Every woman’s wardrobe has a must-have item: the dress. One of the most iconic pieces of clothing that has been cherished and celebrated for centuries, the dress has evolved with the changing trends and styles of every era.
We invite you to take a trip down memory lane as we delve into some of the most iconic dresses in history. From famous dresses in pop culture to the best dresses from movies, we’ve selected our top choices such as Audrey Hepburn‘s stunning Givenchy looks, Coco Chanel‘s revolutionary little black dress, one of Marilyn Monroe‘s most beautiful gowns of all time, Princess Diana‘s unforgettable revenge dress, Jennifer Lopez’s bold Versace jungle print dress, Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress and more.
As we dive into the captivating history of some of the best dresses ever, let these iconic looks inspire your next show-stopping look for any special occasion. From full-length stunners to cute minis and everything in between, our carefully curated edit has got you covered. But it doesn’t stop there! Explore our favorite bags, classic coat, clothing and accessories to complement your outfit, or take things up a notch with some killer heels or a cool pair of sneakers. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect ensemble that will let your inner icon shine through.
Princess Diana’s “Revenge Dress”
For the past century, the little black dress has become a wardrobe staple for women. Originally, black clothing was worn to signify mourning, but in 1926, the legendary designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel revolutionized fashion by introducing the little black dress in a new light. Her creation was simple, elegant, and affordable, providing a much-needed respite during the time of the Great Depression.
In the post-war years, Christian Dior’s New Look gave the LBD a new, sexier look with full skirts and cinched waists. However, it wasn’t until Audrey Hepburn donned her unforgettable Givenchy black evening gown in Breakfast at Tiffany’s that the little black dress became an iconic piece of film fashion.
Since then, the little black dress has evolved in countless ways, including the iconic “revenge dress” worn by Princess Diana to an event on the same night when Prince Charles publicly admitted his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles. The mini off-the-shoulder dress was a bold and daring statement that spoke volumes about Diana’s strength and resilience and marked a pivotal moment in her journey toward becoming a forever fashion icon.
In conclusion, the little black dress is more than just a piece of clothing. It’s a symbol of empowerment and confidence. It has stood the test of time and has undergone countless transformations, but it remains a timeless classic that every woman should have in her closet.
Kate Middleton’s Wedding Dress
The wedding dress, undoubtedly, holds great significance for any bride, as it is the outfit that marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life. It is a symbol of love, commitment, and beauty. The world has witnessed many iconic wedding dresses over the years, but one that stands out is the one worn by Kate Middleton on her wedding day. Designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen, Kate’s ivory gown was a masterpiece in itself. The dress featured delicate lace sleeves, a V-neck bodice, and a dramatic nine-foot train that flowed behind her, creating a stunning visual. The design of the dress was inspired by Grace Kelly’s iconic wedding dress from 1956 when she married the Prince of Monaco. Kate’s dress, however, had a modern twist to it, making it a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary styles. The intricate design of the dress took months to create, and the attention to detail was evident in every stitch. Even after almost 13 years, Kate’s gown remains an iconic wedding dress due to its timeless design, and it continues to inspire many brides-to-be.
If you’re in search of the perfect outfit for your big day, look no further than our carefully curated bridalwear collection. Choose a classic and timeless look like Kate’s, or go for a more unique and unconventional style to make a statement on one of the most important days of your life.
Audrey Hepburn’s White Givenchy Gown in Sabrina
Audrey Hepburn’s white Givenchy ballgown worn in 1954’s Sabrina has become synonymous with Hollywood glamour and is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated outfits to have graced the silver screen. In the film, Hepburn’s character undergoes a remarkable transformation, blossoming from a modest girl to a sophisticated woman during her time in Paris. She wears the gown in a specific scene where she enters a party and immediately captures everyone’s attention. This dress is one of Hepburn’s earliest collaborations with Hubert de Givenchy, who designed many of her looks both on and off-screen, including the famous little black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
If you’re looking for a similarly stunning ensemble for a special occasion, take inspiration from Hepburn’s iconic look and choose from our range of elegant eveningwear. Add some statement jewelry and a pair of simple yet sophisticated heels, and you’ll be sure to turn heads just as she did.
