Fashion in Sci-Fi movies has always played a crucial role in setting the tone and immersing audiences in otherworldly experiences. However, it is far more than a simple glimpse of the future — sci-fi costuming is key to bringing characters and their environments to life, whether they’re dystopian or ideal. When it comes to alien depictions in sci-fi movies (such as the Xenomorph from Alien), it doesn’t always feel exciting to imagine actually living in such a future.
On the other hand, there are movies where costume design is taken to the next level, making the viewer not only appreciate the world on screen but also wish they could be part of it. Personally, certain outfits have completely pulled me into these futuristic visions. While the exotic fabrics, unusual cuts, and often unconventional silhouettes might not be realistic in our current world, the future might just hold a space for them.
10 Barbarella’s White Bodysuit
From Barbarella (1968)
Roger Vadim’s Barbarella showcases an array of stunning spacewear that pushed the boundaries of its time, but one outfit has remained etched in my memory since I first saw it on screen: the white bodysuit. Designed by French costume designer Jacques Fonteray, the futuristic ensemble features a striking chainmail breastplate that flows down Jane Fonda’s back into a dramatic cape, paired with a matching chainmail accent around her waist and contrasting red details. The predominantly sleek design is elevated with bold red-and-silver boots and silver armbands.
With its contrasting yet complementing accents, Barbarella’s futuristic bodysuit is one of the only pieces that transformed into a completely different look throughout the film. At one point, she loses the entire bodysuit, leaving the chainmail elements to take center stage. With this move, the outfit in question gained a life of its own, carrying the narrative and becoming the first sci-fi movie outfit that made me want to live in the future.
9 The Red Starfleet Uniforms
From Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan (1982)
When I think of Star Trek, I can only think red. Although the iconic franchise has introduced different Starfleet uniforms over the years, the red naval uniforms seen in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan will always have a special place in my heart. I saw the movie decades after its original release and was quite the Star Trek newbie at the time, yet I immediately knew I was looking at a piece of pop culture history when I saw the Starfleet commanders in red.
The uniforms’ sharp, minimalist design still feels futuristic and cool today. The boldness of the shade also had a big impact on how I experienced the film (which was probably the costume department’s intention). It gave characters like Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) a commanding aura, making them feel like timeless leaders in charge of a future I couldn’t wait to explore.
8 Jessica 6’s Timeless Mint
Logan’s Run (1976)
Logan’s Run caught me completely off guard with its costumes. As someone who loves both fashion and movies, this 1976 sci-fi gem satisfied all my curiosities. When I first watched it, Jenny Agutter’s character, Jessica 6, captivated me — I was obsessed with her dresses. Interestingly, the pieces in question were so contemporary, yet so simultaneously timeless, solidifying my desire to live in her version of the future.
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One outfit, in particular, spoke to a 10-year-old me on a deeper level, sparking dreams of living on a spaceship — a metallic mint mini dress with a high neck and draped shoulders. The silver accents added a futuristic touch, perfectly capturing the aesthetic of the era. If we were to live in the future, I’d want it to be a blend of 1970s style and space exploration if it meant looking as chic as Jessica 6 did.
7 Princess Irulan’s Chainmail Brilliance
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Even though Florence Pugh’s role in Dune: Part Two has left some wanting more, her character’s fashion choices were entertaining enough for me. The costume designer, Jacqueline West, went for a stunning array of chainmail pieces for Pugh’s character, Feyd-Rautha, Princess Irulan, perfectly encapsulating both aspects of her personality and the weight of the pivotal moments she wore them in.
While I would probably enjoy all the looks, the floor-length chainmail dress accompanied by the intricate metallic headpiece Pugh wore just over two hours into the film makes me eager for a future where it’s available. The stunning ensemble flawlessly blends medieval-inspired armor with the grandeur of futuristic royalty, hinting that the fashion of tomorrow might not be as intimidatingly foreign as I often imagine. Despite her limited screen time, Feyd-Rautha’s distinctive style has already established itself as a powerful visual symbol of the franchise.
6 Klaatu’s Iconic Silver Suit
From The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)
The 1950s vision of the future often feels quirky by today’s standards, but The Day The Earth Stood Still (the 1951 original, not the 2008 remake) absolutely nailed their idea of a sleek space suit. Other than being revolutionary for its time, the silver ensemble worn by Michael Rennie as Klaatu in the sci-fi classic is something you could easily see emulated on a fashion runway nowadays.
