An enduring archetype that passes generations, the femme fatale is one of the most crucial figures shaping cinema — especially film noir. Often characters of elegance, charm, and unapologetic confidence, these remarkable women command attention not just through their actions but through their presence and style, embodying seduction and mystery and keeping audiences captivated throughout.
While there have been plenty of iconic femme fatales on film, some have managed to stand out more than others, with their influence on fashion and culture continuing to grow through the years. Whether thanks to their sleek silhouettes or bold accessories, these deadly women use fashion as an extension of their power. Today, we look back at the most stylish femme fatales in movies, ranking them by how fashionable they are and iconic status.
10
Veronica Lake as Ellen Graham
‘This Gun for Hire’ (1942)
Veronica Lake‘s portrayal of Ellen Graham in This Gun for Hire ranks among the most iconic femme fatale roles in Hollywood. Known for her appearances in film noir and dramas, the iconic star does wonderfully in this 1942 film, too, where she plays a character caught between morality and manipulation, masterfully blending vulnerability with a calculated edge.
Lake’s magnetic presence is undeniable throughout the film, and part of that has to do with her stylish wardrobe. Her sophisticated gowns enhance her character’s cool demeanor while also revealing her vulnerability. A standout look is her stunning satin dress that emphasizes her classic beauty and complements her performance, as well as her signature “peek-a-boo” hairstyle. As expected, Lake’s character’s style mirrors her duality, emphasizing how femme fatale fashion is more than just looks.
This Gun for Hire
- Release Date
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April 24, 1942
- Runtime
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81 minutes
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9
Lauren Bacall as Slim
‘To Have and Have Not’ (1944)
In Hemingway‘s To Have and Have Not — Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart‘s iconic first feature together, which has sparked one of the most legendary on-screen pairings in Hollywood — Slim quickly steals the spotlight as a sharp and independent woman. The story follows an American expatriate who is reluctantly drawn into a dangerous smuggling scheme.
Bacall’s talents and irresistible husky voice, in addition to her poise and elegance, make To Have and Have Not an easy watch to sit through. While her chemistry with Bogart is also a huge standout in the film, the star’s wardrobe, style, wit, and sophistication helped cement her legacy and catapult Bacall to stardom. Her style in the movie is nothing short of incredible, too: she rocked effortlessly elegant outfits — including sultry, form-fitting skirt suits and her revealing black evening gown with the cut-out at her midriff — that matched her confident persona.
To Have and Have Not
- Release Date
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January 20, 1945
- Runtime
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100 Minutes
8
Ava Gardner as Kitty Collins
‘The Killers’ (1946)
The breathtaking and talented Ava Gardner shines through and through Kitty Collins, embodying the ultimate femme fatale in The Killers. The crime drama mystery follows an insurance detective’s investigation into the execution by two professional killers of a former boxer who was unresistant to his own murder.
Gardner’s magnetic aura is a gift on its own. However, her presence is enhanced by her alluring wardrobe, one that is equal parts sophisticated, seductive, and tailored in true femme fatale fashion. Kitty’s high-fashion choices highlight her manipulative nature, beauty, and complexity, fully embodying the epitome of 1940s glamour. To this day, she remains one of the most iconic femme fatales in film, and it’s far from difficult to grasp why (starting with her iconic black satin dress).
7
Jane Greer as Kathie Moffat
‘Out of the Past’ (1947)
A defining example of the femme fatale archetype, Jane Greer‘s Kathie Moffat in the arguably overlooked noir Out of the Past navigates a web of lies, betrayal, and seduction in the iconic 1947 film. The story sees a private eye (Robert Mitchum) escaping his past to run a gas station in a small town, with his past eventually catching up with him.
Like the other iconic women here mentioned, Greer’s style as Katie is nothing short of glamorous and sophisticated, perfectly reflecting her threatening yet irresistible aura. Often seen in sleek, flattering dresses that emphasize her elegant curves, Greer’s character has timeless fashion, featuring luxurious fabrics, stunning waved hair, and statement jewelry that elevates her looks to higher levels. For these reasons, the Out of the Past character endures as one of the most unforgettable femme fatales in film history.
6
Sharon Stone as Catherine Tramell
‘Basic Instinct’ (1992)
A fairly “recent” example of an iconic femme fatale is Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, as she redefined the archetype for the modern era with her fearless performance and impeccable style. The Paul Verhoeven film sees a violent police detective investigating a brutal murder that might involve a manipulative and seductive novelist.
