Fashion has always been more than just a way to dress; it is a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression, and cultural celebration. Across red carpets, premieres, and public appearances, women in the entertainment industry often use their style to send messages that transcend words. Whether it’s honoring their heritage, embracing their personal stories, or reflecting on their roles, these iconic women communicate values, emotions, and milestones through their clothing choices.
This article dives into the unique ways 13 famous women have harnessed fashion as a medium to convey messages. From celebrating cultural pride to redefining societal norms, each instance demonstrates the power of fashion to inspire, connect, and empower audiences around the world. Their choices prove that clothing is not just fabric; it is a canvas for meaningful stories and bold statements.
- Jung Ho-yeon: Honoring Heritage
At the SAG Awards, Squid Game star Jung Ho-yeon captivated in a Jacquard dress, accessorized with a traditional Korean daenggi hair ribbon. This centuries-old ornament, used to decorate braided hair in Korea, paid homage to her cultural roots. The thoughtful incorporation of heritage into her modern ensemble spoke volumes about Jung’s pride in her identity. The intricate balance of contemporary fashion and tradition reflected the duality of her role as a global star and a representative of her native culture.
PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / East News
Jung’s accessory resonated with fans worldwide, underscoring the importance of cultural pride in the age of globalization. By combining haute couture with Korean tradition, she demonstrated how fashion could act as a bridge between worlds. Her red-carpet moment was not only a personal tribute but also a global celebration of Korean art and history. Such gestures amplify the reach of cultural storytelling, making her ensemble a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of heritage.
- Emilia Clarke: A Dress with Hidden Meanings
For the final season premiere of Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke wore a breathtaking icy-blue gown adorned with a poetic inscription: “Leave your door open for me. I might sleepwalk into your arms.” While fans speculated that it hinted at her character Daenerys Targaryen’s fate, the message was, in fact, a creative design choice unrelated to the storyline. However, the gown’s frosty palette mirrored the chilling essence of the Night King, subtly evoking themes from the series.
Invision / Invision / East News
The dress exemplified how costume-inspired fashion can merge fiction and reality. Clarke’s choice of color and details transported fans into the Game of Thrones universe, enhancing the emotional farewell to the iconic show. By using her outfit as a canvas for storytelling, she blurred the boundaries between her real-life persona and her fictional role. This red-carpet appearance was a testament to the transformative power of fashion in creating immersive, shared experiences.
- Nicole Kidman: Wings of Resilience
At the Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Nicole Kidman donned a Christian Dior gown with a striking cartoon bird motif. The bird symbolized potential and resilience, reminding us that, even with broken wings, one can soar again. This thoughtful ensemble transformed her dress into a metaphor for strength, celebrating both personal and collective triumphs.
Steven Ferdman / Everett Collection / East News
Kidman’s choice resonated as a message of hope, inspiring audiences with its poignant symbolism. Her fashion statement reflected her journey as a woman navigating challenges with grace. By weaving art and meaning into her wardrobe, she demonstrated how clothing could serve as a medium for storytelling, offering solace and encouragement to others.
- Sarah Jessica Parker: Carrie Bradshaw in Real Life
At the NYC Ballet Fall Fashion Gala, Sarah Jessica Parker turned heads in a Zac Posen gown paired with mismatched heels from her own collection. The quirky footwear referenced a memorable scene from Sex and the City, blurring the line between her and her iconic character, Carrie Bradshaw. Each step she took on the red carpet was a nod to her beloved role.
Everett Collection / East News, © sarahjessicaparker / Instagram
Through fashion, Parker consistently pays homage to Carrie, allowing fans to relive the magic of Sex and the City. Her red-carpet choices are an extension of her character’s vibrant style, making her a walking tribute to the series’ lasting cultural impact. Parker proves that fashion can serve as a bridge between fiction and reality, keeping cherished memories alive for fans.
- Elle Fanning: A Role That Lives On
At the Maleficent premiere, Elle Fanning honored her character Aurora by wearing Charlotte Olympia’s “Sleeping Beauty” heels. The playful design featured Aurora herself, making it a perfect tribute to her on-screen persona. Fanning extended this theme into her personal wardrobe, often donning outfits that referenced her character.
AP / East News
This fashion strategy not only celebrates her iconic role but also keeps it alive in the hearts of fans. By integrating elements of Aurora into her real-life style, Fanning reinforces the emotional connection between actors and their characters. Her choices demonstrate how fashion can bridge the gap between fictional stories and real-world moments, creating lasting memories for audiences.
- Taylor Swift: Diamonds and Milestones
At the 2022 VMAs, Taylor Swift dazzled in a shimmering outfit that fans believed referenced her hit song “Look What You Made Me Do.” The outfit’s resemblance to a scene from the music video, where Swift bathes in a tub of diamonds, hinted at this connection.