Jackie Kennedy’s Pink Suit
Jackie Kennedy, a true fashion icon of the 20th century, captivated the world with her effortless elegance and sophisticated style as the First Lady of the United States. Her impeccable fashion sense was truly unmatched, and she graced countless occasions with her unforgettable outfits. However, one particular ensemble stands out above the rest – her iconic pink skirt suit, worn on the tragic day of President Kennedy’s assassination.
At that time, a Chanel suit symbolized the strength of an independent woman, while the color pink represented femininity. Although the tailleur she wore was not entirely Chanel, the materials and designs were provided by the brand to Chez Ninon, a boutique in New York, to construct the dress themselves. This was because it was an unwritten rule that American leaders should only be seen wearing domestically-made brands. Jackie Kennedy’s fashion choices were truly groundbreaking, and her pink suit will always be remembered as a powerful symbol of strength, femininity, and style.
Julia Roberts’ Red Gown in Pretty Woman
One of the most memorable outfits in cinema history is Julia Roberts‘ red off-the-shoulder dress from Pretty Woman in 1990, designed by Marilyn Vance. In the movie, clothing played a significant role in showcasing the evolution of Robert’s character, ultimately emphasizing the rags-to-riches storyline. Although the dress was initially meant to be black, Vance persuaded the production team to go with red instead. The striking red dress perfectly balanced elegance and allure, making it an iconic look. Vance’s costumes for Pretty Woman were so remarkable that she received a BAFTA nomination, and the red dress was even displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London in 2014.
Take inspiration from Robert’s legendary look when preparing for your next big night out. Discover our edit of red hot dresses and fine jewelry selection to truly live out your Pretty Woman fantasy.
Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday” Dress
Next on our list of iconic dresses is Marilyn Monroe’s unforgettable dress that she wore to sing “Happy Birthday” to U.S. President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in 1962. Despite being asked to wear something discreet, Marilyn wore a striking yet scandalous dress. Rumors of a secret affair between Marilyn and Kennedy made the barely-there dress even more scandalous. Sadly, this was one of Marilyn’s last performances before her death in August of ’62, just three months later.
The nude illusion gown, designed by Jean Louis, had 2,500 rhinestones that created the effect of a shimmering second skin. Marilyn purchased the dress for $1,440.03 at the time ($14,200 today), and it is now worth over $4.8 million, making it the most expensive dress of all time.
The dress returned to the public’s eye when Kim Kardashian wore the actual dress to the Met Gala last year, shocking the world once again.
If you’re looking to make a statement at your next occasion, why not consider a dress that is sure to steal the show? Check out our selection of sheer party dresses and find your perfect look.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Teal Slip Dress in Scarface
There are some fashion moments that simply transcend time, and Michelle Pfeiffer‘s teal slip dress in Scarface is undoubtedly one of them. This dress, created by Patricia Norris, exudes a sense of glamour and sensuality. Its shimmering silk fabric, rhinestone embellishments, plunging neckline, and high slit complement Pfeiffer’s character’s effortless elegance. Even after 40 years, the dress still influences the world of fashion and pop culture. It-girls such as Olivia Rodrigo and Kaia Gerber have been spotted wearing their own versions of this iconic look.
Take a look at our selection of elegant slip dresses and recreate your own rendition of Pfeiffer’s legendary look. Jazz it up with some sparkling drop earrings and heels for a formal occasion, or dress it down with some edgy combat boots or sneakers for a more casual vibe.
Jennifer Lopez’s Versace Jungle Print Dress
Back in the year 2000, the fashion world and even the tech industry was taken by storm when Jennifer Lopez stepped onto the red carpet at the Grammy Awards in a daring jungle print dress designed by Versace. The dress, which boasted a low-cut neckline and a barely-there effect, caught the attention of everyone in attendance and even those who were simply watching from the comfort of their own homes. Such was the impact of the dress that it broke the internet and led to the creation of Google Image. People were so enamored with the dress that they wanted to see images of it for themselves rather than just links.
Fast forward to today, and J.Lo’s bold look is still making waves in the fashion world. If you’re looking to add a bit of sizzle to your summer wardrobe, why not take inspiration from her iconic dress and opt for a printed flowy dress? Not only are they stylish and chic, but they’re also perfect for those hot summer days when you want to look and feel your best. So why not give it a try and see how you can add a touch of J.Lo’s fierceness to your own personal style?
