The Most Stylish Films Starring Nicole Kidman

An Academy Award winner for Best Actress in The Hours and multiple other prestigious awards, Nicole Kidman's career began in 1983, with roles in several Australian films and television projects. But her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller Dead Calm. Since then, the actress has been dazzling for decades, delivering impeccable acting and mesmerizing fashion moments, whether on the red carpet or in film roles. From a silky ocean blue Chanel dress worn at the 76th Academy Awards to an iconic pink corset with an extravagant feather train in Moulin Rouge!, the Australian star has consistently demonstrated an appreciation for the intersection between cinema and fashion. In commemoration of her anniversary, we compiled a list of the most stylish films starring Nicole Kidman.

To Die For (1995)

In this 1995 American police drama comedy directed by Gus Van Sant the narrative follows Suzanne Stone, a beautiful and reserved interior girl who will make the possible and the impossible to become a worldwide famous TV reporter. Suzanne, portrayed by Kidman, marries Larry Maretto, portrayed by Matt Dillon, whom she believes will provide her with financial stability. She begins her ascent in the broadcast news industry, first as a weather girl at a local cable station, WWEN. But when her husband suggests that she quit her job so that they can start a family, she feels that he has become an obstacle to her success and resorts to drastic measures: recruiting a group of young punk students to murder him. Although the narrative may initially appear macabre, the film's humorous tone, in alignment with appealing fashion, creates a balance. From a leopard-print silk dress to various retro skirt suits, costume designer Beatrix Aruna Pasztor combined vintage clothing with the femme fatale archetype to enhance the character's depiction.

Batman Forever (1995)

Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever is everything a superhero action movie promises to be. And even more. While the movie focuses on Batman's battle against former District Attorney Harvey Dent, now known as Two-Face, and Edward Nygma, The Riddler, in fashion terms, the spotlight is on others.  From Sugar and Spice, played by Drew Barrymore and Debi Mazar, respectively, to Nicole Kidman as an enamored psychologist in a tight black dress, costume designers Ingrid Ferrin and Bob Ringwood prove that a superhero movie can be a must-see for any fashion lover.

The Portrait of a Lady (1996)

In Jane Campion's British-American production The Portrait of a Lady, an adaptation of Henry James' 1881 eponymous book, Nicole Kidman plays Isabel Archer, a naive American woman who, after inheriting a considerable fortune, attracts unfortunate friendships. These relations lead her to be manipulated by the devious Madame Merle and the malicious artist Gilbert Osmond into a scheming affair with Osmond to obtain her wealth. As a period movie, the costumes designed by Janet Patterson are perfect for those who love historical fashion. Such looks include a gold lamé evening gown embellished with beads, sequins and embroidery, a purple silk two-piece with a corseted silhouette, and a beaded black dress. 

Practical Magic (1998)

Practical Magic, a fantasy romantic drama dir Griffin Dunne, follows two witch sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, respectively. After the death of their father and then their mother, they were raised by their single and unusual aunts in a small town, and are the last of a long lineage of witches. But in the village, for generations, there have been rumors that the Owens women were witches. Besides the locals'  hostility, the Owens women also face a curse that condemns any man they fall in love with, thereby preventing them from finding ever love. Between concerns of community and love, fashion is not one of them.  Costume designer Judianna Makovsky has captured the grunge minimalism of the '90s to perfection. From Gillian's earthy green velvet mini dress to her tiny orange sunglasses, Practical Magic's wardrobe became a symbol of grunge fashion and remains an inspiration to this day.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick's dramatic thriller, stars Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise as a married couple. After Alice, Kidman's character, reveals to William, her husband, that she has sexual fantasies about another man, he embarks on a night of sexual escapade. While most of the screen time is filled with tuxedos, masks, and capes, the fashion focus of Kubrick's production is on Alice's looks, such as business blouses, a long caramel-colored coat, a white see-through tank, a black evening gown with chiffon sleeves, and Bayonetta glasses. The costume designers duo, Marit Allen and Timothy Everest, successfully conveyed the sleek minimalism that was so iconic in the '90s. 

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Twenty-three years after its debut, Moulin Rouge! remains as magnificent as ever. Produced by Baz Luhrmann, the dramatic musical romance centers on a young bohemian, played by Ewan McGregor, who falls in love with Satine, played by Nicole Kidman, a performer at the local Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, Paris. In sartorial terms, Satine's costumes are the most significant, as they not only serve to express the character's emotions but also fascinate fashionistas. A combination of glitz and glam, the movie's designs are courtesy of costume designers Catherine Martin and Angus Strathie. The duo merged contemporary elements with those typically worn during the 1890s. While some may perceive it as incoherent, the costumes have, for the most part, been met with admiration - mainly Satine's looks. Described as the epitome of splendor, some looks that stand out are Satine’s red satin dress with a corseted top laced in the back and topped by a faux bustle, a fitted bustier with a drama feather train, a crystal-embellished fringed mini dress paired with a hat, a well-fitted black velvet gown trimmed with brown fur along the train and one shoulder, and an ultra-cinched white gown. 

