Dirty Dancing Analysis: Penny Johnson's Gingham Halter Dress With a Gold Belt

One shortcoming in the literature about the movie Dirty Dancing is the inadequate analysis of Penny Johnson's wardrobe. I myself do not have the fashion knowledge to blaze a trail in this still largely uncharted territory. In this article, I will merely try to point the way for future scholars of fashion in cinema.

One of the movie's key moments -- when Baby Houseman hands over the abortion money -- features Penny wearing a gingham halter dress, accessorized with a wide, gold belt.

I am guessing that the dress's main color should be called brownish maroon.

Penny getting the abortion money while dressed in
a gingham halter dress with a wide, gold belt

Penny's fashion choice competes for attention with Billy Kostecki's unbuttoned tropical shirt and high-waist pants. My judgment follows:

* Penny loses style points with her dopey belt. With the dress's gingham fabric, the belt too should be made of fabric.

* Billy's would have won decisively if his t-shirt were a shade or two browner.

* Baby is not even in the competition, style-wise, in this key scene.

* Because the scene involves money, the belt's gold color might be symbolic.

* The belt might symbolize also Penny's desire to suppress and stifle her unwanted pregnancy.

=====

Penny looks adorable in her neck halter and low top when she is dancing leisurely to the song "Just a Little Bit Longer" with Johnny Castle.

Johnny embracing the gingham halter dress

The following video clip shows the entire scene. I show it so that you will take this opportunity to focus all your attention and thoughts on Penny's gingham dress. Ignore Baby and her clothing, hair and cuteness. Ignore also Johnny and Billy.

=====

I think this might be the only use of gingham fabric in the movie. A scene-by-scene analysis should be done by an expert in women's clothing to confirm my preliminary finding.

=====

For further reading, I recommend the analysis of Penny's wardrobe provided by three fashion pundits.

1) In the brilliant blog Hi You Look Nice, an article titled Style Dissection: Dirty Dancing includes an illuminating section about Penny's style.

2) In the website Man Repeller, an article titled Dirty Dancing Style Rules to Follow This Summer includes an advisory section labeled "If You're Going to Get Just One Dress This Summer, Make it Gingham".

3) In the website La Dolce Vita, an article titled Fashion in Film: Dirty Dancing includes thoughtful commentary about three of Penny's outfits.

=====

If you want to emulate Penny's style but cannot find this exact dress to buy for yourself, then you might consider similar alternatives, such as the following:

----------

Lady Mayra Clothing Red Gingham Rockabilly Dress