of this stunning bold dress is the oversized bow on the back. Oh, and the decadent matching gloves, of course.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Out of Africa
Character: Karen Dinesen
Played by: Meryl Streep
The smart but safari-like attire worn by Meryl Streep in one of her most defining roles as Karen Dinesen impressed audiences, and had an influence on fashion at the time. Designers like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent and Thierry Mugler took influence from the designs for their collections following the film's release.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Scarface
Character: Elvira Hancock
Played by: Michelle Pfeiffer
Disco culture was defined by Michelle Pfeiffer's exciting wardrobe in 80s hit Scarface. Patricia Norris' designs were sultry and referenced Halston, with this shimmery sea-green chemise dress (complete with gold detailing and thigh-high split) being one of the most recognisable.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Marie Antoinette
Character: Marie Antoinette
Played by: Kirsten Dunst
Marie Antoinette's voluminous jewelled wedding dress reflects the epitome of style in Versailles during the Rococo period. The rest of the costumes from the 2006 film were arguably just as impressive, but this is the outfit that stands out to us the most due to its pure decadence and luxury.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Pretty In Pink
Character: Andie Walsh
Played by: Mollie Ringwald
The scene in which Blane finally admits his love for Andie is made even more iconic by the costume chosen. Mollie Ringwald's silk and lace pink spotty dress is not one of our favourite prom dresses in history, but it well and truly caught our attention all the same.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Never Been Kissed
Character: Josie Geller
Played by: Drew Barrymore
The dress that saw Josie wait for Mr. Coulson to come and kiss her on the pitcher's mound was pretty, feminine and charming. Josie had finally become the ultimate movie heroine, and this dress marked the occasion.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Moulin Rouge
Character: Satine
Played by: Nicole Kidman
This red satin gown was worn during the elephant love medley scene in the film, and was paired with sultry ruby lips and Nicole Kidman's beautiful red hair. The dress was designed by John Papadopoulas; an expert in theatrical design.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Pretty Woman
Character: Vivian Ward
Played by: Julia Roberts
Just as memorable as Vivian's elegant brown and white spotty dress (if not more so) this phenomenal red dress truly marked Vivian's transformation into a sophisticated lady. It was also the costume worn when Julia and Richard (Gere) famously improvised the scene in which he closed a necklace box on her hand, causing her to laugh infectiously out loud.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Sleeping Beauty
Character: Princess Aurora
Princess Aurora's dress changes from pink to blue and back again after fairies argue over which colour it should be. Nevertheless, it is an iconic dress worn by an iconic character.
Rex FeaturesFilm: Titanic
Character: Rose DeWitt Bukater
Played by: Kate Winslet
Rose's first entrance onto the ship is marked by her smart and ladylike suited dress and large hat. She is the epitome of luxury and first-class style when we are introduced to her, which is reflected in her monochrome ensemble.
