Meg Ryan - Age 20 - Age 59
If you are wondering when this picture of Meg Ryan was taken, it was in 1981 at the premiere of her debut film, 'Rich and Famous'. She was just a 20-year old without the slightest clue of the bigger things that lay ahead of her career. It was her first red carpet event, and the actress was immaculately dressed up for the occasion.
Her sense of fashion has transformed over the years, as she's grown used to attending such events. Sophisticated but elegant would best describe Meg's style, and it's no wonder she's a paparazzi favorite!
Drew Barrymore - Age 7 - Age 45
Drew Barrymore was born into an acting family. Her father was acting legend, John Barrymore, which meant that the heights of Hollywood weren't ever far away from her sights. By 7, she had already starred in a blockbuster, the Steven Spielberg directed film 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.'
It is for the same movie that she made her first appearance on the red carpet in 1982. Since then, Barrymore has marshaled cute outfits in her subsequent appearances, complimenting her stylish looks with a playful touch. You would easily pick her from a crowd of celebrities as she's always outstanding!
Tom Hanks - Age 30 - Age 64
We all have at least one picture we would like to forget, and for actor Tom Hanks, this probably ranks among the top! On a light note, of course, but the long tie looks so comical! Yet, we need to cut him some slack as Hanks had just begun attending these glitzy events.
Fortunately, Hanks' classy and refined fashion sense now is a far cry from that first. You wouldn't miss him at these celebrity events with his dashing outfits coupled with a cheerful personality and the beautiful Rita Wilson on his arm!
Christian Bale - Age 13 - Age 46
Christian Bale had just entered his teens in this picture here, and he cut the figure of a stylish young boy with this fitting suit. We bet he still looks back at this premiere for 'Empire of the Sun' fondly. Of course, when you begin your career as a child star, you eventually get used to these glamorous soirées.
Bale is a regular at red carpet events, and the spotlight rarely leaves this talented actor with several blockbusters to his name. Much credit to the 'Batman' star for always looking the part while rocking his signature smile we've all grown accustomed to.
Robert Downey, Jr. - Age 20 - Age 55
Actor Robert Downey Jr. first graced the red carpet at the premiere of 'Going for the Gold,' a 'CBS' production back in 1985, alongside his then-girlfriend Sarah Jessica Parker. While his fiancée opted for a denim look, Downey was adorned in a navy blue suit.
Downey's sharp-dressing has remained with him down the line, and the superstar always looks dapper in finely rigged suits. Under the spotlight, he is one of the few celebrities capable of getting away with pulling off an official look with some casual touches!
George Clooney - Age 27 - Age 59
Here is a 1988 throwback snap of George Clooney, before he became one of the wealthiest Hollywood personalities. The red carpet event was the premiere of the film 'Twins,' and he appeared alongside his then-girlfriend Kelly Preston.
The acclaimed director didn't look shabby either with his perfectly fitting dark blue suit.
His fashion statement has mostly remained unchanged over the years, even with his fortune. Nevertheless, he's always spruced up in suits that match a man of his status symbol. After all, he can afford any top notch designer to dress him!
Frances McDormand - Age 32 - Age 63
Frances McDormand rose to fame with her part in the cult film ‘Mississippi Burning.’ Just weeks after it was released, in 1989, she turned up at the D.W. Griffith Awards while oozing with confidence. Since then, we haven’t been able to get enough of her!
The actress’s goofy antics on the red carpet have been a constant feature and will be for the foreseeable future. She never prefers to go somber or under the radar, and such attires have become her trademark now. Be it a huge floral headpiece or a pastel green suit, Frances can literally pull-off everything!
Julia Roberts - Age 18 - Age 53
Julia Roberts is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic actresses of her time. She started her career in the teens, and for this talented beauty, she is still holding steady to date. Roberts' first red carpet appearance was at the 1985 film 'Runaway Train's premiere, and she had just turned 18.
