5 Must-Know Facts About the Iconic Fashion Moments in Pretty Woman

Sunday, March 23, marks 35 years since Pretty Woman‘s Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) delivered those iconic lines to a shop assistant on Rodeo Drive after being denied the chance to try on an expensive dress due to her modest $20 streetwalker attire: “You work on commission, right? Big mistake. Huge. I have to go shopping now!”

Indeed, the 1990 romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall, cherished for its fairy-tale romance, also gifted viewers with unforgettable fashion moments. Featuring one of the most memorable makeovers in cinematic history, Pretty Woman showcases Vivian transforming from a rough-around-the-edges character to a classy lady, courtesy of Edward Lewis’ (Richard Gere) credit card, giving rise to that legendary shopping scene.

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’ve compiled five surprising facts about Pretty Woman and some of its most show-stopping outfits.

1. The Iconic Pretty Woman Dress Only Cost $20

The memorable dress, created by the U.K. brand Hunza G, was a steal at only $20. According to Roberts, the costume team made some tweaks “to make it a little bit different,” as she shared in a British Vogue interview in 2024. She also mentioned the less-than-glamorous truth about her “really uncomfortable” boots. (In fact, Edward remarks that a safety pin is what keeps the boots’ zipper intact. Ouch!)

2. The Jacket Was Worn to Cover Roberts’ “Big Butt”

Even though Vivian’s first self-styled outfit didn’t convince the salesperson, Roberts credited the jacket with boosting her confidence. “I thought I had a big butt, and that’s why I wore that jacket like that in the movie,” she told the publication.

Related: Julia Roberts Wore a Jacket With Her ‘Pretty Woman’ Dress to Hide Her Butt 

Buena Vista/Getty Images Julia Roberts shared an interesting insight about her iconic dress from Pretty Woman. In the film, Roberts, now 56, sported the eye-catching blue-and-white cutout dress created by Hunza G, paired with over-the-knee boots and a red jacket knotted around her waist. Roberts discussed the significance of the look in a conversation on January 11, detailing her wardrobe choices.

3. The Look Inspired Emma Roberts’ Halloween Costume

The striking cutout dress gained notable attention, but Vivian’s complete ensemble—including the newsboy cap, red coat, and thigh-high boots—has also made a lasting impact on popular culture. In 2012, this iconic style inspired a Halloween costume for Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts’ niece.

4. The Red Gown Was Originally Meant to Be Black

The stunning ruby-red ball gown that made Vivian’s opera moment unforgettable and left Edward speechless was initially envisioned by director Marshall to be black—an idea that was eventually scrapped. The change likely influenced the iconic ruby-and-diamond necklace that dazzles Vivian in the film.

5. The Minimal Clothing Made Roberts Uncomfortable

When Roberts initially signed onto the film, she insisted, “I won’t be naked,” and her hesitation about the revealing attire yielded positive results. “I remember [costume designer Marilyn Vance being considerate of my comfort level in the outfits,” Roberts shared in an interview. “I’m not really comfortable in revealing clothing, and she was very attentive and respectful about that.”

This led to Vivian switching from her one-piece attire to playful polka-dot sundresses for a true Beverly Hills makeover.