From glass slippers to elven cloaks, the worlds of fairytales and epic sagas have never just been about dragons or damsels — they’re dazzling catwalks of symbolism, style, and spellbinding silhouettes. Whether it’s a fierce warrior queen in metallic armor or a whimsical princess in a flowing gown that seems spun from moonlight, fantasy fashion is where costume meets character, and imagination meets influence.
Cinderella: The OG Glow-Up
Designed by the legendary Sandy Powell, the gown is a masterpiece of movement, color, and craftsmanship — ethereal and regal all at once! The gown is actually composed of multiple shades of pale blue, lavender, lilac, and even hints of green, giving it a shimmering, iridescent quality. The dress features a massive, sweeping skirt – voluminous but airy – and a classic off-the-shoulder bodice with delicate organza butterfly sleeves. And the legendary glass slippers crafted from Swarovski crystal – were impossibly intricate and dazzling.
Princess Jasmine: Fearlessly Gorgeous
Jasmine’s iconic look consists of a deep turquoise blue satin crop top and pants set, paired with a flowing, sheer, and beautifully embroidered cape-like overlay. The crop top features intricate gold detailing and a plunging neckline the pants are wide-legged and airy while the long, sheer, gold-embroidered cape adds drama to her look. It’s adorned with floral motifs and subtle shimmer, which catches the light as she moves, giving a magical effect.
Damsel: The Fiery Twist
Millie Bobby Brown’s dragon-slaying debut in Damsel (2024) gave us the ultimate “don’t be fooled by the dress” moment. Princess Elodie’s wedding dress is both a visual marvel and a narrative device reflecting her journey. Inspired by Spanish and Italian styles, the gown features intricate embroidery and luxurious fabrics, symbolizing her royal status. Notably, a dagger concealed within the bodice becomes a crucial weapon, challenging traditional expectations of a princess. As the story unfolds, the gown’s transformation – from pristine elegance to tattered resilience – mirrors Elodie’s evolution from a sheltered royal to a determined survivor.
Beauty and the Beast: Gold, Bold, and Belle
Emma Watson’s Belle redefined the iconic yellow gown in 2017’s Beauty and the Beast. A modern, movement-friendly reinterpretation of Belle’s classic gown nods to 18th-century French court fashion and a hint of contemporary minimalism, by designer Jacqueline Durran. A shoulder-baring bodice with a softly curved neckline, leading into a layered, voluminous skirt that swirls like liquid sunlight. The dress is light and airy, allowing for natural movement as Belle dances – no stiff corsets or heavy fabrics here; paired with her signature half-up hair and a ballroom twirl that lives rent-free in our minds, it’s Disney royalty in motion.
Alice in Wonderland: Through the Style Glass
Mia Wasikowska’s Alice brought Wonderland realness in a series of quirky, whimsical gowns that played with proportion, pattern, and fantasy. From that dreamy blue frock – sheer puffed sleeves, delicate embroidery and layered tulle, corset-like bodice detailing with a soft and ethereal flow – to the queen-worthy battle armor in Alice Through the Looking Glass, her style journey was a moodboard of whimsy-meets-warrior.
Bonus points for embracing mushrooms, tea parties, and rebellion — in style.
Maleficent: Spikes, Horns, & Haute Couture
Maleficent’s costume is a masterclass in villain-chic — designed to be regal, menacing, and mesmerizing all at once. Angelina Jolie’s most iconic ensemble features a dramatic-sculpted black gown with flowing-layered fabrics, a striking high collar that frames her face, flowing cape sleeves that drape and trail behind her like raven’s wings, and the famous twisted horns that seamlessly integrate into a leather-like headdress.
Enchanted: Pastel Princess Vibes
Amy Adams’ gown in Enchanted is truly a magical piece that captures the whimsical, fairy-tale spirit of the film. Her gown represents both her innocent, fantasy-driven charm and the story’s playful blending of reality and make-believe. A breathtaking, voluminous creation that shimmers with a soft and pearlescent glow with a fitted bodice, featuring delicate embroidery that mimics floral patterns, with a hint of sparkle. The dress’s flowing skirt is made of soft and layered fabric with pale blush pink hue that gives it a romantic, angelic feel, adding to her otherworldly grace. The off-the-shoulder sleeves add a touch of classic elegance, while the cinched waist emphasizes her delicate frame, creating a figure that’s both regal and youthful.
Snow White
A dreamy, modern reimagining of Snow White’s classic style, staying true to the character’s innocence and purity but with a touch of contemporary elegance. The gown strikes a deep red — a color choice that nods to Snow White’s signature lips, the bodice is fitted with floral embroidery and delicate lace accents, while the full skirt of the gown is a gorgeous ballgown silhouette, made of flowing fabric that moves beautifully. The gown’s three-quarter sleeves are slightly puffed at the shoulders, featuring a high neckline while the back of the dress in subtly open. Her dark hair is styled simply with gentle waves that frame her face.
A princess’s sparkling gown is more than a dress – these wardrobes are the true heroes of the story. So, the next time you reach for your favorite outfit, just remember in the world of fairytales and epics, every look is a chance to step into a little magic!
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)