You’ve seen the clip. It’s hard to miss. Jessica Biel stands there, back to the camera, and suddenly every fitness influencer on TikTok is spiraling. We’re talking about the the better sister white dress, that sleek, high-neck, open-back piece that basically became its own character in the Prime Video thriller.
Honestly, it’s not just a dress. It’s a mood. But while the internet is busy debating the exact shoulder workout required to pull it off, there’s a lot more going on with this garment than just “rich mom” aesthetics. It’s a deliberate, almost surgical choice by the show’s costume department.
Why the Better Sister White Dress Hits Differently
Let’s get the facts straight. The dress everyone is obsessed with is a Proenza Schouler White High Neck Twisted Back Crepe Maxi Dress. It’s minimal. It’s quiet. It screams "I have my life together," which is exactly why it’s so unsettling in the context of the show.
Jessica Biel plays Chloe Taylor. Chloe is the "better" sister—at least on paper. She’s the one with the perfect house, the perfect husband, and the perfect, pristine wardrobe. When she finds her husband murdered, she’s wearing this exact white dress.
The contrast is brutal. Director Craig Gillespie was very specific about this. He wanted the visual of bright red blood against the starkest, cleanest white possible. It’s a classic trope, sure, but the way it’s executed here feels different. It’s not just about the shock value; it’s about the destruction of Chloe’s carefully curated image.
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The Workout Reality Check
Everyone wants the "Better Sister" arms. Biel herself had to go on record to tell people to chill out. In a TikTok that went viral in July 2025, she admitted that the physique she sported in that dress was the result of a "strictest and most rigid lifestyle" that she doesn't even maintain year-round.
She’s 43. She’s real. She’s tired.
It’s refreshing to hear an A-lister admit that the "effortless" look is actually about three hours in the gym and a very specific diet. You can buy the dress, but you can’t buy the metabolism of someone whose job is to look like a statue.
The Design Language of Chloe Taylor
The the better sister white dress isn’t an outlier in Chloe’s closet. If you look at her other outfits, they follow a strict pattern:
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- Structured silhouettes (think sharp blazers and midi skirts).
- High necklines that feel protective, almost like armor.
- A palette of neutrals—creams, beiges, and that blinding white.
Nicky, played by Elizabeth Banks, is the polar opposite. Her wardrobe is chaotic, colorful, and a little bit messy. The white dress serves as a literal boundary between them. It’s the ultimate symbol of Chloe’s superiority, right up until the moment it gets ruined.
How to Style the Look Without the Drama
If you're looking to capture that specific energy—the "expensive, slightly dangerous woman" vibe—you don't necessarily need the $1,500 Proenza Schouler original. The 2026 fashion landscape is currently obsessed with what insiders are calling "Elevated Minimalism."
Basically, look for heavy crepe fabrics. You want something with weight. Thin, jersey-knit white dresses often look cheap and show every single seam of your undergarments. The power of the the better sister white dress lies in the tailoring. It’s a twisted-back design that requires zero jewelry because the architecture of the garment does all the talking.
Pair it with a gold watch—Biel’s character wears an 18K Yellow Gold Cartier Panthère—and keep the hair slicked back. It’s a "no-nonsense" aesthetic.
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Is it Still Trending?
Sorta. While the show premiered a while back, the "white dress" phenomenon has staying power because it tapped into a larger cultural shift. We’re moving away from loud, logos-everywhere fashion and toward pieces that look like they belong in an art gallery.
The the better sister white dress is the peak of that trend. It’s aspirational but also a warning. In the show, the dress is a mask. It’s the costume of a woman who is trying very, very hard to keep her world from falling apart.
Practical Steps to Nail the Aesthetic:
- Prioritize the Fabric: Look for "bonded crepe" or heavy silk. If you can see through it, it’s not the one.
- The Neckline Matters: A high, mock-neck or turtleneck silhouette creates that "statuesque" look that made the original so famous.
- Invest in Tailoring: A $50 dress from a fast-fashion brand can look like $500 if you take it to a tailor and have the waist and hem adjusted to your specific proportions.
- The "Glow" Factor: As seen on the 2026 Critics Choice red carpet, Biel’s "killer glow" is the best accessory for white. Use a shimmering body oil on your collarbones and shoulders to catch the light.
Ultimately, the dress works because it’s a contradiction. It’s innocent white used in a story about guilt and secrets. Whether you’re buying it for a summer gala or just because you’ve been hitting the gym and want to show off your back, remember that the most important part of the outfit is the confidence—or in Chloe’s case, the composure.