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The suit prioritized shape and texture, with its smooth, flowing material symbolizing the peace Klaatu’s people seek to bring to Earth. Unlike the bulky and mechanical looks often associated with aliens in earlier films, this minimalist silver outfit has an effortless flow to it, reflecting light as Rennie moves around. Whether alien or not, I caught myself thinking how cool this piece would look in real, everyday life, and the next thing I knew, I wished we lived in a future where I could wear this to run errands.
5 The Martian Madame’s Red Swirl Dress
From Mars Attacks! (1996)
If the future looks anything like what’s shown in Mars Attacks!, I’m all in. Despite not being a fan favorite, the 1996 sci-fi comedy delivered a playful, retro-futuristic aesthetic that pulled from past decades to create a visually striking world. While the movie is captivating from start to finish, there’s one appearance that has stayed with me — the Martian Madame, also known as the Martian Girl or Martian Spy.
Portrayed by Lisa Marie Smith, the Martian Madame stole the show when she showed up in front of the White House donning a floor-length, waist-cinching, high-neck dress adorned with shiny metallic accents. The dress’ nude tone seamlessly blends with the actress’ skin, creating the illusion of flowing red swirls around her body. To top it off, she even has a matching red bag. The entire ensemble is somehow both alien and surprisingly familiar, making me long for a future where fashion pushes boundaries in an intuitive way.
4 The Cell’s Vision In Red
From The Cell (2000)
Many remember a moment when they were first nudged towards their passion as a child. For me, it was seeing Jennifer Lopez as Catherine Deane in the 2000 sci-fi thriller The Cell. Although not set in a far-off future, the movie exudes a distinctly futuristic vibe, seamlessly combining the avant-garde with digital elements in its visual narrative.
With the Y2K aesthetic in full swing at the time, a young me was especially captivated by the outfits, particularly the red-collared sheer dress Catherine wears in the dream world. The way it fused sensuality with sculptural design left me in awe, forever infusing my fashion sense with a touch of fantasy. The effortless blend of art, technology, and style made me eager for the future, where anything less than this kind of innovative dressing seemed unthinkable.
3 Ruby Rhod’s Leopard-Clad Vision
From The Fifth Element (1997)
Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element broke new ground in many areas, with fashion being one of the most captivating aspects of its storytelling. It’s safe to say that nearly every outfit from the 1997 cult classic stands out in its own unique way, whether you liked them or not. From Leeloo’s (Milla Jovovich) unforgettable bandage ensemble to Diva Plavalaguna’s (Maïwenn) iconic look, The Fifth Element’s costume design continues to inspire incredible Halloween costumes decades later.
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However, it was Ruby Rhod, immaculately portrayed by Chris Tucker, who made me wish we lived in the setting shown on screen. Ruby’s legendary leopard-print pantsuit was everything I wanted the future to look like — fun, free, and unapologetic. It embodies everything fantastically over-the-top about futuristic fashion (the leopard-printed cane included), cementing itself in my mind as a symbol of a world where individuality reigns supreme.
2 Flowing Robes Of Things To Come
Mythic Designs Defining A Utopia
As one of the great sci-fi films inspired by H.G. Wells, Things to Come has stood the test of time and remains one of the most stylishly influential sci-fi works of its era. The 1936 classic showcased costumes that were astonishingly ahead of their time, featuring flowing, elegant robes imagined as the uniforms of the future.
What captivated me most was the mythological aura of these designs, subtly balanced by metallic accents that grounded them in a futuristic setting rather than Ancient Greece.
The robes, mostly long and gracefully draped, carry a distinct Art Deco flair that adds an ethereal touch to the utopian world they represent. With some pieces boasting high necks or collars for added drama, Things to Come felt like a fashion show at times. After watching it for the first time, I couldn’t stop imagining how incredible it would be to live in this world of order and harmony — and look that awesome while doing it.
1 The Power And Beauty Of Padmé Amidala’s Robe
From Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999)
The visually striking Star Wars universe could make anyone wish the future was now, and Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), the Queen of Naboo, was my catalyst. When a teenage Portman stepped onto the screen in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 1999, clad in the most elaborate regal robe lined with fur, I was mesmerized. The look was elevated with equally stunning hair and makeup, bringing Queen Amidala and everything she stands for to life.
In addition to being a masterpiece of costume design, Padmé’s robe isn’t just an outfit; it feels like the pinnacle of artistry and engineering — a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The intricately embroidered patterns, rich textures, and captivating headpieces make the outfit a visual symphony, symbolizing the Queen’s advanced planet. At that moment, a wave of future nostalgia washed over me, and I realized I would actually be excited to live in a future where this could be hanging in my closet.
