The Most Stylish Actresses on Screen

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Throughout film history, the worlds of cinema and fashion have repeatedly come together to create unforgettable style icons. Actresses, from the classic stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age to those embracing more modern and daring looks, have long inspired top fashion designers. They haven’t just worn clothes; they’ve actually created the style of their times, both in their films and in their everyday lives. This impact goes beyond the screen, influencing fashion trends worldwide and solidifying the close connection between film and high fashion.

Audrey Hepburn

She became a style icon around the world, largely thanks to her work with designer Hubert de Givenchy, especially in the film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. The simple black dress she wore in that movie is still one of the most famous outfits ever seen on screen. Off-screen, she preferred classic, streamlined clothing like ballet flats and well-cut pants. Her fashion choices in ‘Funny Face’ also helped make the beatnik look popular in the late 1950s.

Grace Kelly

Before becoming Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly was famous for her cool, sophisticated style in Alfred Hitchcock films. In ‘To Catch a Thief,’ she wore beautiful, elegant gowns designed by Edith Head that highlighted her tall, graceful figure. Her love of Hermès accessories was so well-known that the company renamed a popular bag the “Kelly” in her honor. Throughout her acting career, she skillfully combined comfortable American styles with the glamour of European fashion.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is forever linked to the stylish look of the 1950s, known for her figure-hugging dresses that created the iconic “bombshell” image. Her white dress from the movie ‘The Seven Year Itch’ is one of the most recognizable outfits ever filmed. In ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,’ her pink gown and sparkling jewelry set a new standard for glamorous movie costumes. However, Monroe also favored a simpler, more casual style off-camera, often wearing high-waisted pants and basic turtlenecks.

Elizabeth Taylor

She was famous for her glamorous style, loving both beautiful jewelry and elaborate outfits, which she brought to every performance. Her portrayal of Cleopatra was particularly iconic, featuring over 65 different costumes and helping to make the “cat-eye” makeup look popular in the 1960s. Outside of films, she passionately collected rare and valuable gemstones, frequently wearing designs from Bulgari and Cartier. Her personal style was defined by bright colors, luxurious fur, and striking hats and accessories.

Katharine Hepburn

I was always so impressed by her! She really broke the mold with her style, being one of the first women to confidently wear pants when everyone expected dresses. I remember seeing ‘The Philadelphia Story’ and being struck by how effortlessly chic she looked in those high-waisted trousers and button-down shirts – it was all about a sporty, elegant vibe. She wasn’t afraid to challenge what was considered ‘normal’ for women, and I think she played a huge role in making sportswear fashionable for us. Throughout her whole career, she stayed true to that practical, yet incredibly sophisticated, look, and I really admired that.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich famously broke traditional ideas about how women should dress, often choosing tuxedos and top hats in her movies, like ‘Morocco’. Working closely with costume designer Travis Banton, she created a striking look defined by dramatic shadows, luxurious silk, and sharply tailored clothing. Dietrich had a keen eye for how light played on fabrics and how they fell on her figure. She also owned a collection of custom-made suits, helping to make androgynous style more widely accepted.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot was known for a relaxed, summery style – think tops that slipped off the shoulder and classic gingham patterns. Her casual, often barefoot look in the film ‘And God Created Woman’ perfectly captured the spirit of 1950s European fashion. The off-the-shoulder neckline is still popular today and is often called a “Bardot neckline” in her honor. She finished her bohemian style with a slightly messy blonde updo and dramatic eyeliner.

Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve was Yves Saint Laurent’s main inspiration, and he created all of her clothes for the movie ‘Belle de Jour’. The film’s simple but elegant style became a signature look of the late 1960s. Deneuve is famous for her effortlessly chic French style, often seen in classic trench coats and tailored handbags. Her long collaboration with Saint Laurent produced some of the most stylish and memorable movie costumes ever.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren was the epitome of Italian glamour, famous for her stunning figure and bold fashion sense. Her style, showcased in films like ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’, captured the excitement of Italian cinema after the war. She often wore Christian Dior and was known for her love of dramatic hats and eye-catching jewelry. Loren’s look perfectly blended natural beauty with sophisticated high fashion.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton’s iconic role in ‘Annie Hall’ changed women’s fashion, making traditionally masculine styles—like vests, wide-leg pants, and ties—popular. This look was actually based on Keaton’s own clothes! Throughout her career, including in films like ‘The First Wives Club,’ she’s always been known for her hats and well-tailored outfits. Today, her style continues to inspire trends like the “coastal grandmother” look often seen in Nancy Meyers movies.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton is celebrated for her unique and boundary-pushing style, both in her film costumes and her fashion choices on the red carpet. For the movie ‘I Am Love,’ she wore minimalist clothing designed by Raf Simons for Jil Sander, featuring bright, strong colors. She often works with designer Haider Ackermann to create outfits that are both architectural and don’t conform to traditional gender expectations. Her talent for completely changing her look has made her a favorite among those in the high-fashion world.

