15 Gorgeous Movie Dresses That Almost Outshined the Actresses Who Wore Them

Dresses also have their role in movies. They can impress viewers as much as the plot twists or someone’s acting talent. And, not surprisingly, the costumes of some heroines are so beautiful they have entered fashion history.

At Bright Side, we don’t just watch movies for the sake of great acting and compelling stories but also to admire the gorgeous dresses. We are sure that you’ll also get your dose of aesthetic pleasure below.

Fiona Johnson, The Matrix (1999)

“Were you listening to me, Neo? Or were you looking at the woman in the red dress?” Morpheus asked. The stunning red dress attracts even more attention against the backdrop of black suits. This approach works for both viewers and the movie characters. In The Matrix, it becomes clear that the woman in red is a deliberate distraction, a simulated character who is a part of the Agent training program. While the woman appears harmless, she wears a vibrant shade of red in order to distract trainees, triggering what’s known as the “red dress effect.”

Nicole Kidman, The Golden Compass (2007)

The gold gown worn by Nicole Kidman’s character, Mrs. Coulter, in The Golden Compass was designed around a small piece of lace. Costume designer Ruth Myers drew inspiration from old Hollywood and pure glamour and said she wanted moviegoers to get a sense that Kidman’s body flows rather than moves through the clothes.

Léa Seydoux, Beauty and the Beast (2014)

Belle puts on a royal emerald green dress when she enters the Beast’s castle. She wanders through the forest in it and finds the grave of a deer, who was the beloved of the owner of the castle (she was the Nymph of the Forest who became human to experience love). This dress, like the other costumes in the film, was designed by Pierre-Yves Gayraud, and collectively they combine the elements of the Empire and Renaissance styles.

Mélanie Laurent, Inglorious Bastards (2009)

This bright scarlet 1940s style dress, which was created by costume designer Anna B. Sheppard, reveals the heroine’s desire to avenge her family. The fact that her lipstick and nail polish match her dress emphasizes her determination and forebodes the dramatic ending of the scene in the movie theater where the villains have gathered.

Emma Stone, La La Land (2016)

Emma Stone’s character wears a retro-style blue cocktail dress, from designer Mary Zofres, to the party where she meets Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). In the movie, the blue color stands for the creative potential, which both Mia and Sebastian have. He also wears a blue suit in the same scene.

Olivia Hussey, Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Juliet’s dress, like all the costumes in this movie, fully corresponds to the historical time — the style of the 15th century. For the clothes of the Capulet family, to which Juliet belongs, the costume designer chose a crimson shade of red, and a restrained blue for the Montague clan.

Kirsten Dunst, Marie Antoinette (2006)

Costume designer Milena Canonero created clothes not just in the style of the era, but also with a secret meaning. This dress with the floral pattern, for example, that matches the pattern on the walls is worn by Marie Antoinette when she reads a disappointing letter from home. The letter says that her brothers and sisters have already had children, but she still hasn’t had any. Marie Antoinette obeys the rules of life in luxurious Versailles and literally loses herself, trying to fulfill someone else’s will.

Marilyn Monroe, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

The most glamorous blonde of the ’50s, Marilyn Monroe, wears a gorgeous pink satin bustier dress with matching evening gloves. She performs the famous song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in them, captivating the audience. Subsequently, the pink dress became a fashion icon, and the subject of numerous imitations, most famously from Madonna in the music video for her 1985 song “Material Girl.”

Emma Watson, Beauty and the Beast (2017)

The yellow ball gown from Disney’s animated movie Beauty and the Beast was recreated in the movie with minor changes. Emma Watson wanted her Belle to be modern, strong, and daring, but the dress of the animated princess created a slightly different atmosphere. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran tried to find a balance between the delicate doll dress and the new interpretation of the main character.

Cate Blanchett, Cinderella (2015)

Costume designer Sandy Powell drew inspiration from 1940s fashion while designing the evil stepmother’s costumes, making the villainess look stylish, vibrant, and recognizable. Like this poisonous green dress that Cate Blanchett wears at the most important ball of Cinderella’s life.

Rachel McAdams, The Notebook (2004)

Allie returns to Noah in this simple yet graceful buttoned dress. And when they finally meet, one of the most memorable romantic scenes unfolds — a kiss in the rain. Costume designer Karyn Wagner says that she spent some time drawing what she thought both reflected the era and reflected who Allie is supposed to become, along with the woman she wants to be, which were in direct conflict. The color of that dress is about hope.

Carey Mulligan, The Great Gatsby (2013)

This heroine’s beige dress seems quite simple in its cut, but it’s richly decorated with crystal drops. Daisy puts it on for one of Gatsby’s lavish parties, where he tells her that they are only arranged for her. According to costume designer Catherine Martin, this dress is inspired by look 33 from Prada’s Spring/Summer 2010 runway collection.

Anya Taylor-Joy, Emma (2020)

Compared to the other more complex outfits of the heroine, this one is a very simple, but delicate and memorable dress. The floral ornament matches the views of nature in the scene where Emma learns about George Knightley’s feelings. This visual harmony is not so much an idea from the film director and cameraman, as it is the decision of costume designer Alexandra Byrne, who wanted to use color in such a strong way there would be moments where Emma belonged in her environment and times when she was at odds with it.

Emma Watson, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

The delicate pink dress with ruffles is Hermione’s first truly feminine look (and dress) in the Harry Potter movies. Thanks to the dress and the new hairstyle, Harry and Ron finally notice that Hermione is not just a friend and an excellent student, but also an attractive girl.

Liv Tyler, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2003)

This velvet elven dress with gorgeous embroidery is called Requiem (it was signed in the movie costume exhibition this way). It’s probably because Arwen wears it in the scene where her father persuades her to say goodbye to her dreams of living with an ordinary man and convinces her to sail away to Valinor — the realm of the immortal elves.

Which of these dresses would you want to try on? Tell us in the comments below.