You cannot consider Julia Roberts' fashion trends and most iconic outfits over the years without admiring the strong thread running through them all: her indelible sense of self. She is one of the truest examples of how possessing a strong identity translates into a concrete sense of personal style. She's not only an idol for over-50s celebrity style, but also a North Star for anyone from any generation.
You could easily rattle off a long list of outfits she's worn that have felt groundbreaking in some way. To name a few up top: the armpit hair she boldly chose to expose in a sequin Vivienne Tam dress at the 1999 premiere of Notting Hill and her decision to walk the Cannes Film Festival in 2016 completely barefoot in response to the restrictive dress code that made it compulsory for women to wear heels.
But because there are so many, we're going to explore a more wide-ranging view of the pieces she's been spotted in again and again, from her debut in the 1980s to her red carpet appearances and street style moments of late in 2026. She's renowned for her suits and tailoring, but she can also radiate in a sleek gown. Outside of star-studded events, she's an inspiration for everyday looks too, whether she's wearing a pair of classic blue jeans or sprinkling quirkiness through patterned cardigans. There's much to pull from.
From a more personal angle, Julia is one celebrity who has validated my feelings of wanting to dress how I want to, not what trends dictate. I've always been drawn to outfits that are typically labelled as "masculine," whether it be suits, trousers or incredibly roomy T-shirts. Not only has Julia waved away these narratives of what women should wear in the past, but she completely ignores them.
In reference to the iconic Giorgio Armani suit she wore from the men's department to the Golden Globes in 1990, she told British Vogue, "I could not have known that it was going to become this, like, statement outfit. I just thought I looked fabulous, and I still have that suit.” Getting dressed for her isn't about pushing back against societal norms (even if she does so unintentionally), but it's about unabashedly being herself and wearing things she feels best in. Regardless of your personal style, that is something anyone can adopt and learn from.
Similar conversations came up when she lifted her arm to wave at the premiere of Notting Hill, and *sarcastic gasp*, she had armpit hair. It wasn't meant to be a moment people would discuss decades down the road. She told Busy Phillips on her talk show, "It wasn’t so much a statement as it’s just part of the statement I make as a human on the planet for myself.” But as a woman moving through the world, of course, talk, criticism and "scandal" often follow.
That is just fine with Roberts, who still to this day carries a strong sense of personal style with her—even if a stylist is supporting. She oscillates between wearing sleek little black dresses with heels and Birkenstocks and Bermuda shorts. It's an excellent and inspiring mix, and though she is not one for labels or defining her style, I've picked up on a pattern of the pieces she covets most over the last 38 years.
If you're a fan of her acting or fashion sense, or simply appreciate the art of a great, personal wardrobe, this is the list for you. Scroll on to see nine of Julia Roberts' most iconic fashion trends, from her 1990s fashion to today's rotation of looks.
9 Julia Roberts-Approved Fashion Trends to Copy in 2026
1. Tailoring
Style Notes: It doesn't feel right to start with anything other than Julia Roberts' penchant for suits and tailoring. Not only has she always gravitated toward these looks, but she has an inherent knack for styling them, too. It all started with one iconic look at the 47th Golden Globe Awards in 1990—one of her personal favourites. Then 22-year-old Julia simply pulled a grey, relaxed Giorgio Armani suit off the rack of the men's department and wore it to the event.
The impact it has had on red carpet fashion has yet to wane. Her After the Hunt co-star Ayo Edebiri recreated the look for the 2025 Golden Globes, wearing an instantly recognisable grey suit with a skinny gold tie, emblematic of the statuette Julia won for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture in 1990. Julia's love of suits has only continued, with her wearing variations of tailoring throughout the decades and recreating the one that began the trend a series of times.
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I will happily "borrow from the boys", as Julia has done, and grab this chic high-street suit jacket made of 100% wool. It's perfect for the upcoming season.
These are office-ready but chic enough to wear with plenty of other tops, too.
Another chic option Julia would absolutely approve of, especially paired with a striped button-down.
2. Leather Jackets
Style Notes: If she's not in a suit jacket or blazer, Julia Roberts is often wearing a leather jacket—not just on the set of Notting Hill or Law & Order. Though black is irreplaceable, Roberts has worn brown, olive green and red before, too. Like a standard wool or cotton blazer, leather jackets are a defining layer that instantly dresses up jeans or leggings. This is also an excellent transitional item that'll move your outfits from summer to autumn. It works with both shorts and sandals or jeans and boots.
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This classic cut still somehow feels modern and fresh every autumn you pull it back out.
A slightly longer silhouette for wearing over finer knits and long-sleeved tees.
With a waisted shape, this style is 2026's answer to the 1990's clean-line jacket.
3. Roomy Bags
Style Notes: Julia has worn a fair share of fabulous bags over the course of three decades, but the ones I love most are the roomy totes she carries. They're both practical and stylish, making a statement and carrying everything you need. In this outfit, Julia is carrying the New Luggage bag from Celine—a revival of Phoebe Philo's Phantom bag. The choice of this specific bag isn't lost on me.
