Scarlett Johansson has long been a Hollywood style icon — a red-carpet favorite who rarely fails to impress. Yet even the most polished celebrities sometimes find themselves at the center of fashion controversy. Over the years, Johansson’s wardrobe choices have sparked debates, headlines, and social-media storms — not always for what she wore, but often for what it represented.
Explore Scarlett Johansson’s most controversial outfits and the stories behind them.
Here’s a look back at Scarlett Johansson’s most controversial outfits — and why each one became such a talking point.
The 2018 Met Gala Marchesa Gown
Perhaps the most famous of Scarlett’s controversial looks came at the 2018 Met Gala. Dressed in a red-to-pink ombré tulle gown by Marchesa, Johansson looked stunning — but the designer label carried heavy baggage.
Marchesa was co-founded by Georgina Chapman, the ex-wife of disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. At the height of the #MeToo movement, wearing Marchesa was seen by some as tone-deaf. Critics accused Johansson of ignoring the broader cultural moment, while others defended her choice to support two women designers trying to rebuild their brand’s reputation.
Scarlett later said she wore the gown because she believed the designers deserved a “chance to reclaim their work from a man’s shadow.” Still, the debate over that red-carpet appearance remains one of her most talked-about moments.
The “Unflattering” Mini Dress at the Jurassic World: Rebirth After-Party
In 2025, Johansson attended the after-party for Jurassic World: Rebirth wearing a pale pink Prada mini dress — a look meant to be light and casual after a long night of events. But social media had other opinions.
Critics described the dress as “slip-like,” “ill-fitting,” and “unflattering,” with many arguing it didn’t match her usual elegance. Some even suggested she “fire her stylist.”
Of course, Scarlett seemed unfazed, smiling confidently for the cameras. The moment served as a reminder that even relaxed, off-duty fashion choices can become headline fodder in the era of viral red-carpet commentary.
The Bold Striped Dress at Cannes 2023
At the Cannes Film Festival 2023, Johansson appeared in a striped Prada gown featuring orange, pink, and red tones — an unconventional color mix that divided fans.
While some praised her willingness to experiment, others compared the outfit to a “retro beach umbrella.” The bold print and trumpet-style hemline were criticized for overwhelming her petite frame.
Cannes is known for ultra-glamour, so Johansson’s daring palette and cut were seen as risky — and for many, the risk didn’t quite pay off.
The Ghost in the Shell Premiere Ensemble
In 2017, at the Paris premiere of Ghost in the Shell, Scarlett’s outfit drew attention for all the wrong reasons. She wore a combination of a patterned top, fur-textured skirt, and studded boots — an ensemble that seemed more experimental than elegant.
However, the fashion backlash was amplified by the film’s controversy itself. Johansson’s casting as a Japanese-origin character sparked accusations of whitewashing. As a result, even her clothing became part of the larger cultural debate surrounding the film.
The look was described by critics as “chaotic” — both in design and in timing.
The Velvet Gown at the 2003 Hollywood Film Awards
Early in her career, Scarlett attended the 2003 Hollywood Film Awards in a deep-plunging velvet dress, paired with bright accessories and yellow-tinted hair. The look was bold — perhaps too bold for her then-rising-star image.
The heavy material and mismatched accessories were widely panned. But looking back, it represents a young actress experimenting with her identity — a natural stage for any style icon in the making.
And to her credit, she’s come a long way from those early red-carpet risks.
The Denim Mini Skirt Moment (2006)
Not every controversial look is a red-carpet gown. In 2006, Johansson arrived at a Hollywood club event in a denim mini skirt, grey sweatshirt, and hot-pink handbag.
The casual combo raised eyebrows — critics said she looked “underprepared” for the event. But in truth, it reflected the laid-back Y2K style of the time, when celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton were setting similar trends.
In retrospect, this outfit feels nostalgic rather than scandalous — a flashback to a different era of pop-culture fashion.
Uggs at a Fashion Show
Even Scarlett’s comfort choices have caused a stir. At a Jill Stuart fashion show in 2003, she showed up in Ugg boots, jeans, and a soft top — an ultra-casual ensemble for a high-glam runway event.
Critics called it “inappropriate for fashion week.” Yet, this was also peak “Ugg era,” and Johansson’s look captured the early-2000s trend of mixing luxury with leisure — long before athleisure was mainstream.
The Fashion Lesson Behind the Controversy
So, what do all these moments have in common? They show that fashion isn’t just about fabric — it’s about context.
- A dress can spark outrage not for how it looks, but for what it symbolizes.
- Casual choices can seem “controversial” when worn by someone constantly under public scrutiny.
- And, most importantly, style evolution means taking risks — even ones that don’t always land.
Scarlett Johansson’s career is proof that fashion is a dialogue — sometimes glamorous, sometimes messy, but always fascinating. Her willingness to experiment has kept her a topic of conversation for more than two decades.
Final Thoughts
Scarlett Johansson’s wardrobe controversies highlight the fine line between fearless fashion and public perception. Whether it’s a symbolic designer choice or a misunderstood casual look, she’s never shied away from making a statement.