Her attire was simple on that eventful night, and she would become a regular at even more star-studded events as she progressed up the ladder. Needless to say, Roberts has always maintained her sophisticated sense of fashion over the years, and the actress still dazzles on these occasions.
Meryl Streep - Age 29 - Age 71
For this actress, who has the most Oscar nominations among her peers, Meryl Streep made her red carpet debut in her late 20s, and in her 70s now, it really must feel like a lifetime ago.
Streep rocked a black dress in her maiden event, detailed with laces, and while it was her first attendance to such an occasion, the actress looked at home! It would be the first of many. Surprisingly, Streep pulled off the same look three decades later, in 2009, and you guessed it right, this queen didn't disappoint one bit!
Tom Cruise - Age 26 - Age 58
Actor, Tom Cruise has always been a lover of classic men's fashion when it comes to red carpet events, and just like his films, he's never had a bad wardrobe day.
Cruise's style has remained consistent throughout the years. The actor usually wears his suits, black, navy, or grey, and they can be either three or two-piece, depending on the occasion. Not much has changed with the attire, but we are sure his recent suits cost an arm and a leg, compared to the one he wore on his red carpet debut, before any fame and money. Still, he looked every bit a dashing young man destined for greatness!
Sofia Vergara – Age 27 - Age 48
True to her reputation of being among the highest-paid actresses globally, Sofia Vergara has also figured out how to look like a million bucks every time she walks a red carpet! Before she kicked up a storm for her role in 'Modern Family,' one of her first appearances was in 2000 during the American Comedy Awards.
Clad in a sheer and embroidered lace two-piece, the outfit definitely made a bold statement that Vergara wasn't here to play around. She completed the eye-catching look with a tight-fitted corset, bright pink purse, a black overcoat, and golden pumps.
Sienna Miller – Age 21 - Age 38
Sienna Miller caught the looks of many designers when she first started making appearances, beginning in 2003. Back then, her style geared towards boho-chic, but it has definitely evolved into sophisticated and elaborate red-carpet gowns over the years. Now, she constantly switches it up between her old and new tastes!
Miller was caught on camera while arriving at a launch party for 'Alexander McQueen.' Her outfit definitely stood out because of how bright and colorful it was! She nailed the overall look by going for strappy block heels and minimalistic jewelry and makeup.
Rachel Weisz – Age 27 - Age 50
Rachel Weisz always exudes sophistication with each of her appearances on the red carpet. It also helps that the actress has been blessed with naturally sharp features and looks ethereal, even if she is in her jammies! Fans were first introduced to her style in 1997 at the premiere of 'Swept from the Sea.'
Wearing a black slip dress with a mesh neckline, Weisz looked poised. She paired the minimal look with closed-toe kitten heels and a dark bold lip. The Academy Award winner's outfit choices have definitely evolved to keep up with the changing times, but it is always a delight to see what she comes up with!
Rihanna - Age 17 - Age 32
It is no secret that Rihanna is a fashion icon, among many other things! She started grabbing the headlines early on in her career, and one of her first appearances was at the 2005 'Teen People Listening Lounge.' Never one to be afraid of daring getups, the singer paired a pink crop top with a plunging neckline with low rise jeans.
At that time too, she was showing off her glowing skin and toned set of abs! What sealed the look was the matching set of sneakers, big hoop earrings, and wavy brunette locks.
Reese Witherspoon – Age 15 - Age 44
It's baby Reese! The 'Legally Blonde' actress made her first red carpet appearance for 'The Man in the Moon' in October 1991. In an era and age-appropriate daisy-patterned top, she looked so cute! The excitement of her major role is evident through her radiant smile.
Witherspoon's blond locks were pulled back except for one curly strand. Completing the look with cowboy boots, we can still see her rocking these, except now, the starlet would probably be running after her kids and going to sets of big-budget movies in this ever-trendy footwear!
