Top 20 Most Iconic Movie Costumes
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Most Iconic Movie Outfits or Costumes.For this list, we’ll be looking at the best, most instantly recognizable clothing and accessory ensembles featured in films. Masks, superhero costumes, and any garb designed to disguise a character’s in-universe identity weren’t considered. We’re also sticking with just live-action. But don’t worry! All of those others are reserved for other lists. Did you recreate any of these looks yourself? Let us know in the comments below!
#20: Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Outfit
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“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise (2003-)
He rocks iconic accessories, smudged eyeliner, and a classic shirt and pant ensemble: Jack Sparrow is a hallmark in the Disney character hall-of-fame. We don’t think it’s a stretch to say his signature look is the most memorable from the franchise. This cheeky scoundrel captivated fans with his seafaring hijinks, and this was greatly emphasized by his costume. Equally rugged and charming, the authenticity of every stitch and buckle drives home his adventurous spirit. As a result, it feels as though Captain Jack Sparrow has lept offscreen and exists in the real world. The proof is the fact that the depths of his fandom seemingly knows no bounds. In fact, several cosplayers make a living impersonating this exemplary pirate.
#19: Rose’s Entrance Gown
“Titanic” (1997)
We’re first introduced to Rose DeWitt Bukater as an elderly woman, but when the film flashes back to the titular series of events, we’re stunned by her second introduction. She’s garbed in a fabulous black-and-white pinstripe ensemble with elegantly placed buttons. It’s topped off with an incredible purple Edwardian-style hat, and we get a sense that she may also be a tad rebellious. This costume foreshadows the splendor of the ship and the high-class folks who set sail. It also highlights the contrast between them and the ship’s working class, as they tend to wear clothes that can get dirty, visually demonstrating a major conflict. Through it all, Rose is a symbol of elegance and allure in this look.
#18: The Black Pants
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“Grease” (1978)
This nostalgic movie musical explored the romance between a bad boy and a girl who was too pure to be pink, according to Rizzo. Sandy Olsson spends the majority of “Grease” in skirts and light pastels, which highlight her good-natured demeanor. But in the final scene, she unveils a startling new look. Wearing high-waisted spandex pants and an off-the-shoulder top, Sandy has reinvented herself as a Greaser. It goes without saying, but the simple, yet unforgettable black ensemble is incredibly flattering. But the outfit’s real magic lies in its cultural legacy. To this day, leather pants and jackets remind us of Sandy, and that’s pretty priceless.
#17: The Puffy Vest
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“Back to the Future” (1985)
Marty McFly’s puffer vest exudes retro cool. When Marty initially travels to the ‘50s, he doesn’t remove his vest on the first day. This emphasizes his misplacement so much that it’s mistaken for a life preserver. As a precursor to the dress fiasco of 2015, there has been some debate over the color of Marty’s vest. Some say red, but the color is actually proven to be orange – a very, very burnt orange. Regardless of which hue you see when you look at it though, the way the vest remains closely associated with the beloved character speaks volumes. In fact, it’s so incredibly popular among fans, there are replicas available to purchase.
#16: The Droogs’ Outfits
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“A Clockwork Orange” (1971)
If you’ve seen this Stanley Kubrick classic, you must know its central gang. These despicable youths wore white outfits adorned with black bowler hats and canes. The contrast between these two elements symbolizes their rebellion and anarchism, while the simplicity of the look makes it striking. They look like average dudes, but something seems a bit… off, which is perfect tonally. The Droogs – and their leader Alex – have become pop culture icons, and we definitely don’t think the outfits hurt! Referenced by “The Simpsons”, Guns N' Roses, and Undercover, their aesthetic lives on in various forms. In essence, this costume represents an anti-establishment attitude that continues to make an unforgettable impact.
#15: Trinity & Neo’s Coat & Sunglasses Combo
“The Matrix” (1999)
One of the most identifiable looks to come out of the ‘90s was this minimalist one featuring black trench coats and matching shades. Not only do these outfits perfectly fit with the film’s sci-fi theme, but they also symbolize the characters’ profound development. The audience witnesses Neo’s transformation from a meek programmer to an ultra-awesome hero. Instead of a drab office uniform, he wears a stylish black coat. And Trinity’s leather jacket emphasizes her fierce energy. Upon entering the Matrix, the characters create whatever persona they desire. It’s no wonder they choose to look equally badass and understated. It was costume designer Kym Barrett’s intention to give them superhero-style capes, just not literally. We’d say mission accomplished.