ANDRES KUDACKI / AFP / East News
The ensemble also commemorated the song’s fifth anniversary, showcasing Swift’s knack for weaving her career milestones into her fashion choices. Her outfits often double as visual narratives of her journey, connecting deeply with her loyal fanbase. Through this thoughtful approach, Swift transforms fashion into a celebration of her artistry and personal evolution.
- Julia Roberts: A Family Tribute in Fashion
At the 2022 Ticket to Paradise premiere, Julia Roberts wore a dress adorned with chalk-like symbols representing her family. Hearts, initials, and numbers carried intimate meanings—like “JR+DM” for her and her husband Daniel Moder, and dates marking significant moments in their lives.
NIKLAS HALLE’N / AFP / East News
This heartfelt ensemble showcased how clothing could narrate personal stories. By embedding her family’s legacy into her outfit, Roberts demonstrated the profound intersection of fashion and emotion. Her dress served as a beautiful celebration of her cherished relationships, reminding us of the stories garments can tell.
- Meghan Markle: Redefining Postpartum Fashion
In 2018, Meghan Markle made bold fashion statements that challenged conventions. Her acrylic clutch, featuring a Leo constellation, subtly highlighted her zodiac sign and individuality. Shortly after giving birth, Markle stepped out in a belted dress that embraced her postpartum figure rather than hiding it, breaking royal traditions.
George Rogers / SIPA / East News
This empowering choice resonated with mothers worldwide, symbolizing confidence and self-acceptance. Markle’s fashion decisions often carry deeper messages, making her a role model for embracing authenticity. Her postpartum outfit redefined societal norms, proving that fashion could challenge outdated expectations while celebrating the natural stages of motherhood.
PA Pool / Associated Press / East News
- Kate Middleton: A Mother’s Love in Gold
In 2020, Kate Middleton’s visit to Battersea Park included an accessory that stole the spotlight. A gold necklace featuring three charms engraved with the initials “C,” “G,” and “L” represented her children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
© WPA Pool / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
This subtle yet meaningful piece of jewelry exemplified Middleton’s ability to balance personal sentiment with elegance. Her understated choice reflected her dedication to family while reinforcing her status as a global fashion icon. Middleton’s accessories often hold personal significance, blending her royal duties with heartfelt nods to her private life.
- Elizabeth Olsen: Embracing Her Name
At the 2021 Emmy Awards, Elizabeth Olsen wore a sleek gown designed by her famous sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. This was a powerful gesture of reconciliation with her family legacy after years of forging her identity apart from her siblings.
Invision / Invision / East News
By donning a creation from her sisters’ label, Elizabeth embraced her roots while celebrating her individuality. Her choice underscored themes of familial pride and self-acceptance, marking a turning point in her career and personal journey. It showcased how fashion could act as a bridge for storytelling and identity.
- Claire Danes: Mythical Inspiration
Claire Danes celebrated her role in The Essex Serpent with a gown that paid homage to the mythical creature central to the series. Featuring intricate sea-serpent designs, her outfit brought the character’s journey to life on the red carpet.
Invision / Invision / East News
This imaginative choice demonstrated how actors could use fashion to expand the world of their stories beyond the screen. Danes’ ensemble encapsulated the spirit of the show, creating a deeper connection with fans while showcasing how fashion can complement and extend narrative themes.
- Margot Robbie: A Tribute to Peter Rabbit
In 2018, Margot Robbie’s floral dress paired with a rabbit-shaped purse subtly honored her role in Peter Rabbit. The quirky accessory wasn’t merely a fashion statement but a nod to her character and the whimsical tone of the film.
PacificCoastNews / East News
This thoughtful gesture highlighted Robbie’s attention to detail and commitment to her craft. By integrating elements from her work into her outfit, she created a unique red-carpet moment that celebrated the art of storytelling through fashion.
- Jennifer Lopez: A Dress Full of Memories
When Jennifer Lopez married Ben Affleck, her wedding dress was a symbol of nostalgia. She revealed it came from an old movie, likely referencing Jersey Girl, where the two starred together early in their relationship.
OnTheJLo via Grosby Group / Grosby Group / East News
This choice celebrated their enduring connection, transforming her bridal attire into a powerful tribute to their rekindled love story. Lopez’s decision to incorporate sentimental value into her dress added emotional depth, making it an iconic symbol of timeless romance.
A Lasting Legacy Through Fashion
The examples shared highlight the profound impact of thoughtful fashion. These 13 women demonstrate how style can be a reflection of personal journeys, cultural roots, and societal shifts. Their choices remind us that fashion is far from superficial—it is a deeply personal form of expression that can bridge gaps between the individual and the audience.
Whether honoring a role, celebrating family, or embracing individuality, these women have proven that fashion can be a universal language of connection. By making statements without uttering a word, they inspire others to see clothing as a means to share their own stories. Their legacy lies not only in their achievements but also in the messages they leave behind through their iconic appearances.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings