10 Iconic Dresses in World Cinema

From Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, cinema has produced timeless dresses that have become symbols of style and femininity. Let’s explore them with ELLE Vietnam in the following article.

In the history of cinema, there are dresses that serve not only the storyline but also stand as cultural statements—fashion icons that endure through time. The dresses below have transcended the screen, becoming endless sources of inspiration, shaping style across decades, and leaving an indelible mark on the minds of fashion enthusiasts.

Marilyn Monroe – the pink dress in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

The moment Marilyn Monroe appeared in the vibrant pink satin gown, wearing gloves and a diamond-adorned necklace, it became an immortal image of seduction. Designed by film costume designer William Travilla, the dress gave Marilyn Monroe a sweet, doll-like allure while also embodying the glamour of a true silver-screen icon—most notably in her legendary performance of ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.’

Seven decades later, the dress remains an endless source of inspiration, with female artists from Madonna and Kylie Minogue to Ariana Grande all recreating this mesmerizing look.

Marilyn Monroe – The Seven Year Itch (1955)Marilyn Monroe – The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Perhaps director Billy Wilder of The Seven Year Itch never imagined that when he asked Marilyn Monroe to stand over a subway ventilation grate, that moment would become one of the most iconic images in the history of popular culture. Marilyn Monroe playfully interacted with the gust of air blowing up her pleated white halter dress, and the film went on to become a resounding success.

Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Without the need for extravagance, Audrey Hepburn redefined modern elegance for women with nothing more than a Givenchy little black dress. In the iconic opening scene, Holly Golightly steps out of a taxi with her coffee and croissant, gazing dreamily into the Tiffany & Co. window. That moment created one of the most legendary images in cinema history.

The form-fitting black dress, the long pearl necklace, and the elbow-length black gloves became defining elements for women who admire simplicity, sophistication, and timeless style.

Julia Roberts – Pretty Woman (1990)

No dress from the 1990s can compare to the off-shoulder red gown Julia Roberts wore in the opera scene with Richard Gere. Designed by costume designer Marilyn Vance, the dress features a classic silhouette with a low sweetheart neckline, an open back, and draped detailing at the hips. Together, these elements created a look that was regal and glamorous without feeling distant.

Paired with white gloves and a ruby necklace, this was the dress that changed Vivian Ward’s fate—and the moment Julia Roberts became a new Hollywood icon.

Rachel Green – Friends (1994–2004)

When it comes to 90s fashion trends, one name always comes to mind whenever we search for inspiration on Pinterest: Rachel Green. Friends produced many iconic outfits throughout its ten seasons, but Rachel’s mint-green dress remains the standard.

The bodycon silhouette with a simple square neckline perfectly accentuates the figure, proving the power of minimalism and classic tailoring. More than thirty years later, the dress is still sought after and reinterpreted in modern capsule collections, reaffirming her status as the first true ‘IT girl’ of pop culture.

Keira Knightley – the dress in Atonement (2007)

More than 15 years since its release, Keira Knightley’s emerald-green silk gown remains one of the most sensual costumes in film history. Created by Jacqueline Durran, the dress—with its backless cut and shimmering satin fabric—made every movement of Knightley irresistibly captivating.

More than just a costume, the gown symbolizes desire, guilt, and love—emotions woven delicately into every soft, silky fold.

Sarah Jessica Parker – Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)

In the scene where Carrie Bradshaw is left at the altar and runs through the streets of Manhattan clutching her pink wedding bouquet, the dress she wore became legendary. It was a Vivienne Westwood design from the Wake Up Cave Girl (2007) collection, featuring a voluminous tiered skirt, an asymmetrical neckline, and ivory satin with a metallic sheen—both wild and luxurious.

Emma Watson – the dress in Beauty and the Beast”

The royal yellow gown Emma Watson wore in Beauty and the Beast is a perfect reinterpretation of the classic image of Belle. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran created the dress from multiple layers of vibrant golden organza, preserving its fairytale essence while giving it a modern touch.

Zendaya – Malcolm & Marie (2021)

Against the black-and-white backdrop of the film, Zendaya’s platinum lamé gown appears like a streak of powerful light. Designed by Aliétte and styled by Law Roach for the movie, the gown—later known as the ‘Zee Dress’—features a halterneck cut, bold cut-out details, and a high slit, combining elegance with sensuality.

Margot Robbie – the dress in Barbie (2023)

When Barbie opens with its vibrant, lively setting, Margot Robbie steps out in a sweet pink gingham dress, setting off a trend with her Barbiecore style. The square neckline, cinched waist, and flared skirt are seen as a revival of classic femininity in an era defined by individuality.When Barbie opens with its vibrant, lively setting, Margot Robbie steps out in a sweet pink gingham dress, setting off a trend with her Barbiecore style. The square neckline, cinched waist, and flared skirt are seen as a revival of classic femininity in an era defined by individuality.