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Movies have this power over us, transporting us into a dream-like state with their multiple outfit changes and soundtrack. It’s for this reason the best films are ultra captivating, allowing us to feel like we’re experiencing everything the characters are going through. So much time is spent on wardrobe and costumes for the leading ladies and for good reason. Clothes help to set the tone and mood and also give us a first impression insight into who this character is and what we can expect from them. It’s time to take a trip through the decades and explore the most iconic movie outfits of all time, from 1977 through to present day.

Diane Keaton in Annie Hall

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Diane Keaton, the OG of androgyny, actually insisted on choosing her own outfits for her role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. Her iconic style of button down shirts, waistcoats and high waisted pants really made her character come to life and has been a source of inspiration for women and designers since its premiere. Proving that leading ladies don’t have to dress ultra sexy in order to appear sexy, Diane showed no more than a hint of a wrist, ankle and neck and yet was able to truly captivate her audience through her style just as much as through her acting ability. Her key styling included masculine belts, oversized tailored jackets and shirts buttoned right to the top.

Keira Knightley in Atonement

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How could forget that dramatic ivy green evening gown Keira Knightly wore in Atonement. The dramatic swish of the skirt as she walked through the library, the impeccable fit and the fact that this rather modern silhouette somehow still seemed to work in the time period. The gown was designed by Jacqueline Durran and was even voted “Best Costume of All Time” by Sky Movies. In fact, this particular shade of green was no accident, ivy green being the color of jealousy and temptation, two major themes throughout the story. Durran’s dress certainly took center stage when it comes to the costumes used throughout this period drama however Knightly’s other costume changes were stellar choices too and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Kirsten Dunst in The Virgin Suicides

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A lesser known film by director Sophia Coppola, The Virgin Suicides wardrobe could easily be part of a Chloé campaign thanks to the floaty dresses, feminine florals and demure tone. Every outfit worn by Kirsten and the girls who play her sisters is ethereal and dreamy yet innocent and junior despite the senior prints and silhouettes. The costumes stand out so starkly in contrast to the theme of suicide but also reflect virginal and catholic values which is in direct correlation to the plot of the film where over protective parents decide to isolate their teenage daughters from the wicked world which in fact only increases their thoughts of suicide and depression. Aside from the dark tone of the film, the costumes are the epitome of Summer fashion and all the inspiration you need to rock a floaty dress every day of the warmer season.

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

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Of course,    in Breakfast at Tiffany’s has got to be one of the most fabulous movie outfits of all time, especially since there are multiple iconic outfits throughout the entire film. Let’s be honest, Audrey could wear a trash bag and still look flawless but we adore how her put together, upper east side style contrasts against her haphazard personality and the secrets of her past. Arguably the most iconic outfit in the movie is Audrey’s timeless sleeveless black dress, styled with an abundance of pearls, elbow length gloves, oversized sunglasses and of course her famous updo hairstyle. But it’s not just her glamorous evening for daywear look that deserves recognition. At one point in the movie, Audrey’s character Holly is awoken from a deep sleep and having to answer the door in her nightwear. For most of us that means an old t-shirt with holes in it or kitchy matching pajamas but not for Audrey. Sleepy eyed she still has her makeup on under a Tiffany blue eye mask (and of course this is a movie so it’s not smudged at all!) and sporting a stylish white bib night shirt, the cuffs falling back on themselves just so. Even her ear plugs have fancy tassels on them, it’s official, Holly Golightly is the most stylish woman ever to have lived.

Alicia Silverstone in Clueless

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Throwing back to the 90’s, Alicia Silverstone played Cher Horowitz in the teen movie Clueless, named after the singer of course, leaving her big boots to fill. Thankfully she has her best friend named after another famous singer “Dion” by her side to bounce fashion ideas off and match outfits with. Any fashion lover who watched Clueless when it first came out will remember the utter jealousy you felt watching Cher pick out her daily outfits with her state of the art closet that connected to her computer, allowing her to see what that outfit would look like on her body. It was this moment that we saw her choose her most iconic outfit of a yellow checkered skirt suit, complete with knee high socks and knitted cardigan.

Olivia Newton-John in Grease

Image Via : Winnipeg Free Press

I think we all got chills multiplying when we first saw Sandy come out in that skin tight cat suit at the end of the film. The rest of Olivia’s character Sandy’s outfits had been sweet and innocent up until that point, driving home the sex appeal of this all black ensemble even more. Olivia actually had to be sewn into the pants part of this outfit in order to get this look just right so bare that in mind the next time you try on a pair of skin tight pants that’s aren’t hugging your rear the way you expected them to!