Her most iconic look is the sleek, white turtleneck white dress paired with a matching coat, which she wears during the movie’s interrogation scene. Its simplicity helps emphasize the character’s enigmatic nature while also contrasting with the film’s dark tone. Stone’s incredible portrayal of Catherine Tramell, paired with her amazing wardrobe, helps create a femme fatale equally glamorous and unforgettable, cementing her as one of the most iconic of her time.
Basic Instinct
- Release Date
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May 8, 1992
- Runtime
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128 minutes
5
Pam Grier as Foxy Brown
‘Foxy Brown’ (1974)
A trailblazer in the Blaxploitation era, Pam Grier‘s Foxy Brown, the titular character in the Jack Hill film, helped redefine the archetype with her boldness and unapologetic confidence. The B-Action movie sees a vigilante taking a job as a high-class sex worker to get revenge on the mobsters who murdered her boyfriend.
Blending 1970s glam and embracing African culture, Foxy Brown is one of cinema’s most stylish and remarkable femme fatales, with her wardrobe reflecting her fearless personality and determination. Featuring bold patterns and vibrant colors in addition to her statement jewelry, Foxy’s style exudes feminity and empowerment. Furthermore, Grier’s natural hair, often styled in a voluminous Afro, just adds to her character’s duality and iconic looks, which help cement her as one of the most iconic female action heroes in cinema.
4
Kim Novak as Judy Barton and Madeleine Elster
‘Vertigo’ (1958)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Directed by the iconic, renowned filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo is surely a psychological thriller worth watching. Following a former San Francisco police detective juggling wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, it introduces audiences to Kim Novak‘s Judy Barton, a pivotal character that embodies polished elegance.
With the costumes designed by Edith Head, Vertigo is a masterclass in using fashion to deepen character development and visual storytelling. Its wardrobe is integral to the movie’s themes, with each costume crafted to reflect the duality and mystery of Novak’s characters, working as a tool to emphasize their differences. Indeed, Novak’s blend of elegance and mystery, paired with her meticulously crafted wardrobe, makes her one of the most stylish femme fatales in cinema and plays a huge part in her dual role in the film.
3
Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle/Catwoman
‘Batman Returns’ (1992)
Tim Burton‘s Batman Returns is a fan favorite for many reasons, and Michelle Pfeiffer‘s Selina Kyle is certainly at the top of the list. The story centers around Batman’s (Michael Keaton) journey to stop the Penguin (Danny DeVito) from wreaking havoc across Gotham with the help of a cruel businessman and a female employee of the latter.
It’s not the least surprising that Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle endures, to this day, an iconic example of a stylish femme fatale who blends seduction, danger, and heart into an unforgettable character. Her skintight black latex suit is one of the most iconic pieces of clothing worn by a woman on film, with the glossy, stitched-together design perfectly symbolizing her transformation. The suit, paired with her eye makeup and bold red lips, make Catwoman an irresistible and undeniably iconic femme fatale, embodying power and sensuality in indescribable ways.
2
Rita Hayworth as Gilda
‘Gilda’ (1946)
A must-see in the classic noir genre, Gilda, starring Rita Hayworth in the lead role, sees a small-time gambler (Glenn Ford) hired to work in a Buenos Aires casino. He then discovers that his employer’s (George Macready) new wife is his former lover.
Hayworth’s Gilda remains a defining example of cinematic allure and style, with her character’s elegance and fiery spirit establishing her as one of the most iconic femme fatales. The costumes, created by designer Jean Louis, are nothing short of fantastic — in fact, her strapless black satin gown paired with long gloves that she wears while performing “Put the Blame on Mame” is arguably one of the most iconic and memorable looks in film. While Gilda’s figure-fitting wardrobe in the movie certainly contributes to her status as an iconic femme fatale, Hayworth’s magnetic presence and charm elevate the character to legendary status.
1
Barbara Stanwyck as Phyllis Dietrichson
‘Double Indemnity’ (1944)
Another must-see old Hollywood film noir, Double Indemnity follows an insurance representative (Fred MacMurray) seduced by a stunning housewife (Barbara Stanwyck) into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder. As their scheme unravels, Walter finds himself caught in a web of deception and guilt.
Stanwyck’s deadly charm and icy demeanor are enough to keep audiences invested throughout the entire film, as she is the true embodiment of a textbook femme fatale. However, her meticulously designed wardrobe has also helped cement her as one of the most memorable and influential female leads in film noir history. Every piece of clothing she wears, crafted by the iconic Edith Head, is sophisticated and sleek, perfectly accentuating her character’s manipulative persona. Additionally, her hairstyle reinforces her polished image.
