The internet basically lost its mind when the first trailer for Anyone But You dropped. It wasn't just the banter between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, though the chemistry was definitely working overtime. It was the dress. You know the one—that slinky, ethereal, light blue satin gown that seemed to defy gravity while she stood on a yacht in Sydney Harbour.
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen a dozen "dupes" for this look. But honestly? Most people are looking for something that doesn’t technically exist in a store.
The Mystery Behind the Sydney Sweeney Anyone But You Dress
Here is the thing: you can't actually go out and buy the exact blue dress Bea wears during the yacht scene. Believe me, people have tried. It isn’t archived Givenchy or a secret runway piece from Miu Miu.
It was custom-made.
👉 See also: Is Heroes and Villains Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying
Amelia Gebler, the film's costume designer, is the mastermind behind the wardrobe that fueled a thousand mood boards. She actually designed that specific blue gown from scratch. When you’re filming on a boat in the middle of a harbor, you can't just pick something off a rack and hope it works with the lighting. Gebler has mentioned in interviews that the color was chosen specifically to mimic the tones of the Sydney water. It’s a "Sydney Harbour Blue," if you will.
The construction is where it gets technical. It’s a draped satin gown with a cowl neckline and a very specific, low-back silhouette. Because it was custom-fitted to Sydney’s measurements, it hangs in a way that most off-the-rack satin dresses just don't. Satin is a notoriously unforgiving fabric—it shows every ripple and pull. To get that liquid-like movement, Gebler used a heavy-weight silk satin that stayed put even during the more "active" romantic comedy moments.
It wasn't just the blue dress, though
While the blue gown is the one everyone searches for, it wasn't the only heavy hitter in the movie. Remember the pink dress?
✨ Don't miss: Jack Blocker American Idol Journey: What Most People Get Wrong
That one was a Zuhair Murad. Specifically, the Pink V-Neck Chiffon Gown. Unlike the blue custom piece, this was a designer item, though it sold out almost instantly once the film’s marketing ramped up. It served a totally different vibe—soft, romantic, bridesmaid-coded, but still very "Sydney."
Then there’s the "Fire at the Party" dress. The brown halter-neck with the gold hardware? Also custom by Amelia Gebler. It’s interesting because the wardrobe really oscillates between these high-end, custom pieces and surprisingly accessible Australian brands.
- The Bikinis: A lot of the swimwear came from Australian labels like Bamba Swim and Heavy Manners.
- The Casuals: You’ll spot items from Levi’s and Billabong throughout the movie.
- The Press Tour: This is where things got really wild. Sydney and her stylist, Molly Dickson, did about 10 outfit changes in 48 hours. We saw everything from a crystal-encrusted Miu Miu gown at the premiere to a custom scarlet Balmain mini-dress for Jimmy Fallon.
Why this wardrobe actually mattered for the movie
Usually, rom-com fashion is a bit... generic? But Gebler wanted this to feel like a "holiday fantasy." She leaned into the 90s aesthetic—think Kate Moss slip dresses. The goal was "classic but recognizable."
🔗 Read more: Why American Beauty by the Grateful Dead is Still the Gold Standard of Americana
The blue Sydney Sweeney Anyone But You dress works because it’s simple. No sequins, no heavy embroidery, no distracting patterns. It lets the actress and the location do the heavy lifting. It’s a masterclass in "less is more," even if the "less" involves a highly technical custom-draping process.
Can you actually get the look?
Kinda. Since the blue dress is a one-of-one, you have to look for specific design elements to get the same effect. If you’re hunting for a version of your own, don’t just search for "blue dress." Look for these specific keywords:
- Cowl Neck: This is the draped, folded neckline that gives it that effortless look.
- Bias Cut: This refers to how the fabric is cut diagonally across the grain, which is what makes it "hug" the body and drape like liquid.
- Crepe Satin: If you want that high-shine look without it looking cheap, look for a heavier weight satin or a silk crepe.
Brands like Reformation, Shona Joy (an Aussie favorite), and Bec + Bridge have released dresses that are clearly "inspired" by this cinematic moment. Even Michael Costello did a collaboration with Revolve that leaned heavily into these draped, satin silhouettes.
What to do next if you're obsessed
If you’re trying to recreate the Bea aesthetic, don't just stop at the dress. The hair and makeup were intentionally "beach-low-maintenance." Think soft waves and Laneige-style glowing skin.
- Audit your closet for "Sydney Blue": Look for periwinkle or dusty sky blue rather than royal blue.
- Check Australian Boutiques: Since the movie was filmed in Sydney, the vibe is heavily influenced by brands like Nude Lucy and White Fox.
- Focus on the Fit: If you buy a satin slip dress, take it to a tailor. The reason Sydney looked so iconic in that gown wasn't just the fabric; it was the fact that it was literally built for her body. A $50 dress that fits perfectly will always beat a $500 dress that bunches in the wrong places.
The real takeaway? The Sydney Sweeney Anyone But You dress isn't just a piece of clothing; it's a mood. It’s that feeling of being on a glamorous vacation where you just happen to look incredible in every frame. While you might not be able to buy the exact Amelia Gebler original, the "Summer Rom-Com" aesthetic is easier to pull off than it looks—provided you find the right shade of blue.