’13 Going on 30′ Costume Designer Reveals the Enviable Outfits She Took Home From Set (Exclusive)

Nearly 20 years after 13 Going on 30 was released, fans are still sliding into costume designer Susie DeSanto's Instagram DMs.

"People DM me, 'Do you remember where you got those shoes? Where is this from? Where is that from?'" DeSanto told The Messenger in a recent interview. "A lot of people want to just talk about the clothes. They want to talk about the fashion."

The film, starring Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink, a teen who successfully wishes to become an adult, made a lasting impression on both the world of romcoms (Garner's chemistry with co-star Mark Ruffalo remains Razzles-level sweet) and the world of fashion.

Jenna's clothes are a dreamy, colorful masterpiece, from her Nanette Lepore spotted jacket to her rainbow-splashed Versace dress (which Ariana Grande rocked as an homage to the movie in 2021.) There are recreations of Garner's outfits on Etsy, an exposé in the New York Times and fashion-dedicated Instagram accounts that track down real-life pieces from the film.

The big question DeSanto asked herself when she set out to build Garner's wardrobe was: "What would you pick if you were 13 years old and you were cut loose in this playground of fashion?"

The costume designer went with "lots of floral pastel pinks and greens and yellows" to create a "soft, pretty" look, shopping brands like Marc Jacobs, Moschino and lingerie designer Carine Gilson, who supplied Garner's now-iconic pink slip.

And that Versace dress from the film's "Thriller" scene? DeSanto was left scratching her head after it became a viral sensation.

"People go on and on about this Versace dress," she said. "Honestly, we were just like... that was what everybody picked, we got her dressed, we were super busy, we were getting ready to go to New York and then we moved on to the next thing."

The costume designer, who has worked with Garner on multiple films including the upcoming Netflix comedy Family Switch, credits the actress for making audiences fall in love with her clothing. "I mean, it's the clothes, but truthfully, it's Jennifer," DeSanto said. "She's just incredibly sweet and positive and the beating heart of the set."

While Garner didn't wind up keeping anything from her wardrobe, DeSanto still has a few relics, including the polka dot dress that Garner wears during her shopping spree, which was featured on the film's poster. She also has the Chloé blouse Garner wears in an elevator scene with Judy Greer and a robe from Jenna's closet.

As for the costume designer's favorite look from the film, she finds herself drawn to an under-the-radar ensemble.

"There's a scene where Jenna [Garner] and Matty [Ruffalo] are walking [near] the Brooklyn Bridge and they're talking about Razzles and it was just a beautiful night in New York," DeSanto recalled. "She had on this beautiful, lilac-y chiffon skirt and Chloé shirt that had those pretty little ribbons."

That was the moment when the film came together for DeSanto. "This is what this movie is all about," she remembers thinking. "These two people finding their way, rediscovering each other. It was so sweet."

The film's message rings true when she sees young women proudly rocking their 13 Going on 30 outfits decades later. "It's about owning yourself and becoming yourself... living in your own power and being a beautiful, creative woman," she said. "It's about being 30, flirty and thriving."