Julia Roberts' Outfits from 'Pretty Woman,' Ranked

Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman' — Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward in hotel scene. Photo:
Buena Vista / Courtesy Everett Collection

From Kate Winslet's black-and-red beaded number in 1997's Titanic to Kate Hudson's yellow Carolina Herrera satin gown in 2003's How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, many actresses have graced the silver scene in memorable dresses. However, none have quite cast a spell like the sweeping, off-the-shoulder red gown Julia Roberts wore in the 1990 movie Pretty Woman.

Not only did Garry Marshall's rom-com capture the hearts of millions with its fairy-tale love story about a sex worker's (Roberts) weekend escorting a corporate raider, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), but also by its noteworthy fashion.

When Roberts first signed onto the project, she famously declared, "I won't be naked" — and the lack of undress certainly paid off. As one of Hollywood's grand makeover tales, Pretty Woman unveils the dramatic transformation of Vivian Ward, who uses Edward's credit card to go from uncouth to chic, swapping her one-piece for elegant gowns and sophisticated blazers and spawning the iconic shopping revenge scene.

In 2024, Roberts told British Vogue about her collaboration with the film's costume designer, Marilyn Vance.

"I remember her to be very caring about how I felt in the clothes," Roberts recalled. "I'm not really comfortable wearing such bare things, and she was very mindful and respectful of that."

Whether strutting down Hollywood Boulevard or Rodeo Drive, here's the ultimate ranking of every fabulous (plus, that one big mistake!) outfit Roberts' character, Vivian, donned in Pretty Woman.

01 of 15

The Red Dress

Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman' — Richard Gere as Edward Lewis and Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward in jewelry box scene.
Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock

This red ball gown — which Vivian wears in Pretty Woman when she goes from duckling to swan on a date to the Opera — has an unrivaled wow factor. Designed by Vance, the structured dress with ruching detail on the bodice and a sweetheart v-neck left everyone (including Edward) in awe. The stunning gown was paired with long white gloves and a ruby and diamond necklace.

Could you imagine if the dress had been black, as director Marshall originally suggested.

02 of 15

Her Iconic One-Piece

Pretty Woman best outfits — Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward in scenes from 'Pretty Woman'.
Touchstone

The one-piece that left little to the imagination has become synonymous with the film and, therefore, ranks high on the list. Roberts' newsboy cap, red coat and thigh-high boots get less recognition but are just as iconic. (Even her niece Emma Roberts used it as inspiration for a Halloween costume!)

"The funny thing about this dress is, I think it was about $20," Roberts told British Vogue. "It was, I think, black and white, and the costume designer changed it up to make it a little bit different."

She added, "The boots were really uncomfortable."

03 of 15

Her One-Piece Without the Wig

Sans blonde wig with the jacket tied around her waist, the outfit somehow looks cool enough to earn itself its own spot in the ranking.

"I thought I had a big butt, and that's why I wore that jacket like that in the movie," Roberts revealed to British Vogue.

04 of 15

Her Polo Match Look

Someone give this stylish polka-dot dress (and its matching hat) its own award.

05 of 15

The 'Big Mistake, Huge' Look

Thought this white, puff-sleeve dress, paired with white gloves and black hat, wouldn't make the list? Let's just say it would've been a "big mistake! Big! Huge!" to exclude her Rodeo Drive revenge look.

06 of 15

This Classic Combo

At the end of the film, Vivian wears a plain white tee, black blazer and belted mom jeans, and her hair in a black silk scrunchie. You can catch women recreating this classic combo to this day — why is why it's one of our favorite outfits.

07 of 15

The Little Black Dress

After being turned away while shopping, Vivian gets her first Cinderella moment of the film, wearing an off-the-shoulder LBD with lace appliqué that sits above her collarbone. Though the business dinner doesn't go as planned, in part due to those "slippery little suckers," Vivian rocked this cocktail dress (and her table etiquette).

08 of 15

The Button-Down Look

When Vivian walks down Rodeo Drive with Edward in this outfit, she gets the same stares as when she was wearing the one-piece on its own, but we genuinely have to wonder why? A plain white button-down has rarely looked so cute.

09 of 15

This Fancy Robe

This floral hotel robe is one that we would absolutely be swiping from the room.

10 of 15

This Off-the-Shoulder Date Night Dress

Classic but colorful, this is one of Vivian's looks that we don't get to see for long on-screen — save for two quick shots while she is on a date with Edward — but this purple number still makes a splash.

11 of 15

The "Blink-and-You'll-Miss-It" Black Dress

We see this dress very briefly during Vivian's shopping montage and will always wonder why this flirty number wasn't a winner — especially with those black ballet flats!

(Check out her famous red gown on the mannequin, though.)

12 of 15

The Pinstripe Dress with Sheer Sleeves

There's a lot going on here: white pantyhose, oversized pinstripes, sheer sleeves. It looks like something you would wear if you were going to a Goodfellas-themed birthday. Of course, Roberts manages to pull it off while snagging a fancy tie for Edward in the process.

13 of 15

The Sunglasses for a Lazy Day

We see the pinstripe dress again when she convinces the uptight and overworked Edward to take a day off and relax in the park. Her sunglasses complete the look, in our opinion.

14 of 15

This Sweater Your Grandma Would Give You for Christmas

Sure, Vivian is supposed to learn to be "ladylike," but nobody said that she had to age five decades in order to do so!

Fun fact: Roberts was just 21 years old when she filmed this movie.

15 of 15

The Salmon Short-Suit

Yes, Roberts can pull off anything. However, this matching Bermuda short and blazer set is unfortunate compared to the other outfits. Her hair looks great, though!