Birthday Girl (2001)

A romantic-dramatic erotic suspense film directed by Jez Butterworth, Birthday Girl revolves around a lonely banker, portrayed by Ben Chaplin, who, after several unsuccessful attempts at love, decides to request a Russian mail-order bride, Nadia, played by Nicole Kidman. As John's affection for her grows, everything changes with the unexpected arrival of Nadia's lousy cousins, ultimately pulling John into a world of corruption and criminality. The movie's costumes were designed by Phoebe De Gaye. Among the star designs are a cherry red leather coat, a baby blue cardigan, a very coquettish white set with red polka dots, a black-and-white knit tank top with black ribbons, floral and white embroidery details, and a lilac dress with flouncy sleeves.

The Stepford Wives (2004)

Frank Oz's The Stepford Wives follows Kidman's character Joanna Eberhart, a successful executive Manhattan woman who, after a TV show she had created fails, is fired and suffers a collapse- which leads her to move with her family to a small Connecticut town called Stepford. Once there, she befriends sarcastic writer Bobbie Markowitz, and together they explore the wonders of living in a society of perfect housewives. First, it is the suburban woman's closet that causes the amazement. At an exercise class, the neighbors all show up in heels and '50s-style dresses. "We always want to look our best," explains Claire Wellington, the leader of the group. But the answer isn't bought. By the time the pair realized they were living among robots designed by their husbands, it was a little too late. But never too late for fashion. From an all-black New York wardrobe to a very feminine series of floral dresses that gave the ultimate 1950s housewife style, costume designer Ann Roth represented two contrasting sides. As for Nicole Kidman's character wardrobe, some highlights include an embroidered tulle strapless beige dress, a black skirt suit, and a printed silk dress with ruffles. 

The Golden Compass (2007)

Featuring an all-star cast including Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, and Eva Green, Chris Weitz's adventure and fantasy film The Golden Compass centers on a parallel universe governed by the Magisterium, where human souls take on animal forms, and an orphan named Lyra Belacqua travels to the far North to rescue her best friend and other kids kidnapped for disturbing experiments by a secret organization. The Golden Compass' garments, which represent a blend of various fashion eras, enhanced the visual aspect of the film, for which the film received considerable praise. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, costume designer Ruth Myers stated that the creative team "pushed all the boundaries to create a world that looks familiar, but unfamiliar." And their solution was to combine everything the world has seen in fashion so far. While the main characters' outfits consisted of simple garments such as cozy coats and fable-like attires, curiously, Nicole Kidman's character, Mrs. Coulter, had the most lavish looks. Some of the more prominent ones include a gold beaded gown with a silky skirt, a beige chic coat with a fur collar, and a sand-colored fitted dress with a matching shiny coat.

Australia (2008)

The adventure-drama film Australia, directed by Baz Luhrmann, stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The narrative follows northern Australia at the beginning of World War II, where an Englishwoman inherits an extensive property and hesitantly forms an alliance with a fierce rancher to avoid losing the land from an English baron's scheme to take her land. With a specific socio-cultural setting, the film's costume design by Catherine Martin accompanied its historical context, featuring the characteristic fashion elements of the late '30s and early '40s. The most notable fashion moments are those of Lady Sarah Ashley, played by Kidman. Some of the most memorable outfits include an equestrian black fitted riding jacket, tophat, and black riding boots; a floral blouse and pencil caramel skirt; a navy and cream nautical costume; an olive green shirt with a matching skirt; and chinoiserie dresses, one soft pint and other red with a deep neckline and trailing train.

Nine (2009)

Starring Nicole Kidman, Penélope Cruz, Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Kate Hudson, Fergie, Marion Cotillard, and Daniel Day-Lewis, the story centers on Guido Contini, a self-centered famous movie director who is struggling with a mid-life crisis, which impacts both his professional and private lives. Unsure of what to do next, and without a script for his next project, the character seeks inspiration and insight from his wife, his lover, his muse, and his mother. As a flashy production, the fabulous outfits talk as much as the songs. The costume design was the creation of Colleen Atwood, who gave life to the film's elevated glamour. Besides sartorial terms, the movie's wardrobe also represented the characters' unique elements through garments. Whether it be classic glamour with Sophia Lauren's Mamma, '70s flamboyance with Kate Hudson's Stephanie, a sultry allure with Penelope Cruz's Carla, or Fergie's Saraghina with a daring flair. But the fashion showstopper is Nicole Kidman's character Claudia, a famous actress in the film whose style is described as a silent goddess. During one scene, Kidman wore a satin strapless evening dress with a form-fitting bodice, confirming any goddess rumors but perhaps denying the quiet part.

The Paperboy (2012)

The movie is set in 1969 and revolves around an investigative journalist who is back in his homeland to explore a homicide case that involves a death-row prisoner. As for more fashionable lines, the costume designs are the work of Caroline Eselin Shaefer. Some of the more outstanding outfits include a multi-colored blue floral mini dress, a 60's yellow trapeze mini dress, several floral printed blouses, and an extravagant Florida style seen in Kidman's character.

Grace of Monaco (2014)

Olivier Dahan's biographical drama tells the story of former actress Grace Kelly's transition from Hollywood to the Monarchy of Monaco. While the story may have sparked some controversy over how Kelly's life was portrayed, the fashion was not. This is because costume designer Gigi Lepage incorporated many of Grace Kelly's favorite clothes and accessories to contribute to the look of the film. With a signature '60s fashion, some notable looks include a butter yellow lady's suit with a polka dot head scarf and pearls, a floral dress with a hat, and a white embellished princess-like gown.