Rooney Mara - Age 24 - Age 35
Rooney Mara has definitely come a long way since her first appearance, in 2009, at the Kenneth Cole Black & Gen Art party! The actress was feeling the cold and looked a wee bit shy. Since then, she had shed her timidness for bold and daring gowns for red carpets!
Subsequent to the release of her coming-of-age drama 'Tanner Hall,' Rooney has been with praises for her performances, and fashion picks too! But one thing that has remained the same is her preference for no-makeup looks and we love to see her natural beauty shine through!
Selena Gomez – Age 14 – Age 28
Selena Gomez has grown up in front of our eyes and has definitely come far from her 'Disney' days! Making her first appearance in 2007, the then 14-year-old looked ecstatic. Clad in an all-black ensemble, the singer chose minimal makeup, pair of polka-dotted flats, and an age-appropriate hairstyle!
From wearing ensembles that were 2000 chic, she has transformed into a personality who isn't afraid to take risks with her red carpet looks - be it her makeup, clothes, or song choices, Gomez sure loves to keep people on their toes.
Shailene Woodley - Age 14 - Age 28
Ten years before 'Divergent' came out, Shailene Woodley's first red carpet appearance was on point, and she looked every bit the girl from the 2000s. We are glad that Shailene decided to switch it for a classy and experimental look as she grew older and matured into an A-list actress.
Now, it's the perfect mix of edgy, and nothing seems to be off-limits for her, as it seems like the star can flawlessly embrace anything! Looking at her then outfit, we're hit with all sorts of nostalgia! The layered beaded necklace and the brown cropped wide-legged pants make younger Woodley look adorable.
Brad Pitt - Age 25 - Age 56
Despite being a regular on TV shows like ‘Growing Pains’ in the '80s, Brad Pitt didn't have a major film credit to his name. But an invitation for the 1988 screening of ‘Red Heat’ ensured that he got to make his red carpet debut quite early in his career.
The ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ star has left those days behind to become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Now in his fifties, he steers clear of leather jackets and prefers to wear a designer tuxedo for events of high stature. That being said, we’d have to concede that Pitt is a handsome hunk irrespective of what he is wearing!
Kathy Bates - Age 42 - Age 72
While the entire world is going gaga over Kathy Bates’s recent looks, we found something else - her first appearance at a high-profile event. Even before ‘Misery’ and ‘Titanic’ came her way, the actress got a chance to show off her better side, and boy, did she do well! The setup might look rustic, but her style will give most 21st century fashionistas a run for their money.
Now in her seventies, Bates continues to be the epitome of elegance. Can someone please give her a ‘lifetime red-carpet achievements award?
Halle Berry - Age 23 - Age 54
Halle Berry can just shut down events with her enchanting beauty and beautiful dresses! The Oscars of 2011, 2017 Met Gala, Golden Globe Awards of 2019 - we can go on with the list of times when she left everyone on the red carpet stunned.
It all started when she managed to turn heads at an ‘80s party with Danny Wood of ‘New Kids on the Block’ fame. Despite being a serial pageant winner at the time, she tried experimenting with denim jeans and leather jackets instead of sticking to the usual dresses. Now, we cannot expect anything that is not out-of-the-box from her!
Leonardo DiCaprio - Age 15 - Age 45
Yes, this young man at TJ Martell’s music event is indeed Leonardo DiCaprio! Before growing that fine stubble, he was a fifteen-year-old who showed up at parties without being concerned about attire or anything else for that matter.
Over the years, DiCaprio has become more fitter and switched to traditional tuxedos for all his red carpet appearances. Of late, we see a lot of poise in his mannerism and a mystifying charm in his looks. We can all agree that there are very few men who can clean up like him!
Jennifer Aniston - Age 21 - Age 51
It would be criminal to not mention Jennifer Aniston’s metamorphosis from a young twenty-one-year-old to the most popular woman in Hollywood. Well before ‘Friends’ happened to the actress, she was a part of ‘Ferris Bueller’ as Jeannie Bueller. This was enough to get her a ticket to the 'NBC’s 1990 network party.
