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Who doesn’t love Julia Roberts? From Pretty Woman to Notting Hill, America’s sweetheart has been gracing the silver screen for as long as we can remember.

In addition to her signature curls and larger than life smile, the actress is a major fashion icon. And it’s been this way throughout her entire career, dating back to the very beginning.

In fact, we think the outfits she wore on screen and off screen in the 1980s were some of her best. In addition, the outfits below prove that Roberts isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to her style, which is yet another reason why we love her.

So, what are you waiting for?

Channel your inner Vivian Ward and check out this list of Julia Roberts’ best 80s outfits that still hold up today.

Contents

Julia Roberts’ Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress in Steel Magnolias

It’s safe to say that Julia Roberts stole the screen in 1989’s Steel Magnolias. But this wasn’t just because of her charm and charisma. Rather, Roberts’ wore some extremely memorable outfits throughout the course of the film.

However, none were more stunning than her wedding dress. Roberts looked like a modern-day princess as she made her way down the aisle, and we can’t help but think that the 80s gown she wore still holds up by today’s fashion standards.

This is because her timeless satin gown featured many of the bridal fashion trends we’re currently witnessing.

These include off-the-shoulder necklines, corset bodices with delicate buttons running down the back, blush pink hued-gowns (coloured, non-white gowns are all the rage right now), and finally, statement backs with details much like the oversized bow that Roberts’ gown is adorned with in the film.

Julia Roberts’ Little Black Dress in Mystic Pizza

Little black dresses never go out of style and no one proves this better than America’s sweetheart, Julia Roberts. In the 1988 coming of age flick Mystic Pizza, Roberts’ character Daisy Araujo dons a black strapless mini dress.

Not only did the strapless neckline make a major comeback this past summer, but to top it off, the dress she wears has a white statement bow at the top (another recent fashion trend, especially when it comes to gowns).

To complete the look, slip on a pair of patent black pumps, put on a pair of dangly silver earrings, and curl your hair until it’s as voluminous as can be.

Read: How to get Julia’s Mystic Pizza Looks…

Julia Roberts’ Cutout Dress and Over the Knee Boots in Pretty Woman

Julia Roberts has been serving major fashion inspiration since the start of her career, but no outfit has stuck with us more than the cutout dress and over the knee boots she donned as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman.

This iconic film resonated with viewers all around the world, not just for the romantic plotline but also due to the titular character’s amazing wardrobe.

Although the most famous outfit from the movie was once a prime example of 80s style, it still holds up now

That is because cutout bodycon dresses are back, not to mention knee high and over the knee black boots, which are the ultimate footwear for fall.

Julia Roberts’ Oversized Chunky Sweater and Knee High Socks at the Premiere of Great Balls of Fire

The year was 1989, and although Steel Magnolias hadn’t hit theatres yet, Julia Roberts had started to make a name for herself thanks to the release of the previous year’s Mystic Pizza.

That year, Roberts decided to attend the premiere of Great Balls of Fire with her then-boyfriend Dylan McDermott. She offered a dose of 80s fashion inspo at this event, where she wore an oversized white chunky sweater with a black mini skirt, black knee high socks, and black oxfords.

Despite the fact that Roberts was photographed in this outfit three decades ago, it fits right in with 2019 fashion thanks to knee high socks and oversized sweaters both coming back into style.

BONUS LOOKS: From the Movie Pretty Woman

The Opera Look

Okay we all know that Julia Robert’s took our breath away in Pretty Women with Richard Gere when he takes her to the opera for the first time, its heart warming and touching to see Vivian transform.

How to recreate the look for you … See below

Recreate the look by:

  1. Red gown and white satin gloves as recommended above
  2. Black Heels
  3. Apply Red Lipstick to your lips and dark black mascara to your eyelashes to give that touch of glamour
  4. Complete the look by twisting your hair up and pinning it to the side.

Special Tip: If its a party or event you are attending and want that wow factor simply apply fake eyelashes to complete the look.