Cate Blanchett

Throughout her career, she’s been known for perfectly fitted clothes and striking, structured designs. For her role in ‘Ocean’s 8’, her character’s style embraced a rock-and-roll vibe with velvet suits and jewelry reminiscent of Keith Richards. She often works with Giorgio Armani and favors gowns with bold, artistic shapes. Cate Blanchett also supports eco-friendly fashion, often choosing to wear vintage or previously worn outfits at events.

Zendaya

Zendaya has become a major fashion icon, largely thanks to her close collaboration with stylist Law Roach. She’s known for thoughtfully choosing outfits that connect to her work – for example, she wore a futuristic vintage Mugler suit during promotion for the movie ‘Dune: Part Two,’ a technique sometimes called ‘method dressing.’ Her character’s style on the show ‘Euphoria,’ which featured practical and vintage pieces, even impacted current fashion trends among Gen Z. At a young age, she was honored with the Fashion Icon Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ brought 1960s mod fashion—think Peter Pan collars and bold patterns—back into the spotlight. She’s known for her unique style, often choosing a dark, dreamy look and wearing custom Dior designs. Her work in ‘Last Night in Soho’ also highlighted her talent for glamorous, vintage-inspired outfits. Taylor-Joy is celebrated for her striking use of color and dramatic, movie-like clothing choices.

Lupita Nyong’o

She’s a major force in fashion, known for her bold colors and beautiful use of African fabrics. One of her most iconic moments was the stunning pastel blue Prada gown she wore to the Oscars. As a costume designer for ‘Black Panther’, she created a wardrobe that uniquely combined African traditions with a modern, tech-inspired look. She also consistently uses her influence to showcase talented designers from diverse backgrounds and celebrate innovative hair designs.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively became well-known for playing Serena van der Woodsen on ‘Gossip Girl,’ a role that made her style a trendsetter in the late 2000s. She’s famous for choosing her own outfits for red carpets and premieres, rather than relying on a stylist. Lively often wears striking suits and elaborate dresses from top designers like Versace and Chanel. She’s particularly celebrated for her creative and thematic outfits at the Met Gala.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker became a major fashion icon thanks to her role as Carrie Bradshaw in ‘Sex and the City’. The show’s designer, Patricia Field, expertly used Parker’s knack for combining designer pieces with unique vintage finds. Parker is well-known for making the Fendi Baguette bag and Manolo Blahnik shoes incredibly popular, and she continues to express a similar playful and daring sense of style in her own personal fashion choices.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman has been a style icon for many years, celebrated for her tall, graceful figure and timeless elegance. She’s particularly remembered for a striking chartreuse Dior gown by John Galliano she wore to the 1997 Oscars, which is considered a turning point in red carpet fashion. Her costumes in the movie ‘Moulin Rouge!’ beautifully displayed a dramatic take on 19th-century style. Kidman frequently wears designs from Chanel and Armani, often choosing clothes with detailed embroidery and clean, modern shapes.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow was a key figure in the minimalist fashion trend of the 1990s, known for her simple, elegant style with slip dresses and neutral colors. Her iconic pink Ralph Lauren gown at the 1999 Oscars is still remembered as a red carpet highlight. In the movie ‘The Royal Tenenbaums,’ her character Margot Tenenbaum’s look – a fur coat paired with a Lacoste dress – became a defining style for independent films. Today, Paltrow favors “quiet luxury,” which emphasizes classic, well-made pieces and a neutral color scheme.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder became a style icon of the 1990s, known for her ‘grunge chic’ look with vintage leather jackets and band tees. Her performances in films like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Heathers’ captured the era’s edgy, alternative vibe. She was a favorite of designer Marc Jacobs, appearing in many of his ads, and later solidified her status as a fashion icon with her gothic-inspired red carpet looks.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is known for her timeless and sophisticated style, often choosing beautiful lace and well-tailored dresses. Her role in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ showcased stunning vintage designs from brands like Elie Saab, along with her own exquisite jewelry. She made history as the first Asian woman to win the Best Actress Oscar, and she looked radiant in a feathered Dior gown. Yeoh consistently supports designers who creatively combine Eastern and Western styles.

