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.
Image Courtesy: A24 
Image Courtesy: A24
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.
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.
Image Courtesy: Pedro Pascal on Instagram 
Image Courtesy: Just Jared on Instagram
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.
Image Courtesy: A24 
Image Courtesy: A24
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.