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Some people are blessed with personal style that’s so good, trends are created in their likeness. Enter: “Ticket to Paradise” actress Julia Roberts in the ’90s. And since street style and runway trends alike are channeling a decidedly ’90s spirit as of late, why not look to Roberts’ long roster of iconic ensembles for a little wardrobe inspiration?
Think of that memorable blazer, white tee, and slim-fit denim Roberts wears at the end of “Pretty Woman,” or the vintage paparazzi shots of the star hailing a cab in a ditsy-print, floral dress, and ankle boots; cropped tee and wide-leg pants; or perfectly worn-in and distressed, oversize denim jacket and cowboy boots.
Much the way Princess Diana’s biker shorts and trainers have become a ubiquitous fashion reference — inspiring looks from the likes of Hailey Bieber — Roberts’ go-to pieces from the ’90s are a style mood all their own.
Ready to reveal your inner pretty woman? Ahead, we’ve pulled together our favorite Julia Roberts fashion dupes — the ones representative of her cool, pared-down personal take on denim, tailored menswear, and even event dressing. Over the years, her red carpet looks have included everything, from knee-length pencil skirts and strappy sandals to layered slip dresses and platform slides.
Keep scrolling to take cues from the movie star who did ’90s fashion best, all while reminiscing about her most memorable outings. Then, shop a selection of editor picks that would surely get Roberts’ style seal of approval.
Julia Roberts and George Clooney Walk Arm-in-Arm in Coordinated Suits
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Airport Outfit
Roberts is the queen of uncomplicated, cool airport style here in 1990, walking through the terminal at LAX in a pair of belted mom jeans, a white V-neck tee, and low-top sneakers. For texture, she layered on a trio of beaded necklaces and for warmth, a roomy, open-front cardigan completed the look.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Floral Dress
In a dressed-down floral minidress, Roberts could have easily pioneered the cool-girl aesthetic we’ve all spent years trying to perfect. At the LA screening of “Jacob’s Ladder” in 1990, she complemented her swingy shift with a pair of suede flats, establishing this casual combination as completely red carpet appropriate.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Neutral Tones
For the 1990 “Die Hard 2” premiere with Kiefer Sutherland in LA, Roberts made a case for another low-key, minimalist red carpet look, wearing her brown short-sleeve minidress — complete with a ditsy floral print — with the same pair of suede shoes, forgoing a purse and statement jewelry entirely.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Distressed Denim
Looking like the quintessential ’90s girl in a distressed denim jacket layered over a floral dress, Roberts hailed a cab while leaving Tiramisu Restaurant in New York City in July 1991. The actress mixed prints with a blue-and-white patterned satchel swung by her side, and she opted for edgy, black leather boots.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Blazer + Biker Shorts
Roberts made an oversize blazer and biker shorts a thing back in 1989 at the Century City, CA premiere of “Miss Firecracker.” She cuffed the sleeves of her tailored jacket and left her long, curly hair down natural.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Western Vibes
Roberts styled bootcut denim with a button-down shirt in this 1991 look that would be just as perfect on the street today. Leaving The Ivy in West Hollywood, CA, she showed off her Western accessories, including a leather belt with silver hardware and a pair of black pointed-toe cowboy boots. She finished the look with a simple silver timepiece.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Loafers + Socks
Roberts looked cool and quirky in a thigh-skimming minidress, socks, and loafers, plus round, retro sunglasses, while stepping out for lunch in New York City in August 1991
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Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Leggings as Pants
Roberts styled light-gray leggings with an oversize graphic-print long-sleeved shirt for a casual dinner at Nick & Eddie Restaurant in New York City in 1991. The actress accessorized simply, with a long pendant necklace and white low-top sneakers.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Tailored Menswear
Roberts mastered the art of layering with a vest and oversize blazer at a convention in Las Vegas in 1991, finishing the look with thin hoop earrings, her hair swept up, and a pair of statement-making cowboy boots.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Stripes on Stripes
Roberts reveled in a mixed-print moment in 1993 with this cropped tee and wide-leg pants combination. She styled the laidback outfit with a stack of silver bangles and a classic timepiece.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Slip Dress + Cardigan
Surely, you know the slip dress trend started with looks like this one in 1997. Roberts wore a double-layered look with slip-on sandals and a lightweight cardigan for the Rainforest Foundation Benefit Concert in New York in April 1997. She accessorized with a gemstone drop choker necklace.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Sweatpants + Slides
Comfortable and cool, Roberts’s take on sweatpants involved a pair of gray tapered joggers capped off with Birkenstock-style slides. Tiny sunglasses and a black cap-sleeved tee were all she needed to own this minimalist street style moment in New York in 1998.
Julia Roberts ’90s Style: Slip Skirt + Strappy Heels
The knee-length skirt hails from the ’90s — especially an embellished iteration like this one. Roberts wore hers with strappy sandals, a halter-style tank, white cardigan, and a mini bag for the Amnesty International’s Second Annual Media Spotlight Awards at Chelsea Piers in NYC in September 1998.