Our tragic heroine has a wardrobe that’s as enviable as it is Met Gala ready.

I’m still reeling from the usual deluge of “May the Fourth Be with you” memes and content, add to that the newer Revenge of the Fifth (or is it Sixth—or both) posts that had me doom scrolling on Twitter (sorry, it’s still not X for me) for the past few days.

So, while waiting for the next three episodes of Andor to drop, I decided to watch my favorite episodes from the Star Wars prequel trilogy. While watching that flirty meadow scene with Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) something struck me, perhaps also partly because of a slight Met Gala hangover: Padmé Amidala’s looks won’t seem out of place today—even in the swankiest of Hollywood events or fashion weeks. Her outfits are timeless.

So I decided to ride on the Star Wars May the Fourth (and Met Gala) fever, and rank some of my favorite character’s 10 most memorable looks. I have more—in fact, I love all of her outfits, even the disguises. But, alas, we only have so much space, so here goes nothing!

10. Green velvet cloak dress, ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’

Photos from LucasFilm and various online sources; banner photo background from Freepik

This gorgeous moss-green velvet ensemble may not have a lot of screen time, but it sure remained in my memory after all these years. I love how it catches the light and transforms to different shades of green and gold. The purple sash adds a splash of color that complements the green hues.

Also known as: “The staring out the window” dress that serves to hide Padmé’s pregnant belly and was worn when she was contemplating Anakin’s path to the Dark Side.

9. Funeral dress, ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’

One of my favorite ensembles is sadly from one of Revenge of the Sith’s most heartbreaking scenes. Padmé’s funeral dress is a luxurious aqua blue while her long curls fanned around her and sprinkled with fresh flowers. The scene reminds me of the painting “Ophelia” by Sir John Everett Millais, which depicts the drowning of Ophelia from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Both Padmé’s final scene and the painting convey beauty yet also a profound feeling of sadness.

8. Twilight nightgown, ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’

Padmé has a trunkful of stunning nightgowns, but this one takes the cake. She wore this at her apartment on Coruscant during the final days of the Galactic Republic, when Anakin told her how beautiful she was. The silvery-blue silk nightdress has strings of beads around her shoulders and neck, which seems uncomfortable to sleep on, but who cares, it looks gorgeous!

Also known as: The “It was only a dream” nightgown, as the scene where Padmé wore this, Anakin talked to her about the nightmares he’s having of her dying in childbirth, which hastened his switcheroo to Team Sith.

7. Embroidered overcoat, ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones‘

This one I can imagine myself wearing on a day out in Santorini (heh!). Padmé wore this deep blue overdress on Tatooine at the Lars’ household. The flowy ensemble is adorned with silk ribbons, hand-stitched satin decorations, and embroidered details, and was layered over a lightweight, light blue pleated gown. Very flowy and summery, ideal for the sands of Anakin’s home planet.

Also known as: The “There are things no one can fix” dress. The scene where Padmé wore this was in the aftermath of Shmi’s, Anakin’s mother, death, where Anakin, blinded by rage, slaughtered the Tusken raiders who held his mom captive.

6. Wedding dress, ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones‘

I remember imagining myself wearing Padmé’s dress to my own wedding. It features intricately inlaid pearls on the veil, and while the train is modest it is overlaid with a ornate geometric pattern. What makes Padmé’s wedding gown more special is the story behind it. Per an article on Screen Rant, it was made in just one night by one of Padmé’s former handmaidens, Yané. The lace veil, which had wax drop stamens and flowers, was made by Padmé herself. I also like how the white gown contrasts with Anakin’s dark outfit, foreshadowing his descent into darkness as his young wife remains steadfastly with the good guys.

5. Red Senate dress, ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace‘

I’m not exactly fond of this outfit, but I included it on this list because it’s among Padmé’s most iconic. In fact, this look is probably the first to come to mind when one thinks of her. Royal, elegant, and commanding, this dress is truly befitting of the noble senator from Naboo. To complete the look, Padmé also wore traditional makeup reserved for Naboo’s royalty, with a detailed gold headdress with the ruby-colored Jewel of Zenda and a large sculptured wig.

Trisha Biggar, the lead costume designer for all three Star Wars prequel trilogy films, described this outfit as similar to the silhouettes and styles found in ancient Imperial China and likened its unique shape to an “upside-down ice cream cone.” It looks uncomfortable, but it also reflects the steely willpower of Padmé.

4. Black leather corset dress, ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones‘

One of Padmé’s sexiest ensembles, she wore this black leather corset dress with a metallic-effect skirt, and a shawl thrown over during dinner with Anakin at Varykino. This is such a classic look that it will not go out of place at a Met Gala. The jet collar necklace and metallic tiara ups the drama several notches higher.

Also known as: The “We’d be living a lie” dress, when Padmé rejects Anakin’s love yet again by the fireplace.

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3. Geonosis battle gear, ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones‘

To be honest, I had a difficult time ranking the top three, as I felt each one is beautiful and iconic in its own way. I decided to just make it a three-way tie, starting with the sleek Geonosis Battle Gear which Padmé wore to the arena battle when she and Anakin came to save Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). The outfit has different variations, one including a white cape, and a ripped top version exposing the then-senator’s impressive abs (who knew she still had time to hit the gym?). It was also one of the few times Padmé can be seen wearing pants in the films.

This outfit is important for many reasons, one being of course that this is when Padmé finally agrees to pursue a romantic relationship with Anakin, and another because its pure white color reflects how she will always be firmly on the side of good.

Also known as: The “aggressive negotiations” outfit. No further explanation needed.

2. Yellow meadow dress, ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones‘

I love how this playful yet still very posh dress reflects the mood of the scene: all young love and pure bliss. Padmé’s yellow dress features pink hand-sewn roses as well as pastel ribbons that adorn her wrists. Tying her whole outfit together is her hair, which is styled in buns on the sides of her head á la Princess Leia, with a ribbon holding them in place which matches her dress. We know how their love story ends, but it’s nice to have this little bit of core Star Wars memory, a rare happy and carefree moment between the starcrossed galactic lovers.

Also known for featuring in one of the best Star Wars memes ever, known as the “For the Better, Right?” and the Anakin and Padme 4-Panel, and Clueless Padme meme.

1. Ombre lakeside dress, ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones‘

This dress is still every bit as breathtaking as it was when it first graced the big screen 23 years ago. Padmé’s backless, ombre pastel dress with metallic adornments surely made Anakin fall even more head over heels with her that he found himself talking about how he finds Naboo soft and smooth while obviously referring to Padmé. The dress and the lake got him totally smitten that he swept in for their first kiss. Romantic, gorgeous, unforgettable, this dress is a shoo-in for the top spot.

Also known as: What Padmé was wearing while hearing Anakin’s (in)famous ‘I hate sand’ monologue.

‘Star Wars’ lookback: 10 of Padmé Amidala’s most memorable outfits ranked