Celine Song’s Materialists have been sparking debates and online conversations on modern dating and romance, and while we hear the commentary, our eyes were focused on something else: Dakota Johnson’s style.
Truthfully, her outfits throughout the film not only reveal her character, but also play in the film’s overall story, and the story of the main lead, ‘Lucy’. Materialists is about Lucy (played by Dakota Johnson), and the love triangle she finds herself in between her ex John (played by Chris Evans) and the perfect man Harry (played by Pedro Pascal). Playing the role of a professional matchmaker, Lucy/Johnson’s style isn’t just clothes thrown on together, but a curated selection of pieces that emulate her head and her heart, between her personal branding as an ambitious woman in New York City, the romance she craves, and the uncertainty she feels between Harry and John.
With that in mind, we take a look at some of our favourite beauty and fashion moments in the film.
Opening With a Bang
We meet Lucy strutting through New York City in style. Although simple, every inch of her outfit screams “I got my ish together”. A breezy shirt, layered under a structured blazer and a chic mini skirt, tights, and knee-high boots—it’s grunge, tough, and effortlessly cool.
Corporate-core, but Make It Feminine
Throughout the movie, we consistently find Lucy in her workplace with outfits that are a blend of soft and tough. If there’s a tailored skirt, there will be a breezy, silky top. If there’s a structured blazer, then we will find it paired with skirts featuring playful tassels. And even though there are plenty of mini skirts that Lucy gravitates to, she keeps it professional and modest by adding a pair of tights.
Channelling the Old Money Aesthetic
Lucy’s relationship with money, as well as her analytical approach to dating and marriage, is also reflected in her clothing. There are hardly any logos—instead we see timeless silhouettes, natural fabrics, classic colour combinations, and monochromatic looks that are elevated with texture.
The Moment in Blue
One of the pivotal moments in the film is when Lucy first meets Harry and reconnects with her ex John, at the same time. We see her at a client’s wedding in a strapless blue gown with silver jewellery. Her outfit isn’t romantic like the occasion, but chic, representing her attitude and mindset. While a strapless gown is certainly not modest-friendly, you can still embody Lucy’s character by pairing it with an oversized blazer with tailored shoulders or a scarf that complements the colour of the dress.
Romantic Past
Flashbacks to Lucy’s younger years show her in florals, possibly to represent her youth and romantic mindset. It is also a version of Lucy outside of the workplace, her natural self. We see in her basics and especially love her denim and floral top combo.
Party Crash Outfit
In a scene that shows us the reconnection between Lucy and John while they crash a rustic wedding, we see her in florals yet again. This time in present, instead of the past. The buttercream Doen dress is soft, flowy, romantic, and relaxed. Paired with Nike sneakers, the outfit speaks to spontaneity.
Doen | Nevara Dress | Dhs 1462
Back to the Basics
In the final scene with Lucy, we find her reverted back to her basics—soft, floral, and romantic. We see her in a black Reformation dress paired with sneakers and a grey knit tied round her waist. A complete 180 from her initial go-getter outfit, stripped away from the blazers and aspirational luxury items. It’s a charming outfit that would suit anyone, establishing her final look on screen as grounded and refreshingly human.
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