10 Times Anne Hathaway’s Style Stunned on the Red Carpet

For decades, audiences have been captivated by her on-screen charisma, but the undeniable star power of Anne Hathaway extends far beyond the silver screen. She has masterfully cultivated a reputation as a true fashion icon, navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood style with grace, confidence, and a willingness to take bold risks. From her early days as a burgeoning star to her current reign as a red carpet queen, Hathaway’s style evolution is a masterclass in elegance and sartorial storytelling. Her journey is marked by unforgettable gowns, powerful silhouettes, and a playful yet sophisticated approach to fashion that keeps us all watching.

The Early Years and That ‘Prada’ Effect

It’s impossible to discuss Anne Hathaway’s fashion journey without acknowledging the colossal impact of her role as Andy Sachs in 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada. While she was already a beloved actress from hits like The Princess Diaries, this film catapulted her into the high-fashion stratosphere. Life began to imitate art as Hathaway started making more deliberate and high-impact choices on the red carpet. Her early style was sweet and appropriate, often featuring classic silhouettes and softer colors. However, post-Prada, a new confidence emerged. She began collaborating with top-tier designers, and her appearances became more anticipated, signaling the arrival of a serious style contender. The film not only gave us iconic movie makeovers but also seemed to ignite a real-world fashion passion in Hathaway herself.

The Evolution of Anne Hathaway’s Fashion

What makes Anne Hathaway’s style so compelling is its dynamic evolution. She has never been one to stick to a single aesthetic. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, she embraced classic Hollywood glamour, often choosing breathtaking ball gowns from designers like Valentino Garavani and Armani Privé. This was her Oscar-winner era, where elegance and regality were paramount. Then came a period of experimentation, where she played with edgier looks, shorter hair, and more avant-garde pieces. Today, in what many call her style renaissance, she has partnered with stylist Erin Walsh to create a look that is modern, vibrant, and effortlessly chic. This new era, dubbed her “Hathassance,” is defined by bold colors, unexpected textures, and a powerful sense of fun, proving that her style journey is far from over.

A Decade of Dominance: 10 Unforgettable Looks

To truly appreciate her command of the red carpet, we must look at the specific moments that have defined her status as a style icon. Here are 10 instances where Anne Hathaway didn’t just wear a dress; she created a moment.

1. The 2009 Academy Awards: Arriving as a Best Actress nominee, Hathaway was a vision in a heavily embellished, iridescent Armani Privé gown. The mermaid silhouette, covered in shimmering paillettes, looked as if it were spun from moonlight, cementing her as a true Hollywood leading lady.
2. The 2011 Academy Awards (Host): Co-hosting the Oscars requires a marathon of fashion changes, but her standout look was a breathtaking, archival Valentino Garavani red gown. It was pure, unadulterated glamour and the epitome of a movie star moment.
3. The 2013 Academy Awards: The pale pink Prada column gown she wore to accept her Best Supporting Actress award became one of the most talked-about dresses of the night. While controversial for its construction, it was a delicate and unforgettable choice that has gone down in Oscar fashion history.
4. The 2015 Met Gala (“China: Through the Looking Glass”): Hathaway perfectly understood the theme in a stunning, custom gold-hooded Ralph Lauren Collection column gown. It was futuristic, monastic, and utterly chic, proving her ability to tackle even the most complex fashion challenges.



5. The 2018 Met Gala (“Heavenly Bodies”): She once again stole the show, this time in a dramatic, voluminous red Valentino gown. Complete with a sculptural overskirt and a spiky, celestial headpiece, she looked like a piece of high-fashion art.
6. The 2023 Cannes Film Festival: For her Cannes debut, she was the picture of elegance in a custom white sequined Armani Privé column gown with a dramatic train and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Paired with a jaw-dropping Bulgari necklace, it was a lesson in timeless sophistication.
7. The 2023 Bulgari Aeterna Event: In a stunning display of modern glamour, Hathaway wore a shimmering, hooded gown from Versace’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection. The look, as documented by outlets like Reuters, solidified her partnership with high-end luxury brands and her status as a global ambassador for style.
8. The 2024 SAG Awards: In a clever and celebrated nod to her most famous fashion film, Hathaway wore a vintage Versace gown in a striking cerulean blue. The call-back to the iconic “cerulean” monologue from The Devil Wears Prada was a delight for fans and a brilliant fashion statement.
9. The Ocean’s 8 Premiere (2018): She dazzled in a high-concept Jean Paul Gaultier gown that featured a bold geometric pattern in black, white, and gold. It was a powerful, graphic choice that reflected the film’s heist theme and her own confident energy.
10. The 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards: Paying homage to American fashion, she wore a two-piece denim look from Ralph Lauren, consisting of a bustier and a long, elegant skirt. It was a clever, unexpected take on formalwear that highlighted her versatility.

Each of these looks tells a story of an artist who is deeply engaged with the craft of fashion. Anne Hathaway uses clothing not just to look beautiful, but to communicate, to celebrate, and to transform. Her continued reign on the red carpet is a testament to her enduring star power and her impeccable, ever-evolving taste.