Reese Witherspoon's Red-Carpet Style Evolution
She’s been walking red carpets since her first film at age 14, and Witherspoon’s style has blossomed from casual girl next door to full-on Hollywood royalty.
By Sarah Z. Wexler
At a premiere of The Man in the Moon in October 1991
Baby Reese! In age-appropriate daisies, Witherspoon (and her one curled tendril) walked her first red carpet. Over 20 years later, it’s not unimaginable to think of her still rocking those cowboy boots—although more likely to run errands with her kids than to go to a premiere.
At a premiere of True Lies in July 1994
The preppy button-down and baggy mom jeans didn’t do the future star justice. Still, Witherspoon’s fresh face and shiny, tousled hair made it clear she’d be incredibly glamorous once she found the right dress.
At a premiere of Two Days in the Valley in September 1996
Belly shirts, overplucked brows, and matte wine lipsticks were de rigueur in the mid-’90s, but Witherspoon’s perfect Cupid’s bow still looked better in a more natural (and modern) shade of pink.
At a premiere of Cruel Intentions in February 1999
Though the square-cut neckline and tied waist highlighted her figure, Witherspoon showed she was still a red-carpet newbie with this hippie look.
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At the Teen Choice Awards in August 2001
Witherspoon may have been a little too caught up in bright pink (dress, sandals, and pedicure), but her piecey, stick-straight bob was very on trend for 2001.
At the Academy Awards in March 2002
Witherspoon brought back a classic Old Hollywood look for the Oscars, with a soft, pin-curled bob; beading; and delicate black lace, which made for ultraflattering cap sleeves.
At a premiere of Vanity Fair in August 2004
It was strange to see the star of Legally Blonde as a brunette, but Witherspoon proved she could pull off any hair color. And with her minimal chocolate eye makeup, her blue eyes stood out more than ever.
At a premiere of Just Like Heaven in September 2005
Witherspoon kept her beaded tulle gown from looking like a high-school prom queen’s by adding a skinny headband and roughed-up, windblown, bad-gal hair.
At the Academy Awards in March 2006
No more country-singing brunette here! In an ornately beaded rose-silver gown, Witherspoon returned to blonde—and took home the Oscar for best actress for playing June Carter in Walk the Line.
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At the Golden Globe Awards in January 2007
Right after splitting from Ryan Phillippe, Hollywood’s golden girl showed she’d be just fine in a sunny, cheery yellow cocktail dress and bangs that made her somehow reverse-age.
At the Vanity Fair Oscar party in February 2009
Bejeweled like a Disney princess, Witherspoon added edge to her sapphire gown with asymmetrical black pieces; she toned down the whole look from drama queen with natural makeup, simple hair, and minimal jewelry.
At LACMA’s Art + Film Gala in November 2011
An asymmetrical neckline and a peekaboo cleavage cutout made the basic black dress anything but, and Witherspoon rocked a full, high sock bun.
At the BFI London Film Festival in October 2014
Bold pattern mixing, sheer panels, and sultry makeup gave the typically sweet Witherspoon definite sex appeal.
At the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 2015
Having her hair pulled into a sleek ponytail brought extra attention to her collarbones and toned arms in a crisp, asymmetrical gown.
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Photos: Getty Images
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