Katharine Ross: Fame, Five Marriages, and Her Lasting Love With Sam Elliott

Mike Nichols believed her personal clothing already suited Elaine Robinson, so she wore items from her own wardrobe during several campus scenes in The Graduate. The decision gave Elaine a natural, youthful appearance rather than a heavily designed studio look.

Her simple clothes also created a visual contrast with the polished, sophisticated wardrobe worn by Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson. Even Elaine’s appearance was helping define the film’s central conflict.