Dressing Juliet in Love Actually

Iconic, British, festive. Richard Curtis’ 2003 Romantic Comedy Love Actually is also a pinnacle of expert film fashion. Its costume designer Joanna Johnston cleverly reflects the evolving styles of the early 2000s, with the styling of Keira Knightley’s Juliet serving as a perfect example of the traditional ‘girl next door’ – or as TikTok have termed it ‘frazzled English woman’.

Opening with her wedding to Peter, we are immediately introduced to her character as innocent and feminine through her classic white dress being paired with loose flowing hair and natural makeup. Her gown in particular, a delicate, ivory custom-made long dress, encapsulates the romantic idealism both of the noughties and of other character’s views of her as she is loved by both her husband Peter and, unfortunately, his best best friend, Mark. Although appearing sheer, it is comprised of a number of different layers, hinting at her vulnerability while foreshadowing the bittersweet emotions Juliet faces as she navigates the complexities of love.

Johnston’s design choices for Juliet align perfectly with the film’s overarching themes of love’s many facets. The simplicity of the wedding dress, coupled with her later, more relaxed wardrobe of slouchy knitwear and tailored jackets, suggests a shift from the naïve optimism to the deeper, sometimes painful reality of love, becoming a reflection of the character’s emotional journey.