My Top 10 Dresses in Film

After watching Wicked, adoring the costuming, and planning my birthday outfits, I began to think about my favorite dresses in film history and wanted to share my top 10. Fashion has always been a significant factor in my enjoyment of watching movies and TV shows, and is often what I remember best from specific episodes or scenes. It was really hard for me to choose only 10, and I doubt I forgot to mention some of my favorites.

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10. Galinda’s Ozdust Dress, Wicked (2024)

    

    At number ten, I chose Galinda’s Ozdust dress from Wicked. It was difficult to choose between this dress and the dress she wore in her opening scene, but something about the floral, fairy-like quality of this dress made an impression on me.

9. Audrey Hepburn’s Wedding Dress, Funny Face (1957)

   

   For number nine, I chose the iconic wedding dress from the iconic Funny Face. This movie has some of my favorite costuming, and the entire film is aesthetically rich and indulgent. This tea-length wedding dress is one of my favorites from childhood, with the tulle skirt just reaching her ankles.

8. Carrie Bradshaw’s Lunch with Big Floral Midi-Dress, Sex and the City (2000)

   

   Obviously, choosing only one Carrie Bradshaw dress was a challenge for me. I debated between her teal, tulle Paris dress, her “revenge” white silk wedding dress, and of course the iconic grey bodycon dress. However, the floral midi she wears to get lunch with Big, and consequently falls into a pond in Central Park wearing, has to be my all-time favorite from the show.

7. Brittany Murphy’s 22nd Birthday Dress, Uptown Girls (2003)

   

   I have always loved the glittery, fairy-like iconic Bluemarine dress from Uptown Girls. Molly’s wardrobe in this movie is one of my all-time favorites.

6. Caroline Bingley’s Netherfield Ball Gown, Pride and Prejudice (2005)

   

I was bummed to not find a better picture anywhere of this gorgeous dress, but I think Caroline Bingley’s almost spaghetti-strap dress in the Netherfield Ball scene is unforgettable. While Elizabeth and Jane’s dresses in this scene are also beautiful, there is something so sultry and sharp about this delicate gown.

5. Rosemary Clooney’s Black Velvet Dress, White Christmas (1954)

While I wanted to include multiple dresses from my favorite Christmas movie, the black velvet mermaid-cut dress has to be my favorite. I also wanted to include the gorgeous crystal applique on the lower back, but I couldn’t find a clear enough picture.

4. Barbara Streisand’s Lavender Lattice Dress, Hello Dolly (1969)

Hello Dolly is one of my favorite childhood movies, and this purple dress has been one of my all-time favorite outfits from any movie.

3. Barbie’s Swan Lake Dress, Barbie Swan Lake (2003)

While this movie is obviously animated, the Swan Lake dress has to be one of the most beautiful dresses ever imagined. Every time I have seen someone try and recreate the dress with real fabric, it’s beautiful but does not capture the true magic of this gown.

2. Barbara Streisand’s Gold Gown, Hello Dolly (1969)

   

The runner-up for my favorite dress of all time is Dolly’s gold gown in the Harmonia Gardens scene of Hello Dolly, and the only repeat I allowed in this list. To watch Dolly descend the staircase in the climax of this classic musical in such a magical and regal gown is something that gives me chills every time I revisit this iconic movie.

1. The Blossom Queen Gown, Geek Charming (2011)

   

While it may seem funny for me to choose a Disney Channel Original Movie for my all-time favorite dress, no gown in any movie has made such an impact on me as this peach, tulle, prom dress. I bought my senior year prom dress because it reminded me of this one (even though peach is not my color). There’s something about the tiered skirt, the embroidery, and the orange blossom crown that is just so magical about this whole look.