Decoding A Materialist’s Wardrobe

A stellar cast, a much-awaited rom-com – Materialists starts with the gorgeous Dakota Johnson, playing the character of Lucy, power-walking across New York city. Dressed in a pinstripe blazer with a crisp white shirt, bodycon skirt and boots, her first look in the movie is everything you’d expect from a young working woman of this generation – casually formal but never laidback. Styled by Katina Danabassis, Lucy’s wardrobe is one that mostly reflects ambition with clean lines and solids but also has a hint of romantic florals and rebellious leather jackets. 

Celine Song’s Materialists has stirred the crowd globally, owing to its lineup of actors and a classic love triangle. Besides a seemingly predictable script, it is the main character’s wardrobe that tells the status quo of her heart. A charming matchmaker in one of the world’s busiest cities, Lucy has a way to show humble confidence with ensembles that are neither too boss-lady-coded nor too alluring for her male clientele. Whenever she meets her clients, we see her in relaxed blazers, blouses and tank tops, like she means business. So while attending her ninth client wedding, she shows up in the movie’s most talked about blue floor length, strapless gown by Proenza Schouler. This perfectly ruched outfit is ideal for a black-tie invitation yet it stands out amidst a crowd of pastels, creams, and ivories. If you are wondering, yes, this is where she meets her new love interest Pedro Pascal, a.k.a., Harry and her ex partner Chris Evans, a.k.a., John. At this moment, the hue of her dress makes perfect sense as it is not in the group of reds that stand for emotions of love nor is it completely black; rather, it is neutral, almost like her emotional standing before a new beginning.

Chris Evans & Dakota Johnson
Image Courtesy: A24

The financial standing of individuals play a major role in the plot of the story, and especially in Lucy’s personal quest for love. Although she is seen in dainty gold jewellery during her client meeting and wedding, her personal choice of metal is silver. This is also perhaps a nod to her own financial status, especially in contrast to the millionaire Harry who is seen in gold dial watches and rings, referring to generational wealth. But even though Lucy aspires to be in the elite club and her fondness towards materialism can clearly be seen in how she does her ‘math’ when evaluating the marriage market, her innate need for love is subtly seen in her heart charm necklaces and rings, which are elegant without being too cheeky.

Much like other famed characters like Tara (Deepika Padukone) from Tamaasha or Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) in Notting Hill, Materialist’s Lucy has a wardrobe that ruminates her many moods. For example, whenever she is around the suave Harry Castillo, she is seen in elegant solids (mostly black), sheers and halter necks but a little flashback to her past with John shows her dressed in pop of colours and striking florals with jeans – fun, playful and casual. At other times, she is seen in OG nineties style in a crisp white shirt and blue straight-fit denims –  fussfree yet chic. In the scene where she goes for John’s play with Harry, her rebellious style comes to light in a strong leather trench coat casually thrown over. However, as the story progresses, Lucy’s true feminine and romantic self comes to light as she opts for more florals in butter yellow, pink and switches up her collared fits for strappy necklines and frills.

At the end, whether Dakota Johnson’s Lucy ends up with the right guy is up for the audience to decide but as far as her styling game is concerned, Katina Danabassis masterfully brings out the character’s emotional and social standing through thoughtful looks that every woman of today can relate to. 

TRENDING POSTS
Global Glamour with an Indian Soul: Anamika Khanna at London Fashion Week
Disha Parwarkar

September 26, 2025

London Fashion Week unfolded with irresistible glamour, from Burberry’s standout showcase to Simone Rocha’s darkly youthful contrast collections, but a label that stood out with them was Anamika Khanna’s AK|OK. She truly shifted the conversation with her debut showcase at London Fashion Week held at the iconic Hamleys. With AK|OK’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, she translated Read More

Nine Days, Nine Hues: Master the Art of Festive Dressing this Navratri
Swati Punamiya

September 24, 2025

Nine nights of devotion, dance, music, and joy – that is Navratri in a few words. From rhythmic Garba twirls in circles to pulsating beats of Dandiya Raas, the energy is infectious, and the excitement to dress up is palpable! If you’re someone who’s already thinking about your Navratri outfit ideas, you’re not alone.  The Read More

Wear It Like Art
Anushka Kundu

September 20, 2025

Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio, one of India’s leading multi-designer shopping destinations, launched a fine jewellery range in collaboration with some of the most coveted labels, adding another dimension to the brand’s already immersive wedding shopping experience. From Art Deco pieces and contemporary patterns to classic designs, the scintillating line offers bijoux that redefine the approach and Read More

SUBSCRIBE TO US

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2025. 

FIRST LOOK | Fashion, Lifestyle, Interviews, Events, Shopping.