The Most Iconic Movie Dresses of All Time (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grace Kelly's perfectly poised character in Alfred Hitchco*ck'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.