#14: Chaplin’s Tramp Outfit
Various
This childish but good-natured character is Charlie Chaplin’s most unforgettable onscreen persona. At first glance, the character is seen as a regular guy. But when we look closer, we realize that his outfit is filled with conflicting elements. Flowy pants, a fitted jacket, oversized footwear, and a small derby hat come together to defy convention. In fact, Chaplin himself had a hand in creating the wardrobe, and was intentional about these contradictions, adding a unique authenticity to his character. The result made a splash, as the costume has had a significant impact on fashion. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to see folks channeling the Tramp’s signature style, solidifying him as a symbol of the silent film era.
#13: The Curtain Dress
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“Gone with the Wind” (1939)
Before “Project Runway” sported its unconventional materials challenges, this film impressed audiences with its heroine’s resourcefulness. When Scarlett O'Hara is desperate to impress Rhett Butler, she tears down her curtains and has them turned into a dress. This moment symbolizes Scarlett’s determination as she stares adversity in the face. She’s no longer a spoiled child. She’s evolved into a strong and inventive young woman. Also, she looks great. The use of green drapes makes for an incredibly striking image on-screen. The gown has also stood the test of time. In 2012, it was restored thanks to a $30 000 conservation effort.
#12: Elle’s Courtroom Attire
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“Legally Blonde” (2001)
Elle’s courtroom look is a vibrant display of style and control. After encountering countless stereotypes that downplay how smart she is, Elle triumphantly asserts herself. In the film’s climactic scene, she walks through the doors to represent her client. The bright pink hue defiantly rejects the drab seriousness of a courtroom and her uniqueness shines through. Meanwhile, the sparkling details accent her vivacious personality and boundless determination. The brilliant blend of materials highlights not only her femininity but also her intelligence. This look is an emblem of individuality, which has inspired countless fashionistas to embrace their journeys with confidence.
#11: The Striped Suit
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“Beetlejuice” (1988)
Say his name three times and prepare to meet the ghost with the most! His bold black-and-white awning stripes make this outfit instantly recognizable - even without the mold and stained teeth. But the titular ghoul owes much of its popularity to the undeniable charisma of Michael Keaton. In fact, he reportedly played a pivotal role in creating this iconic look. Prior to filming, he asked the wardrobe department to throw together costumes from varying time periods, and floated around ideas. Director Tim Burton later approved, and we ultimately got what we now know as Beetlejuice’s seminal wardrobe. The suit’s legacy was adapted for Broadway and it maintained the essence of its original striped coolness.
#10: Hogwarts Student Uniforms
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“Harry Potter” franchise (2001-11)
This multi-billion-dollar franchise has captivated an entire generation of moviegoers. The costumes were crafted with the utmost care, boasting silk ties and luxurious wool sweaters. Black robes adorned with house colors and crests swirl the students in an air of magical wonder. We already dreamed of going to Hogwarts ourselves and immersing ourselves in the wizarding world. The school uniforms (in all their iterations) only added to that desire, because they struck the perfect balance between academic and stylish. Of course, there were also some utterly breathtaking fashion moments showcased throughout the movies – Hermione’s Yule Ball gown, anyone?! Overall, the “Harry Potter” film series had an incredible wardrobe that perfectly represented its universe, and the characters’ personalities.
#9: Freddy Krueger’s Sweater & Fedora
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“A Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise (1984-)
Few movie monsters are as well-dressed as this. Freddy Krueger is the fashionable figure of fear that continues to haunt our nightmares, and the deliberate red and green color scheme for his outfit enhances his menacing aura. This combination of colors clashes to create an uneasy feeling. Matched with his infamous glove of blades, this dream demon’s ensemble evokes the most menacing of terrors. The cherry on top is, of course, his fedora. Interestingly enough, this iconic item was not always sure to be included. Actor Robert Englund shared that they tried out many different hat styles. However, the fedora’s enigmatic allure ultimately prevailed, and the rest is history.
#8: Cher’s Yellow Suit
“Clueless” (1995)
Cher Horowitz is the social master of her high school, and her persona and outfits helped define an entire generation of coolness. It doesn’t take long before we’re acquainted with her sunny disposition and a keen eye for style, and this yellow plaid suit represents both those traits perfectly. Plus, it demands attention from her peers and the audience. Costume designer Mona May had blue and red suits in consideration as well, but the bright yellow hue was too perfect to pass up. Evoking the beloved ‘90s trend of matching sets, the short skirt and fitted jacket showcase Cher’s status as the radiant Queen Bee. The character has several notable fashion moments in the film, but this look is forever intertwined with her being.
