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Julia Roberts' Style Evolution Through the Years

From suits to sequins, the Pretty Woman star has worn it all.

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screen actors guild's lifetime achievement award salute to audrey hepburn
Ron Davis//Getty Images

Julia Roberts has been a Hollywood fixture since the late '80s. Born in Smyrna, Georgia in 1967, the movie star had her big breakthrough moment when she starred in Mystic Pizza—the Donald Petrie-directed film—with Matt Damon (blink and you might miss him). Following the 1988 hit, Roberts nabbed leading roles in movies like Steel Magnolias, Pretty Woman, My Best Friend's Wedding, and Notting Hill, cementing herself as one of the most sought-after actresses in the biz.

Throughout Roberts' decades-long career, she's managed to win multiple awards, get involved in several charitable causes, and, of course, wear some of the most fashion-forward ensembles along the way. From her oversized '90s suits to her sleek black designer gowns, Roberts' versatile looks are still emulated today. Ahead, we reflect on her style evolution through the years.

1

1989: Miss Firecracker Premiere

miss firecracker new york city premiere
Steve.Granitz//Getty Images

The voluminous hair, the oversized suit jacket, the barely-there bottoms—how cool is Roberts?

2

1989: Great Balls of Fire!Premiere

great balls of fire los angeles premiere
Steve.Granitz//Getty Images

The Hollywood actress stepped out at the Great Balls of Fire! premiere in a cozy getup consisting of an ivory cable knit sweater, biker shorts, and knee-high boots. It's a look that's still trendy today.

3

1989: Back to the Future Part II Premiere

back to the future part ii universal city premiere
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Hat's off to Roberts! The screen actor held hands with Alan Greisman in a velvet vest, pleated taupe pants, and an oversized hat. The look screams "late-80s," in all of the best ways.

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4

1990: Gray Suiting at the Golden Globes

the 47th annual golden globe awards
Steve.Granitz//Getty Images

Roberts mastered the art of suiting in the 1990s. The star held her Golden Globe award while wearing a grayish two-piece set, a crisp white blouse, and a purple patterned tie.

5

1990: Another Vest

young guns ii hollywood premiere
Steve.Granitz//Getty Images

Roberts always looks her best in vests. Here, she wore a tan one paired with a gray-green maxi skirt.

6

1991: Floral Frock

julia roberts arriving at the morgan hotel after having lunch august 11, 1991
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Roberts enjoyed lunch at The Morgan Hotel in New York City in a floral frock with thick white socks and patent leather loafers.

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7

1992: Traveling in Style

tom wargacki archive
Tom Wargacki//Getty Images

She even looked cool in transit. The star arrived at Heathrow Airport in the early '90s in faded denim jeans, a slouchy maroon cardigan, sunglasses, and a black beret.

8

1993: A Velvet Look

screen actors guild's lifetime achievement award salute to audrey hepburn
Ron Davis//Getty Images

Roberts posed at the Screen Actors' Guild Awards in a green and floral-trimmed velvet number. The gold buttons and oversized cuffs provided the perfect amount of je nais se quoi.

9

1993: Pinstripes and Smiles

31st annual new york film festival opening night short cuts screening
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Another event, another two-piece set. The star smiled at the Short Cuts screening in a black and white pinstriped outfit with a button-down white blouse and pearls.

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10

1994: Tinted Shades

world premiere of crooklyn
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Roberts embraced another velvet ensemble when she arrived at the world premiere of Crooklyn in a velvet blazer with black slacks and shades.

11

1995: Out and About

julia roberts sighting at industria superstudio
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

The star always keeps it cool. She was snapped in New York City wearing striped pants, a white top, an oversized black sweater, and sunglasses.

12

1997: '90s Dressing

rainforest foundation benefit concert april 30, 1997
Kevin.Mazur//Getty Images

Roberts flaunted '90s florals at a Rainforest Foundation benefit over twenty years ago. She also included some popular Y2K accessories, like platform sandals and a choker necklace.

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13

1998: Chocolate Brown Gown

julia roberts, 1998 bafta film awards
TV Times//Getty Images

She looked like a dream in a chocolate brown long-sleeved gown paired with loose curls and coral lipstick at the BAFTA Film Awards.

14

1998: Embroidered Elegance

the golden globes 1998, los angeles
Fairchild Archive//Getty Images

Roberts stunned on the Golden Globes red carpet in a bold embroidered look accessorized with pointed-toe heels.

15

1998: Cat-Eye Shades

the 4th annual blockbuster awards
Jim Smeal//Getty Images

Roberts and co-star Rupert Everett showed off their cool sides when they rolled up to the Blockbuster Awards in matching cat-eye sunglasses.

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16

1998: Stepmom Premiere

new york premiere of stepmom december 15, 1998
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Between the pink strapless gown and the furry black stole, Roberts' look to the New York City premiere of Stepmom was pure glamour.

17

1999: Say it with Sequins

notting hill london premiere arrivals
Fred Duval//Getty Images

The star brightly stood out in sequins when she walked into the Notting Hill London premiere in a bedazzled pink dress.

18

1999: Elegant at the Emmys

the 51st annual emmy awards arrivals
Steve.Granitz//Getty Images

That same year, she wore a strappy black gown and a chic updo to the Emmy Awards.

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19

2001: Patent Leather and Plaid

the 26th annual la film critics awards
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Roberts proved more is, well, more, when she arrived at the L.A. Film Critics Awards in a patent leather pink jacket, plaid skirt, and shiny knee-high boots. The maximalist look was everything you'd want in a fun outfit and then some.

20

2001: Mexican Premiere

mexican premiere
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

How cool were the croc-embossed pants Roberts wore to the Los Angeles premiere of Mexican?

Lettermark
Brittany Natale
Freelance Writer

Brittany is a freelance writer based in her hometown of New York City. She writes about everything from fashion and beauty to food and wellness. When she's not writing, she can often be found at her local library, playing with her cats, or exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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