Dakota Johnson’s ‘The Materialists’ Style: How to Channel Her 5 Iconic Looks

Dakota Johnson’s character in The Materialists has become a sartorial revelation, blending minimalist elegance with a dash of daring. If you haven’t rushed to the theater to witness the film’s visual storytelling, you’re missing out—especially when it comes to the fashion. From the blue Proenza Schouler dress to the effortlessly chic trench coat, Johnson’s ensemble choices are a masterclass in modern working-woman aesthetics. Here’s how to decode her five most iconic looks and bring them into your own wardrobe.

The Materialists’ Aesthetic: A Fusion of Minimalism and Timeless Chic

The Materialists, a film directed by Celine Song, has captured the zeitgeist of 2025 with its striking visual language and nuanced portrayal of human desire. The wardrobe choices for Dakota Johnson’s character, a contemporary figure navigating the complexities of love and ambition, are not mere fashion statements—they are a narrative tool that underscores the film’s themes of materialism, identity, and the interplay between personal and professional life.

Johnson’s style in the movie is a deliberate nod to the aesthetics of the 1980s, yet it’s reimagined through a modern lens that prioritizes cultural trends and human appearance with a fresh, unapologetic edge. The film’s costume designer, Katina Danabassis, has crafted a palette that balances softness and structure, emphasizing fashion aesthetics that feel both aspirational and accessible. This approach mirrors the broader shift in softlines (retail) toward curated, capsule wardrobes that blend vintage inspiration with current trends.

One of the most iconic looks from the film is the blue Proenza Schouler dress Johnson wears to the wedding scene. This piece is a perfect example of how cultural trends are evolving to favor pieces that are both functional and expressive. The dress’s tailored silhouette and subtle details—like the slightly undone belt knot—reflect a fashion aesthetics that celebrates imperfection as a form of authenticity. As Danabassis explained in an interview, her goal was to create a wardrobe that felt “elegant yet grounded, like the character’s journey.” This duality is a hallmark of 2025’s fashion, where clothing is no longer just about appearance but about storytelling and self-expression.

Dakota Johnson’s Signature Looks and How to Replicate Them

Johnson’s character in The Materialists is a testament to the power of clothing as a reflection of personality and purpose. Her minimalist approach to fashion aesthetics—think clean lines, neutral tones, and strategic layering—has made her a standout in the film’s visual design. For instance, the beige trench coat by Leset, paired with cotton trousers and a Ralph Lauren shirt, embodies the aesthetics of a modern working woman who balances professionalism with a touch of effortless charm.

This look is particularly relevant to the current cultural trends of “city-girl dressing,” where comfort meets sophistication. The trench coat, a classic piece, is elevated by its pairing with tailored trousers and a crisp white shirt, creating a sleek, aspirational ensemble. To replicate this, start with a high-quality coat in a neutral color like beige or camel, then layer it with structured separates. A key detail to note is the human appearance that this outfit exudes: it’s designed to make the wearer feel confident, yet unassuming, a balance that resonates with audiences in both film and real life.

Another defining look is the white, layered ensemble Johnson wears during her interactions with the film’s antagonist. This fashion is a masterclass in cultural trends, blending the ethereal with the grounded. The billowy shirt, ruffly dress, and matching purse create a sense of movement and fluidity, while the muted tones and soft fabrics evoke a connection to the natural world. This is a clothing choice that transcends trends, offering a timeless approach to fashion aesthetics that aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and mindful consumption in the softlines (retail) industry.

The Role of Costume Design in Shaping a Character’s Visual Identity

Costume design in The Materialists is more than styling—it’s a narrative device that helps audiences connect with the character on a deeper level. Katina Danabassis, who has worked on high-profile films and TV shows, has taken a nuanced approach to Johnson’s clothing choices, ensuring they reflect her character’s journey from a pragmatic professional to someone embracing vulnerability and emotional depth.

Danabassis’s work on the film is a direct response to the cultural trends of 2025, where fashion aesthetics are increasingly tied to psychological and emotional states. For example, the blue Proenza Schouler dress is not just a color choice; it symbolizes the character’s shift from cynicism to hope, a theme that resonates with viewers. Similarly, the layered white outfits represent a character who is both unassuming and powerful, a duality that is central to the film’s exploration of human relationships.

