Costume designers get to create a word of fabulous fantasy. Whether they’re taking us to a far off place or a different time altogether, the clothes that they put actors in are what allow us to escape in many films.

So while fashion and style may seem frivolous to some, when it comes down to powerful villains the wardrobes created for these characters are just as fierce as the fight in those who wear them.

1. Cruella Deville in 101 Dalmatians

Even though she was a bit over the top (as every super villain should be), Cruella Deville’s fashion sense can’t be denied. Fine, the hair was questionable, but the clothes were downright pretty avant-garde. Her black and white looks ranged from dramatic dresses to sparkly tweed-like suits, and even her striped jail clothes looked fashionable! Cruella’s coats, of course, were a fashion show of themselves. May PETA forgive us, but Glenn Close sure looked fabulous in those fur coats. Red, black and white, leopard… And that sketch of the Dalmatian coat… Can we have that made in faux fur?

2. The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz

Now hear me out on this—patterned tights, the flattering effects of an all black ensemble and let’s not forget whose feet Dorothy stole those fabulous ruby slippers from—one has to wonder if this witch used some of her magic to stay ahead of the fashion curve. Sure, she may have had some dermatological issues, but she did have some seriously groomed thick brows which are tres de rigueuer. Perhaps what made the witch of the West so wicked was that she was more Barney’s than Bloomies—and as tough style icons like actress Angelica Houston and style editor Kate Lanphear show us, there’s nothing wrong with that.

3. Kathryn Merteuil in Cruel Intentions

Kathryn has a personality for every situation and an amazing outfit to match each one. From hot little black dresses to good girl skirt and blouse sets, she can certainly make her clothes fit her role. That fabulous black hat she wears to the park (paired with the obligatory oversized shades, of course) puts boring little Cecile in her place, and even her casual clothes always look posh. And Kathryn’s lingerie? Really, no wonder her stepbrother was tempted. What guy wouldn’t be? It’s fitting that her downfall came from a piece of jewelry. Fine, it was outrageous to have cocaine on her at all times. But wasn’t that rosary gorgeous?

4. Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada

It’s no secret that the aforementioned Devil is based on real world ” editrix” Anna Wintour; with her amazing wardrobe, stern ways and deep analysis of trickle down color-nomics (who knew the seriousness of cerulean blue), Miranda rules with an iron fashion fist. Not one outfit she is pictured in is anything but classic perfection and she demands the same of her staff in both performance and attire. The film features a scene of patterned Hermes scarves flying into the air—but that was just for visual interest—in the book the scarves are plain white and, really, what’s more fashion elitist than that? Miranda Priestly may be the be-all-end-all when it comes to fashion, but in the matter of her assistant “Andrea” there’s one fabric she can’t change, and that’s the fiber of Andy’s being.

5. Le Chiffre in 007 in Casino Royale

James Bond’s movies are always a parade of tuxedos and sexy dresses, of course. But in the 2006 remake, Mads Mikkelsen definitely made his way into the best dressed villains list. His all-dark looks are the best. Even when meeting terrorists in a camp he managed to look very polished in a dark brown shirt and black suit. And he can do casual too! Le Chiffre looked pretty hot in an ivory shirt, while casually threatening someone. But nothing beats the velvety tux with a black shirt over it at the casino. It almost makes you wish he’d win that game.

 Article written by Kim Coughlin for Moxy Magazine, October 2011. Photo Credit: flickr.com user reachupforthestars.