5 insane facts about the iconic outfits worn by Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’

It’s been 35 years since Vivian Ward (played by the incredible Julia Roberts) walked into that Rodeo Drive store and said, “Do you remember me? I was in here, yesterday... You wouldn't wait on me. You work on commission, right? Big mistake. Big. Huge! I have to go shopping now,” after she was refused to try on their ‘very expensive’ dress because of her streetwalker outfit!

Vivian Ward and her iconic fashion have been stealing hearts ever since. As the film rings 35 today, let’s take a look at some of the insane facts about the outfits worn by Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’.

The iconic blue-and-white dress cost just $20

Remember the barely there blue and white cutout dress from the film? Well, that was a budget-friendly purchase from U.K. brand Hunza G. The outfit was originally priced at just $20, and the costume department made subtle modifications to make it how it looks now. Talking to Vogue in 2024, she also revealed the less glamorous reality of the ‘really uncomfortable’ boots. In fact, a safety pin was used to keep the zipper up, a detail that even made it into the film.

The real reason why Vivian wore the jacket around her waist

Before her Rodeo Drive transformation, Vivian styled her barely there, blue and white cutout dress, with over-the-knee boots and a red jacket tied around her waist. Ever wondered, why she wore the jacket that way? Well, talking to the publication earlier, Roberts said, that she did it to boost her confidence. “I thought I had a big b*tt, and that’s why I wore that jacket like that in the movie,” she said. The layering trick ultimately became a defining part of her character’s look.

Emma Roberts’ Halloween costume was inspired by the iconic look
It’s no secret that Vivian Wards gave more ‘lewks’ than any fictional character ever did! Her daring cutout dress emerged as an iconic piece. Its influence on pop culture and the fashion industry is beyond anything. In 2012, it even inspired Roberts’ niece Emma Roberts’ Halloween costume!

The red gown was supposed to be black

No one could ever forget the ruby-red ball gown that Vivian wore to the opera debut, which left Edward speechless. Every audience who watched the moment was equally awestruck. But did you know the dress was initially supposed to be black? Director Garry Marshall originally envisioned the dress in black. Costume designer Marilyn Vance pushed for the vibrant red, and the choice proved legendary!



Julia Roberts was ‘uncomfortable’ in the iconic outfit

The only demand Julia Roberts had when she signed the contract was, “I won’t be naked.” She was convinced by the character but was concerned by what she may have to wear. “I remember [costume designer Marilyn Vance] to be very caring about how I felt in the clothes,” Roberts revealed. “I’m not really comfortable wearing such bare things, and she was very mindful and respectful of that.”