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.
1989: Miss Firecracker Premiere
The voluminous hair, the oversized suit jacket, the barely-there bottoms—how cool is Roberts?
1989: Great Balls of Fire!Premiere
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.
1989: Back to the Future Part II Premiere
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.
1990: Gray Suiting at the Golden Globes
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.
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1990: Another Vest
Roberts always looks her best in vests. Here, she wore a tan one paired with a gray-green maxi skirt.
1991: Floral Frock
Roberts enjoyed lunch at The Morgan Hotel in New York City in a floral frock with thick white socks and patent leather loafers.
1992: Traveling in Style
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.
1993: A Velvet Look
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.
1993: Pinstripes and Smiles
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.
1994: Tinted Shades
Roberts embraced another velvet ensemble when she arrived at the world premiere of Crooklyn in a velvet blazer with black slacks and shades.
1995: Out and About
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.
1997: ’90s Dressing
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.
1998: Chocolate Brown Gown
She looked like a dream in a chocolate brown long-sleeved gown paired with loose curls and coral lipstick at the BAFTA Film Awards.
1998: Embroidered Elegance
Roberts stunned on the Golden Globes red carpet in a bold embroidered look accessorized with pointed-toe heels.
1998: Cat-Eye Shades
Roberts and co-star Rupert Everett showed off their cool sides when they rolled up to the Blockbuster Awards in matching cat-eye sunglasses.
1998: Stepmom Premiere
Between the pink strapless gown and the furry black stole, Roberts’ look to the New York City premiere of Stepmom was pure glamour.
1999: Say it with Sequins
The star brightly stood out in sequins when she walked into the Notting Hill London premiere in a bedazzled pink dress.
1999: Elegant at the Emmys
That same year, she wore a strappy black gown and a chic updo to the Emmy Awards.
2001: Patent Leather and Plaid
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.
2001: Mexican Premiere
How cool were the croc-embossed pants Roberts wore to the Los Angeles premiere of Mexican?
2001: Winning in Valentino
Oh, the drama! The star posed with her Oscar in a black and white Valentino velvet gown that featured a show-stopping tulle train.
2002: A Tailored Top
Roberts revisited her earlier suit trend when she showed up to the People’s Choice Awards in a tailored black blazer.
2002: Statement Tee
She even looked stylish during downtime. Here, she rocked a DIY graphic tee, faded denim jeans, and a belt with an oversized buckle.
2002: Movie Star Glam
Roberts was seen sporting a glen plaid overcoat with cat-eye shades and a red lip while on the set of Mona Lisa Smile.
2003: Mona Lisa Smile Premiere
For the film’s premiere, she wrapped herself in a black fur coat and donned emerald green heels.
2004: Draped Silk
She wore a show-stopping Giorgio Armani creation to the 2004 Academy Awards.
2008: A Marvelous Met Gala Moment
She turned heads in another Armani look at the 2008 Met Gala. The sequined gown featured a draped neckline and a dramatic floor-length hem.
2012: Mirror Mirror Premiere
Roberts chose a statement-making suit with a bright pink shirt and large silver hoop earrings for the Mirror Mirror Los Angeles premiere.
2013: Lovely in Lace
The award-winning actress decided on a lacy look for the 2013 Academy Awards. Between the exaggerated waist and diamond jewelry, the star looked like a million bucks.
2014: Two-in-One
Roberts combined the sophistication of a suit and the elegance of a gown with this Golden Globes look that was part tux, part dress.
2014: A Beaded Beauty
She surprised everyone when she popped up at the Primetime Emmys in a beaded long-sleeved dress with a flared hem and low neckline.
2015: Jump for Jumpsuits
The star looked oh-so-fashionable in a tailored black jumpsuit with satin pocket details and elbow-length sleeves at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
2016: Emerald Notes
The structured bodice, the floor-grazing hem, the oversized emerald pendant—what’s not to love about Roberts’ incredible Cannes Film Festival look?
2018: Stunning in Toronto
She wore a cut-out black gown with straight hair and emerald earrings a couple of years later at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2019: Dress Pants, Literally
The actress stunned in a black and beige pants-dress combo at the Golden Globe Awards a year later. Open-toed sandals and diamond-encrusted jewelry proved to be the perfect accessories.
2022: Unbridled Elegance
Roberts was the epitome of elegance at the Cannes Film Festival in a tailored blazer, voluminous skirt, and pointed black heels. Tres chic!
2023: Starstruck
She looked like a ray of sunshine in a sequined, long-sleeved gown with a small train. This look is one for the books.