The story of ‘Materialists’ told through Dakota Johnson’s outfits

In the recently-released ‘Materialists’, Dakota Johnson’s Lucy, a professional matchmaker, understands that personal style is never just personal; it’s branding, bargaining, and sometimes even armour. From commanding power suits to wistful florals, Lucy’s clothes reflect the push and pull between her heart and her head, her past and her future. As she toggles between the promise of a stable life with Harry (Pedro Pascal) and the unresolved passion with John (Chris Evans), her wardrobe echoes her uncertainties, ambitions, and growth—advancing the story frame by frame..

Power suiting: Dressing for the business of love

We first meet Lucy stomping through Manhattan in knee-high Paris Texas boots, a navy pinstripe Aritzia Wilfred blazer, a wide-striped mini skirt from a Versace suit, and a white Banana Republic blouse. She moves with purpose—owning the scene and the street.

The combination feels very New York—modern and powerful, with just enough retro charm to veer towards iconic. Inspired by a mix of old-school working-girl aesthetics and contemporary city polish, the look establishes Lucy’s role as a top-tier matchmaker. She’s landing clients on her commute and popping champagne for every engagement she brokers. These scenes underscore her belief that love can be optimised, strategised, and sold. Her slightly oversized blazers and silky blouses form the uniform of someone who sees dating as high-stakes commerce.

Blue is when business meets (potential) pleasure

The first wedding scene marks a turning point. At a glitzy black-tie affair, Lucy crosses paths with both Harry and her ex, John. Her outfit? A strapless, cerulean-blue Proenza Schouler gown that turns heads without screaming for attention.

The gown is not overly romantic, but it communicates confidence and purpose. Its beauty lies in its simplicity—the stunning back and structured draping make it clear she belongs in this upscale world. Lucy isn’t there to blend in. 

Her metallic silver accessories—a choker, heart-shaped ring, and heels complete the polished look. While multitasking between comforting a nervous bride, locking eyes with a venture capitalist, and sneaking off with her ex, she’s perfectly put-together. It’s a look designed for high-stakes romance and high-value networking.

Lucy’s romantic print moments: This is where it all fell apart

Flashbacks to Lucy’s breakup with John reveal a softer, younger version of her. In these scenes, she wears a delicate floral blouse, straight-leg jeans, and modest heels—a look that feels sentimental and unguarded. It's the kind of outfit you’d wear on an anniversary date—effortless, romantic, and not overly styled. A thrifted delicate necklace adds to the emotional openness of the look, highlighting a time when Lucy approached love with more hope than calculation.

In moments when she reconnects with John—or reflects on their shared past—her wardrobe shifts into a completely different palette. She dons bloom-printed pieces from brands like Dôen, and sometimes sports casual staples like a white button-up and jeans, suggesting ease, warmth, and authenticity.

Contrary to a crisp and calculated wardrobe around Harry—much like their dynamic—the floral fits offer a glimpse into the Lucy who once believed love didn’t need strategy, just sincerity. The flashbacks thus quietly reveal the version of Lucy that’s still lingering beneath the surface.

Billowy button-ups: Softened by the morning after

The oversized button-up shirt has long been a rom-com staple, and Lucy slips into one the morning after her first night with Harry. Hers is a blue-striped, relaxed-fit shirt by Treasure & Bond, paired with Zara jeans, Nike sneakers, and Erin Meuchner earrings. The ensemble gives off a hint of vulnerability, suggesting she’s slightly out of place in Harry’s world of luxury and sharp edges.

It’s cosy but not quite comfortable, romantic but restrained. The look signals tentative intimacy—this isn’t love yet, just proximity. It’s a visual cue that Lucy is testing the waters, wrapped in something soft and oversized, unsure whether it’s comfort or just unfamiliar terrain.

Flirtatious florals: The dress meant for someone else

When Lucy crashes a rustic upstate wedding with John, she wears a buttercream Dôen dress originally packed for a now-cancelled Iceland getaway with Harry. She pairs it with black Nike sneakers, suggesting spontaneity and emotional chaos.

Though packed for a different journey, the dress fits the moment. With its empire waistline, watercolour florals, fluttery ruffles, and appliqués, the gown evokes softness, love, and letting go. It’s as if she were trying to tap into her more romantic side, something that rarely surfaces around Harry but flows quite naturally around John.

The dress becomes a quiet symbol of reconnection—with John, and with the part of herself that still believes in love without metrics or performance. If Harry’s world is composed and controlled, John’s is instinctive and alive.

Silver: A symbol of class and control

Throughout the film, silver is Lucy’s go-to metal. Whether it’s the choker and heels with her Proenza gown or the subtle heart-shaped pieces dotting other scenes, the shine of silver reflects her entry into a more elevated social class. It’s a metal that feels intentional—cool-toned, strong, and calculated. It marks her entry into a more rarefied world—where style isn’t just aesthetic, but strategy.

A final outfit, a full circle

In the final scene, Lucy steps out in a floral Reformation dress, Converse sneakers, and a grey knit tied around her waist. It’s an outfit that could belong to any woman heading to the movies or a casual first date—comfortable, confident, and refreshingly real.

This look is the emotional opposite of her first outfit. No boots, no blazers, no silk shirts. Just Lucy as she is—no longer optimising, no longer performing. Her wardrobe, like her heart, has finally found its balance.

All images: A24 and Sony Pictures

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