Exploring the Iconic Versace Party Dress from Jennifer Garner's '13 Going On 30'

Delving into the archives of pop culture history, “Remember When?” is a CNN Style series that takes a nostalgic look at the celebrity outfits that defined their eras.

After being embarrassed at her 13th birthday party, Jenna Rink wakes up as her adult self. She finds herself in a luxurious Manhattan apartment with a man calling her “Sweet Bottom.” Confused, she dashes outside in her pink silk Carine Gilson nightgown, grabbing a polka-dot Nanette Lepore coat, high heels, and a silver sequin Fendi baguette. This impromptu outfit, meant to be a mistake, turns out to be serendipitously chic and ideal for the character's new job as a fashion editor.

In the romantic comedy movies of the 2000s, it was a common theme for the main character to work as a writer or editor at a women's magazine. This job was often portrayed as glamorous and ideal, with the character usually finding love through unexpected and charming encounters. Additionally, they were always dressed in trendy and fashionable outfits.

Fran Drescher in "The Nanny", season 3 episode 13, "An Offer She Can't Refuse" (1995)

Fran Drescher in "The Nanny", season 3 episode 13, "An Offer She Can't Refuse" (1995)

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In the movie "13 Going on 30," costume designer Susie DeSanto carefully chose outfits for Jennifer Garner's character, Rink, who was 30 years old. DeSanto selected designer pieces from brands like Miu Miu, Prada, Moschino, Chloé, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, and Versace. These high-end outfits were fitting for Rink's role as an editor at Poise magazine, similar to Cosmo or Vogue in the film.

DeSanto mentioned that the fashion trends at the time aligned perfectly with the movie's aesthetic. The colorful and feminine clothing created by various fashion designers helped reflect Rink's youthful and optimistic perspective. She recalled how shopping at Barney's felt like a dream, where she could choose any beautiful piece she wanted. It was like her 13-year-old self imagining what she would pick if she had unlimited money. Putting together Rink's wardrobe was a fun and creative process for DeSanto.

A colorful look walks the runway in Versace's Spring-Summer 2003 collection.

A colorful look walks the runway in Versace's Spring-Summer 2003 collection.

Jenna wore a stunning Versace mini dress with rhinestone-embellished straps and a cutout empire waist. The dress featured color-blocking in shades of turquoise, lime green, and maroon, a variation of a look from the fashion house’s Spring-Summer 2003 runway show. DeSanto recalled having a rack of different options during fittings for this scene, but someone spotted the dress in a magazine and decided on it. Despite the challenge of tracking it down, Versace eventually sent the dress over from Italy. Jenna stole the show at a Poise event by charming partygoers into performing a synchronized dance routine to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

DeSanto styled the dress with vibrant Swarovski crystal jewelry from Tarina Tarantino, which included a striking blue butterfly necklace. Tarantino herself is gaining popularity again, as she recently collaborated with Marc Jacobs's Heaven line for a jewelry collection.

There couldn't have been a more fitting party outfit for Garner's character. She embodies a young girl who seems to have time-traveled from 1987 to the early 00s, a period known for its neon colors and short skirts. DeSanto described the look as a blend of taste, maturity, and naivete, with a youthful, colorful, and fun vibe. It's the perfect dress for a night out, reminiscent of the days when we used to rock Betsey Johnson tutus at the club.

Some fans of the film have speculated that the Versace dress worn by the character is a reference to the colorful eye mask she wears after transforming into her 30-year-old self. However, costume designer Susie DeSanto has stated that there is no connection.

Some fans of the film have speculated the Versace dress is a callback to the colorful eye mask Garner's character awakes with after transforming into her 30-year-old self, but costume designer Susie DeSanto says there was no connection.

Decades later, the dress from the iconic rom-com has become a cherished item for fans of the movie and fashion lovers alike. Its impact extends beyond the big screen, with Y2K fashion enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the dress for 'fit vids and Halloween parties. It has also become a popular choice for birthday outfits, allowing fans to channel their inner "thirty, flirty, and thriving" Jenna Rink fantasy.

Actor Christa B. Allen, known for playing the young Jenna in the film, caused a stir on TikTok in 2020 when she wore a replica of the dress purchased from Etsy. This viral moment included her recreation of the film's memorable "getting ready" scene. In 2021, Ariana Grande paid tribute to the dress by wearing it on an episode of "The Voice." This isn't the first time Grande has honored the film, as she also referenced it in her 2018 music video for "Thank U, Next."

Despite its iconic status, the dress worn in the film was not considered the most important look. According to DeSanto, it was simply a dress that was chosen without much thought. Many of the producers were not even focused on the party scene where the dress was worn. DeSanto remembered, "Garner put it on, we styled her, she danced, and then we continued with our work. We had a lot to do."

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Garner's character in the movie has a fun fashion moment as she excitedly explores her closet. She displays the kind of joy that only a true fashion enthusiast can understand, especially when inheriting a walk-in wardrobe stocked with designer items.

DeSanto’s favorite outfit in the movie is a floral embroidered Chloé by Stella McCartney t-shirt paired with a lavender Alberta Ferretti skirt. This look can be seen on Garner in a scene with her co-star Mark Ruffalo.

DeSanto has collaborated with Garner on eight films over the years, with the actor fondly calling her "partner in threads." Despite their close working relationship, DeSanto continues to be amazed by the lasting popularity of 13 Going On 30. She and Garner frequently discuss this phenomenon and are always surprised by it. DeSanto often receives inquiries about where to find certain clothing pieces from the movie, which was not something they had anticipated while creating the film. They were simply focused on telling a captivating story and having fun in the process.

(In the 2021 film "Yes Day," Garner and DeSanto collaborated once again. In a sweet homage to "13 Going On 30," Garner's character wore the same pearl necklace she had worn as Rink in the earlier film.)

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DeSanto also gives credit to director Gary Winick for the film’s fashion sense. According to DeSanto, Winick, who passed away in 2011, had a keen eye for fashion due to his upbringing in New York. Growing up, he would accompany his mother to Bergdorf every Saturday, which helped him develop a good sense of style. Winick was particular about Mark Ruffalo’s character (Garner’s love interest) not wearing designer clothes because it wouldn’t suit his character. Instead, he insisted on thrift store finds, showcasing his attention to detail.

Throughout the movie, Jenna’s wardrobe undergoes a transformation from darker tones and structured pieces to softer colors and feminine details. These changes in her outfits symbolize her growing confidence in her true self, which is a central theme of the film. DeSanto highlights that "13 Going on 30" tells the story of a young woman finding her identity and emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself.

"I believe young people can relate to that," she explained. "Adding a touch of elegance with beautiful costumes and setting really enhances the experience. It's the little details like these that leave a lasting impression on people."

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the iconic fashion moments from the beloved rom-com "13 Going on 30," particularly focusing on the memorable Versace dress worn by Jennifer Garner's character, Jenna Rink. The costume designer, Susie DeSanto, reveals that despite the dress'