The human appearance in The Materialists is meticulously crafted to align with the character’s emotional arc. Johnson’s character often wears clothing that is intentionally unadorned, allowing the fashion aesthetics to speak for themselves. This approach is a deliberate contrast to the over-the-top styles of earlier eras, reflecting a broader cultural trend toward understated elegance. As Danabassis noted, “The goal was to make the character’s style feel like an extension of her personality, not a distraction.” This philosophy is now a cornerstone of softlines (retail), where brands are focusing on fashion that tells a story rather than just serving a function.

Understanding the Cultural and Fashion Context of The Materialists

The Materialists doesn’t just reflect the cultural trends of the present—it’s a commentary on the evolution of fashion aesthetics and how they intersect with societal values. The film’s wardrobe choices are a deliberate nod to the 1980s, a decade known for its power suits and bold silhouettes, but reimagined for a modern audience. This retro-futurism is a hallmark of 2025’s style trends, where the past and present collide to create something fresh and relevant.

Johnson’s character also embodies the cultural shift toward human appearance that is both polished and relatable. Her style avoids the excess of previous decades, instead focusing on clothing that is versatile and emotionally resonant. For example, the white, layered outfits are not just a fashion statement but a metaphor for the character’s internal state—soft, unassuming, yet full of potential. This aligns with the broader fashion movement toward “curated simplicity,” where less is more, and every piece has a purpose.

The film’s fashion aesthetics also draw from the arts and culture of the 1980s, particularly the influence of softlines (retail) like Gucci and Ralph Lauren, which Johnson has long been associated with. These brands, known for their timeless designs, are now being reinterpreted for a new generation, proving that clothing can be both a nod to the past and a statement for the future. As The Materialists demonstrates, the key to fashion in 2025 is to balance nostalgia with innovation, creating looks that are both familiar and fresh.

How to Curate a Wardrobe Inspired by Dakota Johnson’s Style

Replicating Johnson’s fashion aesthetics doesn’t require an entire overhaul of your wardrobe—it’s about selecting pieces that reflect your personality while staying in tune with the cultural trends of the moment. Start by identifying the core elements of her style: clean lines, neutral tones, and a focus on human appearance that feels both professional and personal.

For those inspired by the blue Proenza Schouler dress, look for similar pieces in softlines (retail) that offer a balance of structure and softness. A tailored column dress in a muted shade of blue or a similar color can serve as the foundation for a look that feels both aspirational and accessible. Pair it with a statement piece, like a bold jacket or a pair of sculptural earrings, to add a touch of fashion that feels unique to your own identity.

Johnson’s layered white outfits are also a great starting point for clothing that is both versatile and expressive. Experiment with mixing and matching different textures and silhouettes, such as a sheer blouse with a structured skirt or a flowy dress with a tailored blazer. The key is to maintain fashion aesthetics that feel intentional rather than random, a principle that is increasingly valued in the softlines (retail) industry.

Finally, don’t forget the role of accessories in Johnson’s fashion choices. Her character often wears minimalist pieces that allow the clothing to take center stage, such as a simple belt or a pair of sleek, understated shoes. These details are crucial for creating a human appearance that feels cohesive and purposeful, a concept that is at the heart of The Materialists’ visual identity.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace minimalist elegance: Dakota Johnson’s character in The Materialists exemplifies the 2025 fashion aesthetics that prioritize clean lines and neutral tones, making her style both timeless and modern.
• Layer with intention: The white, layered looks in the film highlight the importance of strategic clothing choices that balance softness with structure, a principle now central to cultural trends in softlines (retail).
• Celebrate understated power: Johnson’s wardrobe choices reflect a human appearance that is both professional and personal, proving that fashion doesn’t have to be loud to be impactful.
• Merge retro and modern: The Materialists’ fashion draws from the 1980s but reinterprets it for a contemporary audience, aligning with the arts and cultural shift toward nostalgic yet innovative styles.
• Prioritize purpose in clothing: The film’s fashion aesthetics emphasize the emotional and psychological significance of clothing, a concept that is reshaping softlines (retail) and cultural trends in 2025.