Molly Ringwald's Timeless '80s Fashion Statements: A Journey from 'Pretty in Pink' to 'Breakfast Club'

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Molly Ringwald. Arturo Holmes/WireImage

Molly Ringwald has set trends in the fashion world for many years, all thanks to her unforgettable movie outfits.

She was a favorite in romantic comedies during the 1980s and played leading roles in classic films like Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Sixteen Candles. Along with her impressive acting skills, Ringwald also became known for her stylish and iconic looks that perfectly represented the time period.

Ringwald has received praise for her fashion sense, but she has admitted that not all of her outfits have met her expectations.

In a 2009 interview with WWD, Ringwald emphasized the importance of individual style. She said, "You can't just see something in a magazine and assume it will look good on you because it looks good on someone else. For me, feeling comfortable is key. Even if it's a trendy, form-fitting dress, if I'm not comfortable in it, it's not stylish."

Keep scrolling to see everything Ringwald has said about her most memorable ‘80s outfits:

‘Facts of Life’

After her stint on Different Strokes, Ringwald became a part of the Facts of Life team. She portrayed Molly Parker for two seasons and remembered her role as a "feisty little feminist."

"I was meant to embody a true feminist," she shared with Who What Wear in February 2024. "I sported suspenders and maybe even a tie."

Ringwald's First Red Carpet Look

Ringwald shared with Harper’s Bazaar that she personally chose the white dress she wore for her first red carpet appearance in 1982. She mentioned that she spent about $200 on the outfit and joked that she considered it a significant amount of money back then.

She thought to herself, "I really like the pleating, the sleeves, and the color of this outfit. I absolutely love this look and would wear it today."

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‘Sixteen Candles’

Ringwald's wardrobe for the coming-of-age movie was based on her personality. In February 2024, she revealed to Who What Wear that she and the costume designer went shopping together to capture her style preferences.

She mentioned that the outfits she wore in the movie reflected her personal taste, except for the iconic bridesmaid dress. Ringwald admitted, "The dress was meant to be the one that I wasn't supposed to like."

Ringwald admitted she found the dress to be “kind of pretty” and joked that she can’t believe it didn’t catch on fire while filming the birthday cake scene.

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‘Pretty in Pink’

Ringwald loved most of the clothes from Pretty in Pink, but there was one look she really didn't like - the poofy pink prom dress.

When she saw the dress, she was puzzled. "What is this? How could anyone look good in that?" she thought. The triangle shape made it hard to wear, especially the inverted-triangle silhouette. Ringwald told Vogue in March 2021, "It's the color of Pepto-Bismol! There were so many shades of pink to choose from, but that one was just too harsh."

Ringwald was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw the gown designed by Molly Vance for the first time. She recalled bursting into tears, but her teacher thought she was being rude and reprimanded her for her reaction.

Reflecting on that moment, Ringwald explained that it was simply a visceral reaction. She now understands the iconic significance of the dress, but at the time, she was just disappointed by the teacher's response.

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‘The Breakfast Club’ Costume Change

Ringwald's iconic outfit in The Breakfast Club wasn't initially what she had in mind. The actress revealed to Who What Wear that the costume that arrived on set in Chicago didn't align with her vision. She described it as "very flattering" but also "dated." Director John Hughes noticed Ringwald's dissatisfaction with the look and together they decided to go shopping for new clothes.

"I chose all the clothes I wore in the movie," she remembered. "Most of them were from Ralph Lauren. The boots, belt, skirt, and top were all from Ralph Lauren."

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1987 Oscars

Ringwald looked amazing on the red carpet in a stunning black Chanel gown. She told Harper's Bazaar that she still keeps the dress in her closet.

"I absolutely adore this dress," she said excitedly. "It's so elegant and understated, and it's shorter than most of the other gowns that were being worn."

The Pick-Up Artist

Ringwald explained to Who What Wear that she only has one look for the movie and it was designed by her good friend Colleen Atwood.

Editor's P/S:

Molly Ringwald's journey in fashion has been an inspiring one. Her iconic outfits from the 1980s films have left an unforgettable mark on popular culture. While some of her choices have been met with criticism, Ringwald has always remained true to her own style. Her emphasis on individuality and comfort serves as a reminder that fashion should be an expression of self, rather than a mere imitation of trends.

The article provides a fascinating glimpse into Ringwald's thought process behind her most memorable outfits. From the feisty feminist wardrobe in "Facts of Life" to the iconic prom dress in "Pretty in Pink," each look reflects a different aspect of her personality and style evolution. Ringwald's willingness to experiment and push boundaries has made her a fashion icon whose influence continues to inspire generations of style enthusiasts.