Adorned with a cute smile and a beautiful red dress, she entered the venue with not a lot of fanfare. Cut to three decades later, the shirt turned into a gorgeous gown at the SAG Awards, and there were over a dozen cameras pointed at her!
Julianne Moore - Age 31 - Age 60
Julianne Moore joins the list of stars who walked past flashing cameras before they became famous. In 1991, the actress attended the premiere of her film ‘Cast a Deadly Spell’ and soon enough, she became the next big celebrity. It shows that she doesn’t always need 'Givenchy' to make heads turn at an event!
From this picture, it is hard to believe that the petite woman in black is a thirty-one-year-old Moore. It is safe to say that, over time, we have seen Moore grow into a mature star - both in terms of her work and sense of fashion.
Gwyneth Paltrow - Age 19 - Age 48
We all scour through those old albums to do away with pictures that may be embarrassing, but not Gwyneth Paltrow! She is saving this photograph from ‘The Prince of Tides’ premier for her daughter Apple. While Paltrow doesn’t look like the fashion and makeup queen that she is now, no one can deny the fact that she looks really beautiful.
The picture from 1991 is also a reminder of the fact that Paltrow has come a long way. She has numerous accolades to her name, has her own business venture, and is now seen in her stunning avatar at every other red carpet event!
Kirsten Dunst - Age 11 - Age 38
In 2019, we saw Kirsten Dunst, dressed in a gorgeous geometric-print dress, walking along the coveted Hollywood Walk of Fame along with her toddler. Most of her fans saw the accolade coming from a mile away - after all, the actress deserved it for her two decades of hard work.
The visuals of the ceremony took us back to memory lane, where it all started. After ‘Interview with a Vampire,’ 11-year-old Kirsten was invited to the film’s premiere. Backed by a solid performance, a young girl in a black dress and golden curls walked in - that is when we knew that there was a star in the making!
Will Smith - Age 20 - Age 52
Not many people know that Will Smith was a part of the hip hop sensation ‘DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’ before becoming a leading man in Hollywood. To keep up with the times, the star often used to be spotted in a dapper suit and a mean pair of shades!
Smith’s first appearance on the red carpet came in the 1988 VMAs, and soon he became a regular in the A-list parties. Even after three decades, he continues to garner the same kind of attention at big-ticket events. The only thing that has changed is the fact that he has a plus one now - his wife, Jada Pinkett!
Taylor Swift – Age 16 - Age 30
Taylor Swift's evolution from a demure country singer to a strong female pop artist who isn't afraid to speak her mind has been legendary! The same goes for her looks in public. The singer has gone through so many transformations that it is hard to keep track, but it is always good to reminisce about where it all started!
At the red carpet of CMT Music Awards in 2006, we first set our eyes on the future megastar! Donning a white fit-n-flare dress, with black embroidery, matching pumps, and her signature curls, she surely nailed the cute, girl next door look.
Blake Lively – Age 18 – Age 33
We first set eyes on Blake Lively in 2005's edition of the Kids' Choice Awards, and it is clear how her style has massively evolved over the years! Arriving in ripped low rise jeans, the actress was all smiles. Her whole outfit with a mesh crop top, sparkly pink belt, and pumps perfectly matched the event's theme.
Since then, Lively has gone on to receive enormous success, married, and is now a mother of three beautiful daughters! But one thing that she still manages to nail every time is her look on the red carpet!
Regina King - Age 15 - Age 49
In her teens, Regina King was already a sensation, starring in the sitcom '227' that ran for five years from 1985. The series led Regina to her first red carpet appearance, which was at an 'NBC' party.
The actress sported a shoulder strapped white gown, which was the in-thing back then, and through the years, Regina has remained just as stylishly up to date with the latest trends. Only a few stars could hope to keep up to her standards, and there's never a dull day in the design hub when it comes to Regina’s outfits!