Whether or not Julia meant it, it felt like a gentle reminder that we can embrace the old in ways that feel fresh and better align with our style now. Plus, having a classic bag on your arm (an original or new rendition) is always a grounding element when you have fun details at play. The cardigan she chose to wear was emblazoned with the face of Italian director Luca Guadagnino. Why choose basic when you can have more fun with getting dressed?
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Celine never fails to create the most incredible bags, whether it's a totally new style or an updated silhouette like the Luggage bag.
Another tote I think Julia would approve of, courtesy of the spacious interior and sleek exterior.
She was spotted carrying this in New York.
4. Little Black Dresses
Style Notes: Although Julia loves jeans, cardigans and suits, she is no stranger to a sleek, refined little black dress either. She has worn them to some of her most high-profile red carpets, including when she won her Academy Award for Best Actress in 2001 for her portrayal in Erin Brockovich and at her Venice Film Festival debut, when she wore the first custom Versace look by then-creative director Dario Vitale. Regardless of the occasion, the number of times she has chosen an LBD is evidence of how reliable this wardrobe staple is when it comes to looking sophisticated.
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This dress is gorgeous for any weddings or nicer occasions you have for the rest of the summer.
The ideal long-sleeved version for wearing into autumn and winter.
A very chic and updated take on the iconic '90s slip dress.
5. Structured Jackets
Style Notes: Among Julia's repertoire of fantastic fashion choices also stand structured coats. This doesn't necessarily mean form-fitting, and they absolutely steer far away from boring. As she's shown throughout the decades, your coat can be just as much of a statement as any other garment. Her outerwear selection often features curved silhouettes, sleek and sharp angles, large lapels, rainbow stripes and even Shakespeare motifs. I'm particularly fond of the rounded shoulders and exaggerated waist of the coat-dress she wore to Jacquemus' spring 2024 fashion show. It may be minimalist and clean, but it has just enough unique details to stand out from a more classic black coat.
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Here a shorter jacket that looks similar to the coat-dress Julia wore.
There are so many structured coats to choose from, but frog-fastening jackets are set to be one of autumn's biggest trends.
The funnel neck and ruched sleeves give this coat a great shape. It's made of cotton as well, making it a great transitional piece.
6. Graphic T-Shirts
Style Notes: Julia Roberts told British Vogue, "Back in those days, there were no fashion rules. You just wore whatever you wanted to wear. I wore jeans and a white T-shirt all the time." She didn't have a stylist throughout most of the '90s, and even when she did, she explained that with outfits (red carpet or otherwise), you just know when something is made for you, hence why her iconic jeans outfits featuring white and graphic T-shirts have become such a big trend for her. Whether she wore a blazer over top, a leather jacket or a cardigan, Julia understands the power of having a good staple within your capsule wardrobe.
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An option with a super simple motif.
Stripes are often in the actor's rotation, too.
A very sweet long-sleeved option featuring the work of L.A.-based figurative painter Cortney Herron.
7. Waistcoats
Style Notes: Long before the waistcoat started trending in 2023, Julia Roberts was already wearing them. Though they were most likely to be spotted in a menswear department, the celeb was pairing them with relaxed trousers or trousers in a matching pattern. She's still wearing them today, and unsurprisingly was ahead of the times. I love how she wore hers as a top, which is a perfect option for warm summer days. That said, you can easily transition this look to wear into autumn, whether you wear it under a suit jacket like her or add a long-sleeve underneath.
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I like this knitted version with buttons and a colour similar to Julia's.
Wear this with matching Bermuda shorts now and tailored trousers come autumn.
For more of a statement, opt for a slightly longer waistcoat.
8. Oval Sunglasses
Style Notes: Oval sunglasses are having a renaissance, and we have celebrities such as Julia Roberts and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy to thank. These style icons started wearing them in the '90s, and the shape is highly coveted today. This particular shot of Julia in New York from 1995 could just as easily be from today, featuring oval shades and a chic black jumper over a white T-shirt. As far as timeless (yet trendy) accessories go, it doesn't get more classic than these.
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If you're looking for an investment, this is a timeless pair from an iconic brand. The slightly curved frames look modish without feeling too retro.
Trust me: these sunglasses will never feel dated.
Another shape that feels reminiscent of the grunge era and its fashion.
9. Ties
Style Notes: Similar to tailoring, ties are also a hallmark of Julia Roberts' wardrobe and one that's not as often worn by women. This is a shame, however, as they're one of the most versatile and unique ways of looking put-together and adding personality. Just take her outfit from October 2025, which she wore for her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York City.
It's undoubtedly an homage to her 1990s Golden Globes look, but with a fun and modern twist, featuring a long navy tie scattered with various brooches from Simone Rocha. This is just one way of bringing a tie to life. You can also wear it without a jacket, add it over a long T-shirt dress (Julia has worn this before too) or wear a tie with a V-neck jumper.
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This comes in five other neutral shades, too.
The print on this tie is reminiscent of Julia's 1990s Golden Globes look.
Julia is no stranger to skinny ties either, such as the one she wore to a screening of After the Hunt.