Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures.
Five Black Dresses from Movies and TV That Live in My Brain Rent-Free
Plus, how to dress like these iconic characters in your real life.
The little black dress is one of the most classic garments there is, but it’s also one with endless opportunity for variety. In other words: Not all LBDs are created equal, so when you see a truly great one, you’re not likely to forget it. My earliest memory of encountering an impeccable LBD came from watching Natasha Richardson in The Parent Trap. I’m sure part of the reason this memory remains strong is the fact that we owned the movie on DVD, and my sisters and I have seen it upwards of 30 times. But regardless, I’ll never forget how effortlessly elegant her character, Elizabeth James, looked boarding the Queen Elizabeth 2 for that fateful reunion with her ex-husband.
Here at M.M., we’ve declared it the summer of the LBD, because what else do you wear when it’s 95 degrees outside and you can’t be bothered to put together an outfit? In honor of LBD summer, here are five black dresses from film and TV that I think about often—and how to recreate the looks with M.M. styles.
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The Parent Trap
Shop the Cynthia dress. Image credit: Walt Disney Pictures.
On the off chance that you find yourself on a blind date with the estranged father of your identical twin daughters, you’ll want to have a great LBD on hand. In The Parent Trap, wedding-dress designer Elizabeth James (Natasha Richardson) rises to such an occasion in a slinky, boat-neck number. For an updated version of her look, try the Cynthia dress—timeless, chic, and sexy without being revealing. Strappy heels, minimalist earrings, and a silk scarf complete the outfit.
What’s Love Got to Do with It
Shop the Chloe dress. Image credit: Touchstone Pictures.
When you’re playing an icon, you get to dress like an icon. In this Tina Turner biopic, Angela Bassett performs the movie’s titular song in a stunning leather minidress. Even if you don’t have plans to take to the stage yourself, you can pay homage to this look with the vegan-leather Chloe dress, whose not-too-tight fit gives you plenty of layering options. For a fun summertime outfit, try it with big earrings and heels. Come fall, you can layer the Axam turtleneck underneath.
Rear Window
Shop the Felisa dress. Image credit: Patron Inc.
If you want to bring a little drama into your everyday life, simply don the Felisa dress, add a pearl necklace, and imagine you’re Grace Kelly in Rear Window. The Felisa has all the key elements of her elegant ’50s look—a sleek V-neck, cap sleeves, a belt at the waist—but with modern features (like machine-washability and wrinkle-resistance) that make it realistic for everyday wear.
Past Lives
Shop the Monte dress and Sant Ambroeus jardigan. Image credit: CJ ENM, 2AM, and Killer Films.
In Past Lives, New York-based writer Nora (Greta Lee) has a minimalist style that’s chic but never distracting. Get this low-effort cool-girl look by pairing the pima-cotton Monte dress with the stretchy Sant Ambroeus jardigan. Black socks and chunky oxfords complete the outfit. (P.S. Sorry to everyone who’s seen this movie and is now crying at the very memory of this scene.)
Insecure
Shop the Gwynne dress. Image credit: HBO.
Insecure is the only TV show on this list, but we couldn’t leave out attorney Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji) and her sophisticated style. To emulate this outfit, reach for the trench-style Gwynne dress, made from lightweight, travel-friendly OrigamiTech. The sharp lapels and double-breasted cut give the Gwynne a professional vibe, while the fabric belt and shorter hemline add personality.
