Scarlett Johansson’s Late Show Style in Balmain
Fashion in films isn’t just about clothes; it’s about telling a story, shaping a character, and sometimes even stealing the spotlight. From iconic red carpet looks to memorable on-screen outfits, fashion has always played a big role in movies. Recently, Scarlett Johansson turned heads in a stunning Balmain dress on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert while promoting her directorial debut, Eleanor The Great.
Via The Fashion Spot
Her look was a perfect mix of modern glamour and timeless elegance, showing how fashion can make a statement both on and off the screen. Let’s dive into how fashion in film has evolved, why it matters, and how stars like Scarlett Johansson continue to shape trends today.
Scarlett Johansson’s Fashion Influence
Scarlett Johansson is a perfect example of how modern stars use fashion to shine both on and off the screen. Her recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in a Balmain Pre-Fall 2025 dress was a masterclass in style. The strapless black knitted dress looked simple at first, but its corset-inspired seams and sleek fit made it stand out.
Via CBS
Paired with a bold gold Balmain belt, gold jewelry, and a bright red lip, Scarlett turned a minimalist look into something glamorous and powerful. Her stylist, Kate Young, knew exactly how to balance modern trends with classic Hollywood vibes.
Scarlett’s fashion choices in films are just as impactful. In Lost in Translation, her simple, understated outfits reflected her character’s quiet loneliness. In Avengers: Endgame, her Black Widow suit was both functional and fierce, showing her strength as a hero.
Via WWD
Off-screen, Scarlett’s red carpet looks, like the sparkly gowns she’s worn at the Oscars, keep her in the spotlight as a fashion icon. She knows how to use clothes to tell a story, whether she’s acting or promoting her work.
Fashion as a Storytelling Tool
Clothes in movies do more than just look good; they help tell the story. Costume designers carefully choose outfits to show a character’s personality, background, or even their emotional journey. Think about a superhero’s sleek suit or a villain’s dark, dramatic cloak. These choices aren’t random. They give you clues about who the character is without saying a word.
Via Business Insider
For example, in Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson’s character, Natasha Romanoff, wears a practical yet stylish black leather outfit. It shows her strength and toughness while still looking cool and approachable. Costumes also set the time and place of a story.
In period films like Pride and Prejudice, flowing dresses and tailored suits instantly transport you to 19th-century England. Even in modern movies, fashion reflects the era. The bold, colorful outfits in Clueless scream 1990s, while the sleek, minimalist looks in Her feel futuristic. Every detail, from the fabric to the fit, helps build the world of the film.
Via Vanity Fair
The Golden Age of Hollywood Glamour
Back in the 1930s and 1940s, Hollywood’s Golden Age made fashion a big deal. Stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe weren’t just actors; they were style icons. Designers like Edith Head, who won eight Oscars for costume design, created looks that defined an era. Think of Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s simple, elegant, and still inspires fashion today.
That dress, designed by Hubert de Givenchy, wasn’t just a costume; it became a symbol of timeless style. During this time, movies and fashion were closely linked. Fans wanted to dress like their favorite stars, so department stores started selling copies of movie outfits.
Via Classic Critics Corner
This was the beginning of celebrity-driven fashion trends. Actresses like Joan Crawford wore glamorous gowns that made audiences dream of luxury, even during tough times like the Great Depression. These looks weren’t just about beauty; they gave people hope and a sense of escape.
The Shift to Realism in the 1970s and 1980s
By the 1970s, movies started to focus on more realistic stories, and fashion followed suit. Instead of over-the-top glamour, costumes became more everyday. Think of Diane Keaton’s quirky, menswear-inspired outfits in Annie Hall. Her ties, vests, and baggy pants weren’t traditionally “feminine,” but they became a huge trend.
Via Pop Central
This showed that fashion in film could be relatable and still iconic. In the 1980s, movies like Flashdance and The Breakfast Club brought casual, youthful styles to the forefront. Jennifer Beals’ off-the-shoulder sweatshirt in Flashdance made ripped, oversized tops a must-have.
Meanwhile, The Breakfast Club showed how different high school cliques, like jocks, preps, and rebels, each had their own style. These films proved that you didn’t need fancy gowns to make a fashion statement. Everyday clothes could be just as powerful.
Via CNN
The 1990s and 2000s – Pop Culture Takes Over
The 1990s and early 2000s were all about pop culture dominating fashion. Movies like Clueless and The Matrix created looks that defined entire generations. In Clueless, Cher’s plaid skirts and knee-high socks became the ultimate ’90s teen style.
