When I first started watching 1987's Dirty Dancing — and I say "started" because I built it into my weekly routine, allowing it to become habit — Baby became an instant style inspiration [1]. Baby Houseman, played by Jennifer Grey, clearly knew how to dress for the summer months [2], thereby arming me with a handful of outfit options for my favourite season. Since Baby's story arc starts at a place where she's modest and reserved and ends with her embracing her free-spirited, rebellious side, her clothes follow suit.
When she and her family first arrive at the family resort in the Catskills, she's wearing sophisticated summer day dresses [3] and girlie blouses with long denim shorts. But her wardrobe (or whatever she packed in her suitcase) is eventually broken down and deconstructed — literally and physically! — as she lets loose and jumps into the water with Johnny to practice the lift for their dance routine.
During practice sessions, we see Baby in crop tops, '80s-acid wash jeans, and sheer tights that are nothing short of flirty. But by the end of the film, she owns her sex appeal wholeheartedly and leaps into the late Patrick Swayze [4]'s arms in a backless pink dress that's become synonymous with her character. Has my love for Baby's looks become evident? Good, because I've recreated them all from head-to-toe, and let's just say I've had the time of my life doing it.
The Tie-Up Blouse and Denim Bermuda Shorts
Baby wears this look for a practice dance session with Johnny, and it's totally effortless and absolutely sexy.
Storets Mila Crop Shirt
Storets Mila Crop Shirt [6] ($55)
rag & bone Rosa Cotton Bermuda Shorts in Clean Black
rag & bone Rosa Cotton Bermuda Shorts in Clean Black [7] ($225)
The Polka-Dot Co-Ords
While Penny wears tights and bodysuits, Baby went her own way in a cutesy little pink polka-dot set, which clearly establishes her as the "rookie" in this scene. IDK about you, but I friggin' love it!
For Love & Lemons Set
For Love & Lemons Fiona Bralette [8] ($59) and Fiona Sleep Short [9] ($49)
The Modest Summer Dress
Johnny tries to get Baby to loosen up, but her modest, knee-length summer dress speaks to the more sophisticated life she's used to.
Lemlem Bahiri Bib Dress
Lemlem Bahiri Bib Dress [10] ($295)
The Bohemian Blouse
Baby plays the innocent card in this white stitched boho blouse and a pair of high-rise jeans.
Rouje Mathias Blouse
Rouje Mathias Blouse [11] ($135)
Warp and Weft CDG Plus Vintage High Rise Straight Saint Germain
Warp and Weft CDG Plus Vintage High Rise Straight Saint Germain [12] ($49, originally $98)
The Wet n' Wild Look
Johnny and Baby end up getting soaked when they practice her lift in the lake, but the all-white outfit, consisting of a tank, jeans, and sheer blouse, just somehow works for her.
ASOS Design Regular Sheer Shirt
ASOS DESIGN Plus regular sheer textured shirt with notch neck detail in white [13] ($40)
Sunday Best Carey Tank
Sunday Best Carey Tank [14] ($20)
The Bodysuit and Cutoffs
Baby belts her denim shorts and wears white low-top sneakers, going for a minimal basics look that speaks to the dancer in her.
Commando Whisper Tank Bodysuit Thong
Commando Whisper Tank Bodysuit Thong [15] ($68)
Levi's 501 High Waist Cuff Long Denim Shorts
Levi's 501 High Waist Cuff Long Denim Shorts [16] ($70)
Zara Basic Belt
Zara Basic Belt [17] ($10)
Mango Lace-up leather sneakers
Mango Lace-up leather sneakers [18] ($80)
The Wrap Shirt
Baby practices the more serious, romantic moments in the routine in this white cropped wrap shirt and tights.
Babaton Castellar Blouse
Babaton Castellar Blouse [19] ($30, originally $78)
The Pink Dress
Ah, but of course. Baby's finale moment comes in this memorable pink dress with a low back that gets paired with strappy shoes.
Pixie Market Liv Bustier Dress
Pixie Market Liv Bustier Dress [20] ($129)
Intentionally Blank Willow Peach
Intentionally Blank Willow Peach [21] ($180)