Pretty Women Black Cocktail Dress Look

Now we all remember the first time Richard Gere see’s Julia Robert’s in the hotel lobby, he doesn’t recognise her. Julia is wearing a beautiful cocktail dress that is an all time classic, let’s face it, a little black cocktail dress still works its magic even today.

Recreate the look by:

  1. Either slim black lace dress or flow black lace dress as recommended above
  2. Black satin gloves
  3. Black Heels
  4. Apply nude brown shade lipstick to your lips and dark black mascara to your eyelashes to give that touch of elegance
  5. Wear either dangle or stud black earrings depending on what you feel comfortable with
  6. Complete the look by doing a loose ponytail with your hair up

Special Tip: If its a party or event you are attending and want to add an sophistication factor simply apply fake eyelashes to complete the look.

The Classic Day Out Look

The classic polka dot dress is a timeless classic that is still in trend today. It’s the perfect summer dress. Whether you going for a formal summer event or just a picnic you will look great. As Julia show’s us how simple yet effective this look is.

Recreate the look by wearing a:

  1. Polka Dot Dress, white heels and brown waist belt as recommended above
  2. Dangling Pearl earrings
  3. Apply nude lipstick to your lips and dark black mascara to your eyelashes to give that subtle look
  4. Complete the look by twisting your hair up into a low bun and pinning it to the side

Special Tip: If its a party or event you are attending and want to charm then simply apply fake eyelashes to complete the look and light pink blusher to your cheek bones.

The Vivian look

Pretty Women is one classic from the 80s that is timeless… I am sure you agree? I mean Julia Robert’s looks amazing in this film whether its causal or smart. The Pretty Women look is perfect for a fancy dress party. Believe me you will have heads turning when you turn up in an outfit like Vivian.

Right so we all know that Julia completely memorised us all with the cut out outfit however remember she was wearing a blonde bob cut wig and her real hair was brown and curly that we all love. So my point is this look can be recreated for anyone.

Recreate the look by:

  1. Pretty women costume outfit as recommended above
  2. Black knee high boots also as recommended
  3. Apply Red Lipstick to your lips
  4. Apply dark black mascara to your eyelashes
  5. Complete the look by either having your hair in loose curls or simply leave it open how you have it naturally

Special Tip: If its a party don’t forget the hat

Black Cocktail Dress Look

Now we all remember the first time Richard Gere see’s Julia Robert’s in the hotel lobby, he doesn’t recognise her. Julia is wearing a beautiful cocktail dress that is an all time classic, let’s face it, a little black cocktail dress still works its magic even today.

Recreate the look by:

  1. Either slim black lace dress or flow black lace dress as recommended above
  2. Black satin gloves
  3. Black Heels
  4. Apply nude brown shade lipstick to your lips and dark black mascara to your eyelashes to give that touch of elegance
  5. Wear either dangle or stud black earrings depending on what you feel comfortable with
  6. Complete the look by doing a loose ponytail with your hair up

Special Tip: If its a party or event you are attending and want to add an sophistication factor simply apply fake eyelashes to complete the look.

The Classic Day Out Look

The classic polka dot dress is a timeless classic that is still in trend today. It’s the perfect summer dress. Whether you going for a formal summer event or just a picnic you will look great. As Julia show’s us how simple yet effective this look is.

Recreate the look by wearing a:

  1. Polka Dot Dress, white heels and brown waist belt as recommended above
  2. Dangling Pearl earrings
  3. Apply nude lipstick to your lips and dark black mascara to your eyelashes to give that subtle look
  4. Complete the look by twisting your hair up into a low bun and pinning it to the side

Special Tip: If its a party or event you are attending and want to charm then simply apply fake eyelashes to complete the look and light pink blusher to your cheek bones.

About The Author

May is totally crazy about the 80s and everything the decade inspired! Having grown up in a household that was totally taken over by 80s music and fashion its only natural that May lives and breathes the 80s!

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