There are many moments on film that can make us both laugh and cry, but only few can captivate our attention with its scene-stealing wardrobe.
Throughout the last few decades of film, there have been countless moments where an item of clothing, or an entire wardrobe, has not only defined a character but the actress themselves.
From Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast At Tiffany’s ensemble to Anne Hathaway’s thigh-high Chanel boots from The Devil Wears Prada, there are a plethora of stylistic moments that will go down in history.
Below, we’ve rounded up 15 of the most show-stopping fashion moments in film of all time, from 1961 to 2018.
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)
The second that Audrey Hepburn stepped out onto Fifth Avenue in New York City in her stunning Givenchy gown, she made history. Hepburn and Givenchy met and collaborated on the set of Sabrina in 1954 and their life-long professional partnership bloomed.
Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra (1963)
Elizabeth Taylor’s extravagant wardrobe for Cleopatra consisted of 65 costumes all together. Thanks to the film, snake rings, arm cuffs, maxi dresses, as well as the “Cleopatra Eye” makeup trend became all the rage.
Faye Dunaway in Bonnie And Clyde (1967)
While the film was set in the 1930s, Faye Dunaway’s wardrobe was easily inspired by the fashion on the late ’60s. From berets and belted tweed coats to fine knits and neckerchiefs, being a thief has never looked so chic.
Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (1977)
While the film sparked a huge spike in androgynous dressing, Keaton’s waistcoats, high-waisted trousers and bowler hats are still iconic to this day. Identical to Keaton’s real-life wardrobe, she explained in her book: “I stole what I wanted to wear from the cool-looking women on the streets of SoHo. Annie’s khaki pants, vest, and tie came from them.”
Olivia Newton John in Grease (1978)
Olivia Newton John’s transformation from innocent to show-stopping continues to be one of the most fashion moments of all time. And it was enough to give us chills, they’re multiplying…
Winona Ryder in Heathers (1988)
From the bright, padded blazers and coloured tights to the plaid prints and monochrome colour blocking, the ’80s cool girl clique from Heathers were model pupils, when it came to fashion.
Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (1990)
There are many fashion-worthy moments in Pretty Woman, but who could ever forget Roberts’ red floor-length gown with white elbow-high gloves that she wore to the opera. And we guess the necklace adorned with rubies and diamonds would help too.
Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct (1992)
It’s hard to see a white sheath dress without thinking of Sharon Stone’s infamous scene in Basic Instinct. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick designed the ensemble herself, making sure she kept the piece clean and striking. In doing so, she created the ultimate femme fatale.
Alicia Silverstone in Clueless (1995)
Whether you’re a rock-fan or not, Kate Hudson’s 1970s-inspired wardrobe was enough to have you becoming a groupie. Aviators, embroidered blouses, suede-everything and flared denims jeans, Hudson’s shearling coat is still at the top of our wish list.
Kate Hudson in Almost Famous (2000)
Whether you’re a rock-fan or not, Kate Hudson’s 1970s-inspired wardrobe was enough to have you becoming a groupie. Aviators, embroidered blouses, suede-everything and flared denims jeans, Hudson’s shearling coat is still at the top of our wish list.
Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Whether its Gucci, Fendi, Prada or Chanel, no luxury designer was left out of the Devil Wears Prada costume department. And from Hathaway’s black evening wear gown to those iconic thigh-high Chanel boots, each of her outfits were instantly added to our must-buy list.
Keira Knightley in Atonement (2007)
Knightley’s emerald silk gown from Atonement is easily one of the best fashion moments of all time. And it’s not hard to see why. Designed by Jacqueline Durran, the impeccable cut and the way it sits on the body are all the more reason to wish you had it for yourself.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex And The City: The Movie (2008)
If the hit-series wasn’t enough to convince you of its fashion prowess, then the Sex And The City movie is sure to seal the deal. From the lessons in bold colours and statement accessories, Patricia Field’s timeless yet on-trend choices for Sarah Jessica Parker will remain iconic for years to come.
Julianne Moore in A Single Man (2009)
When Tom Ford directs a film, you can bet that the styling is going to be phenomenal. And that it was. With Julianne Moore’s scene-stealing acting, her ’60s-esque black-and-white dress and statement earrings have us wishing we were back in time.
Constance Wu in Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Wu’s Cinderella-esque sky blue gown worn in the film’s wedding scene undoubtedly join the ranks as one of the most iconic pop culture fashion moments of all time. The Marchesa gown was so monumental that it currently lives on exhibit at the National Museum of American History.
Kate Hudson in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)
Kate Hudson as “how-to” journalist Andie Anderson was already an iconic role, but it was her breath-taking moment in that yellow Carolina Herrera dress that certified the rom-com as having its place in fashion history. To this day, yellow dresses remain in high rotation, with all of us trying to have our Andie Anderson moment.