Top 10 Movie Costumes of 2024: A Stylish Journey Through Film

As awards season approaches, cinephiles everywhere are abuzz with speculation about which films and talents will earn nominations for 2025. While the spotlight traditionally shines on the major categories—directing, best film, screenplay, and both lead and supporting actor/actress nominations—there’s always intriguing conversation surrounding the costume design category. The stunning attire from 2023’s Barbie, particularly Ryan Gosling’s Ken costumes, has set expectations high. With anticipation mounting, it’s time to discuss what may unfold in 2024.

The upcoming Halloween costumes of 2024 are an excellent starting point to highlight the year’s most culturally impactful costume moments. From blockbuster hits to indie fright flicks, the most memorable outfits have left a significant mark, sparking chatter about films scheduled for release next year. Notably, the official trailer for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie, featuring David Corenswet, has generated substantial buzz for its aesthetic and costume design, signaling excitement for the iconic character’s return to theaters.

10 Zendaya in Tashi’s ‘I Told Ya’ Shirt

Challengers

Director Luca Guadagnino’s film Challengers is a vibrant sports drama that intertwines tennis competition with complex romantic entanglements. This film’s characters express their desires and emotions on and off the court through their sartorial choices.

Costumes in this film stand out as a critical reflection of the characters’ identities, artfully demonstrating their styles. Zendaya’s character, Tashi, is known for dressing in a way that enhances her allure and asserts her dominance. A standout moment comes during a cafeteria scene, where the sarcastic ‘I told ya’ shirt speaks volumes about her character’s complexities and relationships.

9 Timothée Chalamet in Bob Dylan’s Iconic Tuxedo

A Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown has quickly become a box office sensation, contributing to the ongoing trend of successful music biopics. Timothée Chalamet embodies the enigmatic Bob Dylan with remarkable accuracy, juxtaposing director James Mangold’s vision with the artistic approach of past Dylan films.

Costume designer Arianne Phillips, who boasts multiple Oscar nominations, meticulously crafted the authentic looks of the era, including Dylan’s memorable tuxedo. The combination of sleek design and dramatic shots deepens the audience’s immersion into this pivotal time in Dylan’s career.

8 Naomi Scott as Skye Riley

Smile 2

Horror films continue to innovate costume design, often pushing boundaries between fear and creativity. In Smile 2, Naomi Scott’s character, a struggling pop star, showcases an array of vibrant outfits while navigating the psychological trauma of her experiences.

Her iconic red costume symbolizes both her determination and her underlying turmoil, becoming a significant cultural reference point leading to countless Halloween replicates in 2024.

7 Demi Moore in Elisabeth’s Velvet Dress

The Substance

The Substance delves into intricate themes of body image and societal expectations, with costume design playing a vital role. The film’s exploration of body politics is underscored by striking fashion choices that provide social commentary.

Demi Moore’s character dons a striking velvet dress, epitomizing the conflict between personal authenticity and societal expectations, capturing a moment of vulnerability before a pivotal transformation.

6 Katy M. O’Brian in Jackie’s Crop Top and Denim Shorts

Love Lies Bleeding

In the gripping thriller Love Lies Bleeding, set in 1989, costume design shifts away from nostalgic tropes, focusing instead on authentic character representation. The relationship between Kristen Stewart and Katy M. O’Brian’s characters is vividly expressed through thoughtful fashion choices that emphasize their identities.

“In terms of her character, we always thought of Jackie as someone who’s hitchhiking and needing to gain favors from men to survive. There’s more of a traditionally sexy femme thing going on with her. It was fun to pair a really muscular body with a very feminine aesthetic. Her colors dip more into a traditionally 80s feminine palette.”- Olga Mill (via The Art of Costume)

Costume designer Olga Mill navigated the cultural landscape of female bodybuilding in the ’80s, crafting outfits that express Jackie’s blend of power and femininity through her iconic crop-top denim ensemble.

5 Denzel Washington in Macrinus’ White Robe

Gladiator II

Gladiator II, despite mixed audience reactions, showcases stunning costume artistry reminiscent of the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Macrinus is particularly remarkable, his presence amplified by elaborate robes that reflect his character’s authority.

Washington’s commanding performance, coupled with his visually striking wardrobe, reinforces the film’s themes of power and legacy.

4 Austin Butler in Feyd-Rautha’s Combat Suit

Dune: Part Two

Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune 2

The universe of Dune: Part Two thrives on its lore, necessitating costumes that are as unique as they are functional. Austin Butler’s portrayal of Feyd-Rautha is accentuated by a stunning combat suit that captures the essence of the Dune universe’s grandeur.

Each costume, whether it’s Fremen exosuits or Bene Gesserit gowns, serves to enhance the depth of the narrative, inviting viewers into an intricately built world.

3 Winona Ryder in Lydia’s Ghost House Costume

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Tim Burton returns with the highly anticipated sequel to his classic, Beetlejuice. The film transports viewers back to an enchanting world, adorned with whimsical costumes that evoke nostalgia while introducing new elements.

Winona Ryder’s Lydia is once again a focal point, and her Ghost House ensemble elegantly balances her matured persona with the character’s iconic gothic aesthetic, making it a must-see design in the film.

2 Ariana Grande as Glinda in the Pink Bubble Dress

Wicked (2024)

Ariana Grande wearing the pink bubble dress as Glinda in Wicked

Musical adaptations are often marked by their extravagant costumes, and Wicked is no exception. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film treats audiences to a vibrant portrayal of its characters, particularly Ariana Grande’s Glinda in a stunning pink bubble dress.

While the adaptation features fewer colors than the stage version, the impact of Grande’s costume is undeniable, marking it as a hallmark of musical cinema history.

1 Channing Tatum as Gambit in a Comic-Accurate Costume

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Channing Tatum as Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine

Coming full-circle, the cinematic release of Deadpool & Wolverine has ignited fervor among Marvel fans, marking its significance akin to that of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Channing Tatum’s portrayal of Gambit adds a beloved character back into the mix, dressed in a meticulously crafted-and comic-accurate outfit.

This revival not only quenches long-standing fan desires but also elevates the film’s appeal through nostalgic references, establishing Tatum’s Gambit as one of 2024’s top costume highlights.

Source & Images