Can one outfit make you a style icon? For Julia Roberts, it certainly did. In 1990, at just 22 years old, she attended the Golden Globes wearing a striking charcoal gray suit by Giorgio Armani. This moment marked a turning point in her career and in red carpet fashion.
At the time, Roberts was relatively unknown, having found her footing in Hollywood with films like “Mystic Pizza.” The suit she wore didn’t just highlight her emerging talent; it also challenged the norms of red carpet fashion. While many stars opted for flowing gowns, her oversized, tailored suit sent a bold message about style and femininity.
Roberts had the suit adjusted to fit her perfectly, maintaining its elegant, masculine edge. She paired it with a classic white shirt, a floral tie, and flat shoes. To add her personal touch, she styled her hair in loose curls and chose understated makeup with a pop of red lipstick. This blend of glamour and laid-back style became iconic, as she later shared in an interview with British Vogue that it remains one of her favorite looks.
She recalled, “I thought I looked fabulous, and I still have that suit.” Her outfit not only turned heads but also became a defining moment in Hollywood fashion. While the 1990 Golden Globes didn’t yet have the high-profile designers and stylist partnerships we see today, her choice to wear a suit was revolutionary. It stood out amidst the traditional feminine gowns, making a statement about modern femininity and power.
In the years following, women in tailored suits would increasingly make their mark on award shows. From Gwyneth Paltrow’s ruby red Gucci suit at the 1996 VMAs to Ayo Edebiri’s homage to Roberts at the 2025 Golden Globes, the landscape of women’s fashion on the red carpet has shifted towards more androgynous choices. Some experts believe that Roberts’ bold fashion choice helped pave the way for others to embrace tailored looks, breaking the mold of what women were expected to wear. As fashion historian Elizabeth Thompson states, “Her look was a game changer that encouraged many to embrace a more fluid approach to dressing.”
Roberts’ style has evolved, but her affinity for suits remains. At various events, including the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, she showcased tuxedo-inspired jumpsuits and tailored blazers. Most recently, in March 2025, she wore a tailored gray suit to receive a cultural honor in Paris, echoing that iconic 1990 outfit. On “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in October, she wore a modern cobalt-gray suit that nodded to her past, complete with playful brooches—demonstrating how she has turned that initial bold choice into a confident signature of her style.
With the evolution of red carpet fashion and the rise of individuality in style, Julia Roberts continues to push boundaries. Instead of just following trends, she creates them. And as the fashion world progresses, one thing is clear: the tailored suit is here to stay.