Costume designer Mona May carefully crafted Cher’s outfits to show her wealth and confidence, but also her charm and relatability. Fans copied her looks, and plaid became a staple in every teen’s closet.
Via Billboard
In The Matrix, the long black coats and sleek sunglasses worn by Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss gave birth to a futuristic, edgy vibe. This “cyberpunk” style influenced fashion for years, showing how movies could push boundaries and create entirely new trends. Even today, you can see echoes of The Matrix in modern streetwear and high-fashion runways.
The Role of Costume Designers
Behind every great movie outfit is a costume designer who brings the director’s vision to life. These unsung heroes research the time period, study the characters, and work with actors to create looks that feel authentic. For example, in Mad Max: Fury Road, costume designer Jenny Beavan used rugged, patched-together clothes to show a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. Every rip and stitch told a story of survival.
Via Backstage
Costume designers also have to think about practical things, like how an outfit will look on camera or how it will hold up during action scenes. In Black Panther, Ruth E. Carter designed vibrant, African-inspired costumes that were both beautiful and meaningful. Her work celebrated African culture and won her an Oscar, proving that costumes can be art.
Fashion’s Impact on Everyday Style
Movies don’t just influence high fashion; they change how everyday people dress. After Grease came out in 1978, leather jackets and poodle skirts became huge trends. When Twilight hit theaters in 2008, everyone wanted Bella’s plaid shirts and cozy sweaters. These trends show how movies can make certain styles feel cool and accessible.
Via Vogue
Social media has made this influence even stronger. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok let fans share their movie-inspired outfits instantly. When Barbie came out in 2023, pink everything, dresses, shoes, and even hair, took over. Fans posted their “Barbiecore” looks online, and stores couldn’t keep pink clothes in stock. This shows how movies can start trends that spread like wildfire.
Sustainability in Film Fashion
Today, fashion in film is also about being eco-friendly. Many designers are using sustainable materials and reusing costumes to reduce waste. For example, in Emma (2020), costume designer Alexandra Byrne used vintage fabrics to create period-appropriate looks while being kind to the planet. Some red carpet stars, like Emma Watson, even wear sustainable dresses to promote environmental awareness.
Via WWD
This shift matters because the fashion industry can be harmful to the environment. Making new clothes uses a lot of water and energy, and fast fashion creates tons of waste. By choosing sustainable options, filmmakers and stars are setting an example for fans to follow. It’s a small but important step toward a greener future.
The Future of Fashion in Film
As technology advances, fashion in film is getting even more exciting. Virtual reality and CGI (computer-generated imagery) let designers create outfits that wouldn’t be possible in real life. In Ready Player One, characters wear wild, futuristic clothes that exist only in a digital world. This opens up endless possibilities for creativity.
Via WWD
At the same time, movies are becoming more diverse, and so is their fashion. Films like Crazy Rich Asians and Everything Everywhere All At Once showcase cultures and styles that haven’t always gotten attention in Hollywood. This inclusivity means more people can see themselves reflected in movie fashion, which is a big deal.
Why Scarlett’s Balmain Look Matters
Scarlett Johansson’s Balmain dress on The Late Show is a great example of how fashion in film and real life connect. The dress wasn’t just a pretty outfit; it was a statement. Its sleek design and bold accessories showed confidence and style, perfect for promoting Eleanor the Great. Scarlett’s ability to blend modern trends with classic glamour mirrors how films today mix old-school Hollywood magic with fresh, new ideas.
Via Just Jared
Her look also shows how celebrities can inspire everyday fashion. Fans might not wear a Balmain dress, but they could try a bold belt or a red lip to channel Scarlett’s vibe. This connection between stars and fans is what makes movie fashion so powerful; it’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling confident and expressing yourself.
Explore Scarlett Johansson’s Balmain Gown
From Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress to Scarlett Johansson’s Balmain stunner, fashion in film has always been about more than clothes. It’s about creating characters, telling stories, and inspiring people. Whether it’s a superhero’s suit or a red carpet gown, these looks leave a mark on culture. They shape trends, spark conversations, and sometimes even change the way people see the world.
Via Headline Planet
As movies continue to evolve, so will their fashion. New designers, new technologies, and new stories will keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And stars like Scarlett Johansson will keep showing people how to shine, both on the screen and off. So next time you watch a movie or see a celebrity on TV, take a closer look at their clothes, you might just find your next style inspiration.
