Most movie dresses are best-remembered for what happens in them, as opposed to the costumes themselves. (Just think of Marilyn Monroe’s halter dress billowing as she stands atop a subway grate.)
But these iconic film frocks, have developed cult followings that are often equal to the films themselves. Here now, in no particular order, the top 10 dresses from film history, including a very recent entry.
Jennifer Lawrence’s groovy white gown in “American Hustle,” 2013
Designer Michael Wilkinson put Lawrence in this white gown to transport her back to the disco world of the 1970s, when “American Hustle” is set. “We knew the dress had to be dangerous,” Wilkinson told The Post. Something’s definitely getting Lawrence noticed. Word is, she’s a lock to snag a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Keira Knightley’s green silk gown in “Atonement,” 2007
Few costumes in recent film history have inspired as much chatter as this floor-length, backless, 1940s-style gown from designer Jacqueline Durran. Several copies of the dress were made for filming, because the filmmakers worried it might get damaged during the scene in which James McAvoy pins Knightley against a bookshelf.
Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy dress from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” 1961
The black satin evening gown has been called “perhaps the most famous black dress of all time.” A 2010 poll conducted by DVD rental company Lovefilm named the dress the greatest female screen outfit ever.
Julia Roberts’ red gown in “Pretty Woman,” 1990
Roberts’ character goes from ho to hot in this chic, off-the-shoulder number for a night at the opera. The studio reportedly wanted a simpler, black dress, but costume designer Marilyn Vance gave them this instead.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s glitzy gown in “Scarface,” 1983
The actress’ looks in the movie, including this slinky, sparkly gown with a plunging neckline, still inspires the fashion-conscious today. In 2012, Rihanna wore an Armani dress to the Grammys that she said was a nod to Pfeiffer’s character.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding dress in “Sex and the City,” 2008
For her nuptials to Mr. Big, Carrie Bradshaw chose this over-the-top Vivienne Westwood design. Fans were clearly taken with it. A version released by Westwood sold out within hours.
Sharon Stone’s white shift dress from “Basic Instinct,” 1992
The sleeveless, wool, roll-neck dress by Ellen Mirojnick is clearly an underwear-optional outfit. Stone was wearing it in the infamous interrogation scene when she slowly uncrossed her legs, giving the cops a lingering eyeful of exactly what was up that dress.
Vivien Leigh’s green dress from “Gone With the Wind,” 1939
When Leigh’s character, Scarlett, wants to impress Rhett Butler, she throws together this lavish velvet gown made from her curtains. It was designed by Walter Plunkett and survives to this day — although it recently required a $30,000 restoration by the University of Texas’ Harry Ransom Center.
Judy Garland’s gingham dress from “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939
The simple dress has become one of the most iconic in screen history. It was created by MGM costume designer Gilbert Adrian, who also did the famous ruby slippers. One of the costumes worn by Garland in the movie sold at auction in 2012 for $480,000.
Alicia Silverstone’s revealing dress from “Clueless,” 1995
The short, tight, ’60s-inspired white shift dress Silverstone’s character, Cher, throws on for a date had her father seeing red.
“What the hell is that?” he asks.
“A dress,” she answers.
“Says who?”
“Calvin Klein.”
“It looks like underwear,” her father says. “Go upstairs and put something over it.”
In 2010, Klein designer Francisco Costa returned the dress to the racks for a Cher-friendly price of $916.
