12 Most Iconic Black Dress Moments Of All Time
Published on January 17, 2018.This year’s annual Golden Globe awards made a huge fashion statement when star after star stepped out wearing all black to support the #TimesUp movement against sexual harassment in Hollywood. The sea of black was an undeniably powerful symbol of solidarity and support for a movement towards equality and inclusion. Although this display was impactful, the stars are definitely no newbies when it comes to donning a good black dress, so follow along to recall 12 of the most iconic black dress moments of all time:
12. Kate Middleton — St. Andrews 2011
Kate Middleton is definitely an avid black dress lover and this particular Temperley London “Amoret” gown has become a classic Kate dress! In fact, Kate is such a fan of this gown that she has worn it on three separate occasions – to the War Horse premiere, a St. Andrews dinner and an event at the Natural History Museum! The dress is somewhat risque for the Duchess with its sheer lace paneling and nude underlay, but nevertheless, still super elegant and feminine.
Photo by Rex Features
11. Kate Moss — 1998
Kate Moss was one of the most influential fashion icons in the ’90s, but this particular black dress look is undeniably one of her most memorable! Moss proved just how truly versatile the little black dress can be by recycling the garment three times for various public appearances — first while attending Frank Sinatra’s 80th birthday party in 1995 with Johnny Depp, then at the Cannes Film Festival in 1998 and again at the beauty company Coty’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in New York in 2004. The tight feathered garment was an absolute Kate Moss classic and one of our favorite Hollywood black dress moments!
Source: Shutterstock
10. Adele — Oscar’s 2013
Adele often opts for black on the red carpet, which makes this particular Jenny Packham gown come as quite expected; however, the beautiful simplistic embellishment of this particular gown definitely caught our attention! Adele looked more graceful and elegant than ever in this sleek black gown at the 2013 Oscar’s which was covered from head to toe in intricate beading. The night of the event Adele even commented on the gown’s elaborateness by commenting that the dress weighed 15 kilos!
Jef Hernandez/Everett Collection
9. Dakota Johnson — 2018 Golden Globes
One of the most recent displays of an absolutely iconic black dress was Dakota Johnson’s gown from the 2018 Golden Globes! It’s difficult to stand out in a sea of black gowns, but Dakota Johnson most definitely found a way to do so! The gown featured a minimalistic front that had a simple bow detail on the front, but the true statement factor of this dress is the back which featured an extravagant glittering bow. The embellishment covered nearly her entire lower back then cascaded into fluttering sparkles trailing down the remainder of the dress. The look was truly iconic and will most definitely go down in Golden Globes’ fashion history!
Photo by Lionel Hahn/ABACAPRESS.COM
8. Hilary Swank — 2008 Oscars
Hilary Swank wore an unforgettable one-shoulder number by Versace at the 2003 Oscars that was everything we love about a black dress — sleek, sophisticated yet still totally glamorous! The garment featured sheer layers that crossed intricately across one another and also featured silver beading on the chest and one shoulder sleeve. The gown featured a simple, sleek cut but was actually quite intricate with the crisscrossing layers despite still featuring little embellishment.
David Longendyke/Everett Collection
7. Jennifer Aniston — 2004 Oscars
Jennifer Aniston is a definite black dress connoisseur and has proven time and time again that she rocks a little black dress better than anyone! Despite being relatively simple, this particular 2004 look was absolutely epic. This little black dress moment featured a sleek body-hugging shape, deep V neckline and buckle detail along the chest. Aniston typically opts for relatively clean and sophisticated looks but isn’t afraid to mix in a sultry neckline or thigh-high slit every once in a while as well.
Source: Shutterstock
6. Mandy Moore — Golden Globes 2017
Mandy Moore made a huge bang in the world of Hollywood when she took on the role of Rebecca Pearson on the hit drama This Is Us. On the 2017 Golden Globes red carpet, Moore proved her fashion sense was just as admirable! This bold black dress was elegant and dainty, yet still a little sultry. The look featured a chiffon A-line shape, a plunging deep V neckline and a dramatic cape detailing trailing behind her back.
Photo by BEI/Shutterstock
5. Elizabeth Hurley — 1994 Four Weddings And A Funeral Premiere
Elizabeth Hurley became an overnight sensation when she stepped out at the 1994 Four Weddings And A Funeral premiere on the arm of Hugh Grant! Hurley donned a revealing Versace gown that was held together by the seams by a purposeful set of oversized gold paperclips. At the time, a style like this had never been done before and for years to follow designers would attempt to mimic a similar look. The dress was obviously quite revealing and Hurley even admitted years later that she believes the dress shaped the course of her career and her inability to land more serious acting roles.
Tim Rooke/REX
4. Angelina Jolie — 2012 Oscars
Angelina Jolie undeniably left a huge impression when she stepped out on the 2012 Oscars red carpet rocking an enthusiastic and exaggerated pose that showed off her right leg. The fashion moment became a cultural phenomenon and an entire Twitter account was made honoring the moment. Supposedly, Jolie was quite embarrassed by the backlash her dramatic pose ensued, but regardless, this black Atelier Versace gown has gone down in history as one of the most iconic black dresses to ever hit the red carpet.
Photo By: Dee Cercone/Everett Collection
3. Victoria Beckham — 1998 Engagement Announcement
Victoria Beckham was all smiles when she stepped out in 1998 to announce her engagement to Hollywood heartthrob David Beckham! The happy moment was absolutely iconic, but even more so because of the little black outfit Victoria was wearing! The former Spice Girl opted for an ultra mini tight black dress and a luxurious textured coat. She donned an oversized cross around her neck and matched the look with a pair of metallic pumps. David matched her with a turtleneck of his own which made this little black dress moment one that could never be forgotten!
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection
2. Princess Diana — 1994 Serpentine Gallery
Crowds gasped when Princess Diana stepped out wearing this slinky off-the-shoulder gown on the evening that Prince Charles publically confessed to his affair with Camilla Bowles. The figure-hugging mini number was coined the “revenge dress” and instantly became an icon and a turning point in the way Princess Diana was perceived. Diana was rumored to be initially quite hesitant about the daring Christina Stambolian garment and kept it on hold for three years until the particular dramatic evening. The sexy black dress showed a new, confident Diana that the public was proud to embrace.
Source: Press Association
1. Audrey Hepburn — 1961 Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Of all the iconic little black dresses in Hollywood, Holly Golightly’s sleek black number from the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s will always go down as the most memorable. The combination of a body-hugging black dress and pearls became an Audrey Hepburn classic and is a look that millions attempt to imitate decades later. The look was simple and clean yet still totally glamorous and captivating, which is exactly why it is still such an unforgettable fashion moment in the world of film!
Source: Everett Collection