Julie Steffans spends most of Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird in the standard uniform of Sacred Heart High School, though her pink-hued purple prom dress marks one of the emotional high points of the film. Recreating either outfit relies on everyday wardrobe pieces rather than specialized cosplay tailoring, but nailing the specific early-2000s Catholic school aesthetic requires attention to color choices and proportion.
The school uniform centers on three basic layers: a pale blue collared shirt, a dark knit vest, and a pleated knee-length skirt. It is an unpretentious, lived-in ensemble that looks best when it feels like an authentic school dress code rather than an anime-style uniform. If you prefer her formal look, the prom outfit shifts entirely to soft pastels and simple evening wear.
The Catholic School Uniform
The foundation of Julie‘s daily look is a light blue polo shirt worn underneath a sleeveless navy knit sweater vest. For the polo, choose a soft jersey knit with a traditional ribbed collar and a two- or three-button placket. Leaving the top button undone keeps the neckline comfortable and relaxed under the vest.
The navy sweater vest should feature a classic V-neck cut deep enough to let the polo collar rest cleanly over the knit border. Julie wears hers slightly relaxed rather than form-fitting, reflecting typical early-2000s high school sizing. A medium-weight cotton or acrylic rib knit works well and prevents overheating when layered indoors.
For the bottom half, pair the tops with a heather gray pleated skirt. In the film, the skirts hit right around the knee, featuring structured knife pleats or box pleats. Pair the skirt with plain white ankle socks or crew socks and simple black or brown flat shoes, such as saddle shoes, loafers, or plain Mary Janes.
Hair and Butterfly Clips
Julie’s hairstyle is a defining visual marker throughout the movie. Her light brown hair is parted down the middle or pulled back into half-up styles held in place with small colorful butterfly clips. These plastic pastel clips—pinks, purples, blues, and yellows—instantly anchor the character in 2002 Sacramento.
To style the hair, take two small front sections just above the temples, twist them gently backward, and secure each side with two or three butterfly clips. Leaving the rest of the hair down with loose, natural waves captures her everyday classroom routine accurately.
The Purple Prom Dress
If you are putting together Julie’s prom night appearance instead of the school uniform, the focal piece is a floor-length lavender or light purple maxi dress. Her dress has an understated cut with spaghetti straps and a gentle drape, free from heavy rhinestones, voluminous petticoats, or elaborate embellishments.
Because the gown is simple, focus on finding a soft, flowing fabric such as chiffon or matte jersey in a muted lilac or periwinkle purple. Julie carries a small clutch and wears a basic corsage on her wrist when Lady Bird shows up at her apartment to go to the dance together. Adding a pink or white carnation wrist corsage gives an unmistakable nod to that pivotal scene.
