Michelle Pfeiffer: Style Icon

Let me start by admitting that, while I have an appreciation for fashion, I'm in no way an expert. What follows, then, is one layman's attempt to highlight how fabulous Michelle Pfeiffer's style is, both onscreen and in that thing we call real life. This isn't a comprehensive look back at her fashion evolution, nor will it describe "who" she's wearing, so please, fashion bloggers, don't hurt me.

Did you know that for a hot minute at the start of her career, Pfeiffer managed to out-Daisy Duke Daisy Duke? This was a promo shot from the truly lousy and mercifully short-lived series B.A.D. Cats. Remember, her early gigs were usually as eye candy (see also: Delta House). Here, she's basically late-'70s, early '80s sunshine personified. She's positively glowing, with her early-career signature cascading locks bouncing every so perfectly over her shoulders. This is not a look we usually associate with La Pfeiffer, but is anyone really willing to argue that she doesn't look absolutely incredible? I didn't think so.

In 1983, Scarface took Pfeiffer's style evolution to far greater, more haute couture levels. Her Elvira Hancock may have been sullen and snarky, but she was beyond glamorous. There's a regal quality to Pfeiffer in the film, especially in her first scene. The way she glides on and off the elevator as if she's walking on air—further proof that she may indeed be a goddess. Probably more than any other role, Elvira, and her exquisite style, have become synonymous with Pfeiffer's public persona—a woman of high style who gives zero fucks about your bullshit. All hail the Queen.

But the Queen can pull off any look. Take this one, from the 1980s. My goodness. Simply sublime. I almost can't handle this much adorableness in one woman.

Pfeiffer and her Dangerous Liaisons costar Glenn Close, made for an elegant duo at the 1989 Academy Awards ceremony. They were each up for Oscars. Absurdly, neither of them won. I'm still annoyed. Anyway, Pfeiffer's suit was a bold fashion choice. It proved once again that she was no one's eye candy, but instead, that she marched (and still does) to her own drum.

Also in 1989, Pfeiffer torched the screen as Susie Diamond in The Fabulous Baker Boys. Few cinematic moments have ever been quite as electrifying as her showstopping New Year's Eve performance of "Makin' Whoopee" atop Jeff Bridge's piano. Pfeiffer is jaw-dropping in that sultry red dress. Not only did she look fabulous, but she delivered a tour-de-force musical performance that still stands as one cinema's most iconic moments.

Batman Returns (1992) features not one, but two iconic Pfeiffer style goddess characters. Of course there's the famously skintight Catwoman costume, but it's important to remember her Selina Kyle was equally ravishing, whether in a big, bulky overcoat or a sequined ball gown. Then there's her exquisitely wild, curly hair. Free-flowing and untamed, or piled high into an up-do, Selina's signature hairstyle is practically a character unto itself.

As Melanie Parker in 1996's One Fine Day, Pfeiffer gave us the hottest movie mom that year and, frankly, any year ever. Whether she was dressed in her best business suit or her son's several-sizes-too-small dinosaur shirt, Pfeiffer rocked it. Listen, I'm not the only one who feels this way about Michelle-as-Melanie. There's something heartwarmingly, nostalgically '90s about her absolutely perfect bob haircut and suit-skirt attire that also remains effortlessly timeless, twenty-odd years on.

In I Am Sam (2001), Pfeiffer again played a working professional mom, this time with a preference for power suits, which match her character Rita's more hard-edged personality. As an attorney struggling to juggle work and motherhood, Pfeiffer turns in one of her most underrated performances, all while looking amazing. Pfeiffer wearing glasses is basically all I need out of life, but bless her heart, she continues to give me so much more.

When this woman comes for your heart, you're powerless to stop her. Just surrender. Also, let's retire the little black dress, since Pfeiffer wore one at the Hairspray premiere in 2007. Game over.

In mother! (2017), Pfeiffer's wardrobe expresses the character's fierce carnality and domineering personality—black skirts, chunky heels, lace thigh highs. You can't have a better time at the movies than watching Pfeiffer torment poor Jennifer Lawrence. It might be her most explicitly sensual performance, and her hair, makeup, and clothing reflect the character's insatiable appetites.

Remember what I said about the little black dress? Well, same applies to the black pantsuit: retire it. Game over. Fittingly, she wore it earlier this year to the Scarface anniversary celebration at the Tribeca Film Festival. So, thirty-five years after she became a glamour icon in that film, she showed us she still has style to spare. And at sixty, she's still slaying it.

Long live the Queen.