It is hard to believe it has been 23 years since the 1998 version of The Parent Trap was first released. (The first version came out in 1961, starring Hayley Mills). Looking back on an old favorite, so many of the outfits worn by Hallie and Annie (played by Lindsey Lohan), Meredith Blake (played by Elaine Hendrix), and Elizabeth James (played by Natasha Richardson) stand the test of time. Here are a few of our favorites we'd wear in a pinch.
Source: The Meyers/Shyer Company
1. Meredith Blake's iconic white dress and black hat
Is there a more iconic scene in the movie than when Meredith slowly raises her head from under her giant hat to greet - what she thinks to be Hallie - while lounging by the pool? ...Never has a woman looked so elegant and so evil at the same time.
Source: Racked, & Walt Disney Pictures
The white boat neck dress with the keyhole cutout, cut--away skirt, black hat with white lining, black shoes, and red lip would arguably still be perfection by today's standards. The look is so strategically put together yet effortless at the same time - making it (a little?) harder to loathe this evil would-be stepmom. After all, as Meredith puts it: "being young and beautiful is not a crime you know."
2. Meredith's layered hiking moment
Let's face it - Meredith's talents are far outside the realm of hiking, let alone knowing how to keep mountain lions at bay (hitting two sticks together, anyone?) However, girl does know how to put together a mean 3-piece hiking outfit that kills. Here, her outfit features black leggings and a crop top with matching hoodie. Also, let's not forget her handy accessories of an Evian bottle and black Prada bag. Together, this outfit is worthy of any current-day Athleisure lookbook, hike, or Zoom workout.
Source: Racked, & Walt Disney Pictures
3. Elizabeth James' black chic dinner look
Not to be outdone, Annie and Hallie's mum Elizabeth James shines in looks that are timeless and classic, just like her character. She sports many neutral and pastel dresses and shirt/skirt combos, always paired with a matching bag. A favorite is the little black dress she wears with a checkered white&black shall during her date with ex Nick Parker.
Source: Walt Disney Pictures, Ronald Grant Archive/Alamy
4. Hallie Parker's pink dinner look
Hallie's pink, high-collared silk dress is everything!! Paired with a blush pink bag and hair tied up in a bun - can we order all of our clothes in this dreamy floral fabric please?
Source: Everett Collection
5. The wedding gown in the store window
When Hallie accompanies her mom to a photo shoot at her dress shop, her mom shows her the wedding dress she worked on while her daughter was at summer camp. This dreamy V-necked dress with tulle skirt is only shown on screen for a couple of seconds, yet has been featured on too many Pinterest boards to count. Forget just wearing it to your wedding - this dress makes us want to hop on that green moped in the window and ride off into the sunset - wherever it'll take us.
Source: Walt Disney Pictures
6. Matching Ralph Lauren moment
Last, but certainly not least, when Hallie and Annie advocate for their end-of-summer camping trip, they don identical, slightly oversized Ralph Lauren button-downs - one in pale pink and the other in orange. The shirts are paired with jeans. Not only does this outfit look like something out of a catalog, (can I order 10 pls?) but these shirts are an ideal closet staple: perfect for lounging, shopping, sailing, (and even demanding that you and your twin will not reveal your true identity until getting back from that camping trip.)
Source: Walt Disney Pictures
Now, before we think of any other winning looks (honestly, there are too many to name!) in honor of Meredith Blake - we're taking "one large sleeping pill and going to bed." just kidding... but seriously, The Parent Trap, thanks for 23 years of fashion inspiration. XO
Where can the pink satin dress be purchased