12 Iconic Movie Dresses That Are Worth Of Queens And Princesses

Jessica Wilson
Dec 04, 2023
Dec 04, 2023

In the enchanting world of movies, wardrobes often hold more than just clothes; they harbor "DRESSES" — genuine textile masterpieces that linger in our minds long after the credits roll. These aren't mere garments; they're works of art woven into the fabric of the film, often outshining the plot itself.

Our collection below celebrates these magical designs, featuring garments from iconic films that transcend mere recognition to become integral characters, telling stories through the stitches and seams. Get ready to explore a world where dresses are not just costumes; they are cinematic enchantments.

#1. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Source: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement / Walt Disney Pictures

In The Princess Diaries sequel, during Princess Amelia's coronation, Anne Hathaway wore a stunning long dress in light tones with gold embroidery and bows on the shoulders. The bows held a lengthy cape, giving a regal appearance. Interestingly, all the accessories, including authentic jewelry worn by both the princess and the queen, caught viewers' eyes during this sumptuous scene.

#2. Mirror, Mirror (2012)

Source: Mirror Mirror / Relativity Media

Lily Collins, who embodied Snow White in Mirror, Mirror, wore a captivating dress designed by Eiko Ishioka. Featuring a real corset and a wire frame beneath the floral print skirt, the dress had a circumference of about 5 feet for an impressive lift. The intricate embroidery, puffed sleeves, and bodice turned the dress into a work of art, demanding around 25-35 yards (22-32 meters) of fabric to complete.

#3. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Source: Beauty and the Beast / Mandeville Films

In the latest live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson, portraying Belle, took an edgy turn with a modern and fresh look in a romantic white dress. Unlike the traditional yellow gown, this version features painted flowers on the bodice and skirt, along with imitation flowers in the same tone, giving it an elegant touch. The sophisticated, almost transparent sleeves are also adorned with flowers, creating a perfect harmony with the character.

#4. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Source: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes / Twentieth Century Fox

Designed by William Travilla, this iconic Hollywood dress, worn by Marilyn Monroe, is a strapless, pink satin masterpiece with a daring slit and a large bow at the lower back.

Originally not the intended choice for the song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," Travilla had to create this backup dress in just two days after the initial design was disapproved by the studio. Despite being auctioned with an estimated value of $150,000 to $250,000, its final bid likely surpassed expectations.

#5. To Catch a Thief (1955)

Source: To Catch a Thief / Paramount Pictures

Designer Edith Head crafted this Grecian goddess-worthy dress for Grace Kelly. Made with chiffon in varying shades of blue, it conceals a corset with thin straps beneath its delicate folds. Surprisingly simple yet fitting for the classic beauty, Kelly opted for minimal accessories, adding only a floating scarf and a blue handbag for a natural and casual touch. The unique and vibrant color, unconventional for evening wear at the time, was a deliberate choice to emphasize the actress's beauty and convey a cold and distant appearance for her character, which evolved as the plot unfolded.

#6. Gone with the Wind (1939)

Source: Gone with the Wind / Selznick International Pictures

In Gone with the Wind, designed by Walter Plunkett, Vivien Leigh wore various gowns, each a Marvel. The green dress stands out for its unique origin — created from the estate's green velvet curtains. Plunkett's meticulous craftsmanship made the dress appear amateurishly sewn, intentionally imperfect. Left in the sun to mimic worn curtains, it adds a distinctive touch to the film.

#7. Titanic (1997)

Source: Titanic / Twentieth Century Fox

Designed by Deborah Lynn Scott, the challenging "sinking dress" from Titanic required 24 copies using different fabrics to ensure it looked flawless when wet and dry. Worn by Kate Winslet in scenes depicting the Titanic sinking, the chiffon dress in cherry and black adorned with rhinestones fetched over $300,000 at auction, a price that's hardly surprising given its beauty and significance.

#8. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Source: Snow White and the Huntsman / Roth Films

In Snow White and the Huntsman, Charlize Theron wore a stunning costume designed by Colleen Atwood, particularly noteworthy as she portrayed the wicked witch. Atwood faced a challenging task, aiming to reflect the character's evil nature while capturing her transformative journey. The costumes, including this one, incorporated fabrics from around the world and unique decorations such as beetle shells, adding an extraordinary touch to the film.

#9. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Source: Walt Disney Pictures

In The Chronicles of Narnia, Tilda Swinton's White Witch, played by Isis Mussenden, donned a mesmerizing dress composed of three layers. Dyed to mimic the color of ice, the first layer was velvet for structure, followed by a mix of felted wool and silk for texture, and a voluminous lace in the bodice for elegance and majesty. Mussenden's designs perfectly captured the cold and powerful mystique of the character throughout the Narnia saga.

#10. Aladdin (2019)

Source: Aladdin / Walt Disney Pictures

Designer Michael Wilkinson, inspired by his travels through the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and Pakistan, crafted costumes for Disney's live-action Aladdin. While most of Agrabah's women draw from Arabian culture, Princess Jasmine's outfits pay homage to South Asian baroque style, inspired by her mother's kingdom, Shehrabad. Made of silk with paisley prints, beads, and embroidery, her vibrant fuchsia and coral dress reflects Wilkinson's ingenious blend, capturing the princess's thirst for adventure and zest for life.

#11. Ziegfeld Girl (1941)

Source: Ziegfeld Girl / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Adrian, the official costume designer for MGM from 1928 to 1941, created this fantasy dress worn by Hedy Lamarr. Known for designing Dorothy's iconic red shoes in The Wizard of Oz, Adrian's masterpiece for Lamarr is equally stylish with its starry decoration. Dozens of stars adorn the fabric and accessories, creating a dreamy look. The sleeves, several meters long, add a majestic touch with a starry tail, showcasing the same class and style as Dorothy's famous shoes.

#12. The Princess Switch (2018)

Source: The Princess Switch / Netflix

Designed by Luminita Lungu, this romantic dress stands out with its simplicity and natural elegance, steering clear of the typical flashy and uncomfortable princess gown. The layers of white tulle on the skirt provide a sense of fullness without adding weight, contributing to its light and comfortable appearance. The embroidered flowers and sweetheart neckline delicately infuse the character with femininity, achieving a subtle yet charming effect.

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