#7: The Killer Tracksuit
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“Kill Bill: Volume 1” (2003)
Inspired by the legacy of Bruce Lee, this killer tracksuit is instantly recognized as one of modern cinema’s best costumes. The Bride, as we know her, dons it when she faces off against O-Ren Ishii. This look is sharpened with symmetrical black lines along the sides of her body., and pulsates with her fierce personality and absolutely unwavering strength. Actress Uma Thurman was initially put off by the outfit, reportedly claiming it resembled a banana popsicle. Wearing it also wasn’t easy for her, as she had recently given birth. Still, they made it work, and the end result speaks for itself.
#6: Indiana Jones’ Fedora & Whip Getup
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“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)
The world’s most handsome archaeologist has captivated audiences with his daring escapades. Atop his head sits a fedora that enhances an air of mystery. Meanwhile, his rugged leather jacket epitomizes his remarkably active lifestyle. Then there’s his trousers. Functional and fitting for his exploits, they ensure his easy movement during action sequences. This iconic costume is completed with a bullwhip that’s surprisingly useful. When Tom Selleck had to drop out as the titular character, legendary costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis had to improvise. She quickly reworked the entire costume to complement Harrison Ford. It was an apparent success, with the outfit becoming one of the most sought-after in film history.
#5: The Gold Bikini
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“Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983)
This iconic piece made every fan’s dreams come true. Described by Carrie Fisher as “what supermodels will eventually wear in the seventh ring of hell”, this is a controversial piece of sci-fi history. Princess Leia’s gold bikini is fashioned from copper, wire, leather, and silk. These materials come together to create an incredibly striking image. Beyond aesthetics, this look has the potential to be empowering in the right context. Though it’s used to oppress Leia, it holds a narrative weight and proves that a woman can be feminine and still fight bad guys. Thus, its reach extends far beyond mere sex appeal.
#4: The Dorothy Dress
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“The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
This timeless dress has weaved an enchanting spell on audiences since its debut in the 1930s. The blue and white gingham garb reportedly gave the checkered pattern a popularity boost in the 20th century, and it’s not hard to see why. Every costume in the film is a masterpiece, with Dorothy’s look symbolizing her indomitable spirit. The costume is deliberately simple and unassuming, which allows it to set the protagonist apart from the more elaborate, over-the-top personalities that inhabit the fantastical world of Oz. The iconic ruby red slippers solidify this look as one of the most famous outfits in history. One pair was even stolen from a museum and were missing for about thirteen years. Luckily, they were recovered during an FBI sting.
#3: Dracula’s Suit & Cape
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“Dracula” (1931)
When we think of vampires, we often think about classy and sophisticated aristocrats. And we largely have Bela Lugosi to thank for bringing this image to the masses on the big screen. With his iconic cape and elegant tuxedo, this is the definitive representation of Dracula. Although the film was made before the Hays Code was enforced, the cape had a very clear connotation. Dracula covered his victims with it before feasting on their blood. But we can now also understand it as a metaphor for a sensual encounter. However you see it, the image of Dracula donning a cape and tux has unmatched consistency in Halloween costumes to this very day. Not many movie monsters can say they have such a perfect look.
#2: The White Subway Grate Dress
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“The Seven Year Itch” (1955)
Marilyn Monroe has had a firm grip on American pop culture for decades, and her career gave us a slew of unforgettable movie looks. For instance, many have tried to imitate her gorgeous pink dress in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. But the role of The Girl helped cement Monroe’s status as a Hollywood legend. During one iconic scene, she wears a cocktail dress that perfectly spotlights 1950s fashion. She stands above a subway grate, and an upward breeze takes over. The rest is history. But the moment wasn’t without controversy, as it allegedly contributed to her divorce from Joe DiMaggio. He reportedly stormed off set, was seemingly violent with her, and they subsequently split. Despite the challenges, this dress remains a poignant symbol of Monroe’s legacy.
#1: The Little Black Dress
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“Breakfast at Tiffany's” (1961)
Designed by the incomparable Hubert de Givenchy, this simple yet elegant number is a masterpiece. Crafted from Italian satin with minimalist cuts on the back, it is the epitome of understated sophistication. Audrey Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, feasts on a humble croissant and sips her drink while wearing the dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”’ opening scene. The concept of the “little black dress” is said to have taken shape in the 1920s, thanks to Coco Chanel. These days though, the LBD is also synonymous with this ensemble. It perfectly captures Holly’s sophistication and mystery. Now, we know it may not be as extravagant as Eliza Doolittle’s Derby dress. But if you ask us, it’s certainly the most defining look in cinematic history.
