Molly Smith
Angelina Jolie's 2004 Oscars gown inspired by fashion icon Marilyn Monroe is still one of the most iconic and memorable award show looks of all time - even over two decades later.
There are many contenders who could claim to have worn the best Oscars red carpet looks of all time, but arguably none have been so timeless, memorable or impossibly elegant as Angelina Jolie's Marilyn Monroe-esque Marc Bouwer gown.
The actress wore the exquisite white dress when she attended the ceremony back in 2004 and it is just as gorgeous today as it was back then. One of the most beautiful red carpet dresses that oozes old Hollywood glamour, the gown was clearly inspired by the classic, ultra-feminine style of Marilyn Monroe and Angelina nailed her timeless look by accessorising with sparkling jewels.
Shop Timeless White Dresses
With soft ruching at the waist and a straight-falling skirt, this satin midi dress encompases the feel of Angelina's gown beautifully. We love the asymmetric neckline that lends a contemporary though still timeless feel to the design.
A plain white dress is a spring capsule wardrobe staple and this Princess Polly pick is a super versatile, timeless and elegant choice. The plunging V-neckline is so chic, with the figure-hugging fit flattering the body beautifully.
This satin dress has so much movement thanks to its pleated skirt, with the simple straight-neckline of the plain bodice and the thin straps oozing understated glamour.
This sleek satin slip dress is so timeless, with its simple silhouette boasting a square neckline, elegant spaghetti straps and an open back that keeps things feeling classic against the figure-hugging fit.
You can immediately see multiple ways to style this dress, whether it's with heels and a shawl for an evening event, or a pair of sandals and a straw bag as you get ready to hit the beach.
A timeless white dress doesn't have to be reserved for a red carpet-worthy event and this everyday sundress is a great example of a casual piece that you can wear year after year to get an elegant, luxurious look.
With its delicate ruching around the waist complimenting the sultry, plunging neckline, the entirely backless design skimmed Angelina's figure and created a luxe, silky silhouette.
Molly Smith, woman&home's Digital Fashion Writer, adores the radiant red carpet moment from over twenty years ago, reminiscing on the showstopper look, following the 2025 Oscars where black lace, velvet and satin were key trends.
Molly says, "Angelina Jolie's 2004 Oscars dress is simply timeless, nodding to Marilyn Monroe's classic Hollywood glamour, yet feeling ethereal too. The designer Marc Bouwer has worked on plenty of sensational red carpet looks, including both Beyoncé and Shania Twain too.
There's no better occasion for a train than a red carpet and the pooling silk fabric of Angelina's dress perfectly blended drama with understated glamour. The striking detail did so much to emphasise the timeless appeal of the dress style, with the train adding a heavy, luxurious flair to the skirt that introduces movement and flow to the straight-falling silhouette.
When it came to accessories, Angelina chose to emphasise the gown's deep V-neckline by adding a multi-layered necklace to bring some stunning shine to the outfit.
Dripping in diamonds, the necklace featured waterfall-inspired drop details to fill the chest with glittering gems and the designer H. Stern named it the Athena Necklace to pay homage to its ethereal, Grecian feel.
Featuring a whopping $10million worth of diamonds, with her diamond stud earrings complimenting the shine, the jewellery highlighted the luxurious sheen of the silk dress and played further into the Marilyn Monroe-inspired feel.
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