10 Iconic Female Outfits of the 20th century

10 women's clothes from the 20th century that were so outstanding that they shaped entire decades and will not be forgotten for a long time. Whether it's the price of the clothes or the message behind it... these outfits are so well-known it's intimidating how powerful a simple outfit can be.

Geri Halliwell's Union Jack Dress (1997)

After the Spice Girls' performance at the BRIT Awards 1997, this mini dress featuring the Union Jack became one of the most iconic pop moments of the 90s and a symbol of 3rd wave feminism as well as the Cool Britannia movement. Created by stitching a Union Jack tea towel on a black Gucci dress, it holds the Guiness World Record for the most expensive piece of popstar clothing dealt at auction.

White dress of Marilyn Monroe (1955)

The white dress created by designer William Travilla has become one of the signature looks for Hollywood goddess Marilyn Monroe as well as part of one of the most iconic images of the 20th century: Monroe in the dress standing above a subway grating blowing the dress up. 

Carrie Bradshaw Opening tutu (Sex and the City, 1998)

Love it or hate it, Sex and the City is a symbol of the post-feminist world and one of the most iconic fashion-centric series ever. The famous tutu that could be seen in the opening of every episode for 6 years set the tone for Carrie’s always-unexpected and quirky style, and guess what? The stylist bought it for 5$!

Black Givenchy dress of Audrey Hepburn (1961)

Often called the most famous ‘little black dress’ of all time, this Givenchy dress was created for the opening of Blake Edwards’ romantic comedy, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Now the dress has become the signature look for Audrey Hepburn, who is regarded by some to be the most naturally beautiful woman of all time.

Princess Leia's metal bikini (1983)

Only featured in 2 scenes, the costume has since become an iconic sex symbol with a huge pop culture following, spawning various spoofs and parodies and even a dedicated fansite. Fun fact: Carrie Fisher despised her metal bikini - "When I laid down, the metal bikini stayed up,” she once said, “so Boba Fett could see all the way to Florida.”

Rita Hayworth's black dress (1946)

The ultimate femme fatale dress created by costume designer Jean Louis and popularised by Rita Hayworth in the 1946 film Gilda. The dress and the look later became inspiration for Jessica Rabbit, the world's most famous animated sex symbol.

Wedding dress of Lady Diana Spencer (1981)

Ivory silk taffeta and antique lace gown, with a 25-foot (7.62 m) train, valued then at £9000. It became one of the most famous dresses in the world and was considered one of the most closely-guarded secrets in fashion history.

Madonna's cone bra (1990)

Madonna can easily be called one of the decade-defining style icons with her extravagant style and image in 80s/90s. One of the most glamours image of her was the popular cone bra created by Jean Paul Gaultier for Madonna’s 90s The Blond Ambition World Tour. The Cone bra popularized the idea of wearing underwear as outer wear.

Marlene Dietrich's tuxedo (1930)

Marlene Dietrich crossed fashion's gender boundaries in the 30s film Morocco - this iconic pose of her as Madmoiselle Amy Jolly in a mens' style suit and top hat with a cigarette streaming beside her is a timeless image that transcends fashion, defines style and keeps inspiring people. 

Black Versace dress of Elizabeth Hurley (1994)

Often referred to as ‘That Dress’ and called Versace’s best-known creation, this neo-punk dress held together by several gold safety pins has turned a virtually unknown actress Elizabeth Hurley to a worldwide media star. 

/ Pija x