Fan Bingbing

She’s famous for her stunning and meaningful red carpet looks, especially at the Cannes Film Festival. She often wears elaborate gowns inspired by traditional Chinese designs, featuring details like cranes and floral embroidery. Her style is known for being extravagant and impeccably crafted. She’s also become a key face for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chopard.

Penélope Cruz

I’ve always admired Penélope Cruz’s style! As a Chanel ambassador, she rocks their iconic tweed suits and timeless designs so effortlessly. And you can really see her taste in her movie roles – think ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ and that beautiful, relaxed Mediterranean vibe. What I love most is how she blends classic Hollywood glamour with a really modern, sophisticated feel. Plus, she isn’t afraid of a bold color – red and gold always look incredible on her when she’s on the red carpet!

Monica Bellucci

Monica Bellucci is known for a timeless, glamorous style that perfectly captures the essence of Dolce & Gabbana. Her role in ‘Malèna’ showcased a 1940s wardrobe of beautifully tailored, feminine clothes. In her own style, Bellucci often favors black lace, corsets, and sophisticated evening gowns. She consistently embraces a look that highlights Italian artistry and a confident sensuality.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is known for her fun and innovative take on high fashion, often using bright colors and dramatic silhouettes. On the show ‘Black-ish’, her character wore both designer clothes and everyday pieces. She also consistently champions Black designers and cutting-edge brands like Schiaparelli when she attends events. Her personal style is striking, with a unique combination of structure and playfulness.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga became well-known for her elegant and classic style while promoting the film ‘Loving’. She frequently wore designs from Prada and Louis Vuitton, often selecting clothes with detailed features and shapes reminiscent of the 1920s. Her short hairstyle and striking lipstick shades perfectly matched her simple yet powerful fashion sense. Negga is celebrated for choosing clothing with a unique story or connection to the past.

Lady Gaga

Though she’s famous for her dramatic stage outfits, her work in movies like ‘A Star Is Born’ and ‘House of Gucci’ revealed a more polished and elegant style. While promoting ‘House of Gucci,’ she embraced ‘method dressing,’ choosing vintage Gucci pieces and other high-fashion looks that captured the film’s 1980s aesthetic. Her red carpet fashion has changed over time, moving from bold, artistic creations to classic, glamorous gowns reminiscent of Old Hollywood. She still works with top designers to create memorable and visually striking moments.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore has a long-standing relationship with designer Tom Ford, who even directed her in his acclaimed film, ‘A Single Man.’ Known for her striking red hair, she often chooses vibrant, jewel-toned outfits on the red carpet, especially greens and purples. She typically wears elegant, streamlined gowns and modern designs from brands like Givenchy and Chanel. Moore is admired for consistently embracing high fashion in a way that feels both stylish and appropriate for her age.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone’s work in films like ‘La La Land’ and ‘Cruella’ has noticeably influenced current fashion, bringing back styles from vintage dresses to edgy, punk-inspired looks. As an ambassador for Louis Vuitton, she often showcases the bold and futuristic designs of Nicholas Ghesquière. Stone’s individual style is a blend of old and new – she loves classic shapes but updates them with modern materials. On the red carpet, she’s known for wearing beautifully detailed, beaded outfits in unexpected colors.

Greta Garbo

Greta Garbo was famous for creating a mysterious and somewhat masculine public image, earning her the nickname “Swedish Sphinx.” In the 1930s, she helped make the “tomboy” style popular with her choice of clothes like trench coats, berets, and loose-fitting pants. Even in period films like ‘Camille,’ her costumes were carefully designed to highlight her face and the way she moved. Garbo was very private and her personal style reflected that – she often wore tailored suits that concealed her figure and added to her air of mystery.

Share your favorite onscreen style moments in the comments.

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2026-02-28 21:48