I was in my sisters house last Friday night and we were watching Pretty Woman. I've seen this movie so many times (it never gets old) and I love the outfits and Vivian's style transformation from "lady of the night" to "high-class lady". My sister suggested doing a blog post on 20 classic girly movies and the fashion, however, I thought it would work better as a blog series. So, each week for the foreseeable future I will write about a classic movie and chronicle the style through out. Welcome to the first instalment : PRETTY WOMAN. :)
SPOILER ALERT: This post may contain spoilers!
Pretty Woman is definitely in my top 10 romantic movies. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have amazing chemistry. Their classic portrayal of a prostitute and a business man falling in love isn't your typical love story, yet it hits the spot just the same. It is easily one of the most endearing cinematic romances in film history. There are too many outstanding moments in the film to count and the fashion is remarkable. The screenplay takes it from being just another rom-com to something else entirely - a movie that stands the test of time and warrants the affections of each new generation. If you haven't seen it yet, please do!
The movie was released in 1990 and the style is at times, so inherently 90's. However, in standard style revolution, a lot of the clothing in the movie is considered fashionable today - and it's easy to see why. So many of the pieces are timeless and just, well, great!
When we first meet Vivian she is preparing for the night in her apartment. She's wearing the "iconic" working girl outfit from Pretty Woman - the thigh high boots, the white and blue body con dress with cut-outs on the side, THE red jacket, a blonde wig and a black hat. You wouldn't necessarily see many thigh high leather boots around these days for everyday wear, however body con dresses with cut outs are all the rage!
As the story goes, after their first night together Edward hires Vivian (for the week at the mere price (sarcasm) of $3,000) as his escort for social events while he is in the city. He provides her with credit cards so she can purchase more suitable clothing. Her first outing isn't successful, but with the help of Barnard ("Barney"), the hotel manager, she manages to find some rather beautiful pieces.
Edward's first outing with Vivian marks her startling transformation. Edward is visibly taken aback by how stunning she looks in a black cocktail dress she dons, for a business dinner they are attending. Her hair is sleek and sophisticated, and the black dress is feminine and perfectly suited for the occasion. She pairs the look with black opaque tights which makes the outfit modest and ladylike. Black lace dress, to the knee? A timeless fashion staple.
"You're late."
"You're stunning."
"You're forgiven."
Following a shopping spree with Edward, Vivian wears a beautiful and elegant cream button-down dress with elbow length sleeves, a black wide-brimmed hat teamed with cream court shoes with a black toe. This outfit has so much going for it. All I can say is CLASSY. It's also what she wears for one of my favourite scenes. She returns to one of the stores that snubbed her previously and says one of the best lines in the movie.
"Big mistake. Big. HUGE. I have to go shopping now."
Take that, shop assistant!
My favourite outfit from the whole movie has to be Vivian's polo attire. This simple knee-length brown polka dot dress is just so graceful and refined, I adore absolutely everything about it. It's utterly timeless and I would wear it in a heartbeat! The cut is so flattering with the dress nipping in at the waist. Midi-length? Check. Hat? Check. The cream heels and pearl earrings make the look extremely polished and striking. 10/10!
The red opera dress. There are no words. The cut, the colour, the NECKLACE! ♥♥♥
A moment of appreciation please. When it's right, it's RIGHT. Edward is looking pretty dapper too!
"If I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time tonight."
Vivian's second to last outfit in the movie seems to divide people's opinions. I really like it, others hate it. It's all down to the knee-length shorts. I think it's chic and original. I love the white blouse and I think the belt ties it all together so nicely. Her sunglasses are so on trend right now, I want them! And her messy waves offset the serious tone of the suit.
In the final scene, Vivian wears a simple white t-shirt, a black oversized blazer and a pair of high-waisted jeans. Everything about this screams 90's fashion revival - walk into any clothes shop tomorrow and you'll find all of these pieces. Simple and understated, yet so spot on. Nobody should look that good in a white t-shirt!
NOBODY!!
"So, what happens after he climbs up and rescues her?"
"She rescues him right back."
♥
