STYLE EVOLUTION

Selena Gomez’s Red Carpet Style Has Come a Long Way Since Disney

by W Staff
Updated: 
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US actress Selena Gomez attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion P...
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Selena Gomez has been in the spotlight since she was just a wee tot on Barney & Friends, meaning we’ve pretty much seen the actress grow up from overalls to couture gowns. It was her time on the Disney show The Wizards of Waverly Place, though, that turned Gomez into a household name, giving her access to some of the biggest designers since she was just a teen.

So, by the time the actress hit her 20s, she was already a red carpet staple, showing up in everything from sultry Versace minis to romantic Vera Wang gowns. Throughout the years, the actress has gone through an edgy phase, a Coach phase (thanks to a partnership), and a phase when she hardly wore a dress that didn’t sparkle. Now, as the star of the hit Hulu show Only Murders in the Building and the founder of her own brand, Rare Beauty, Gomez’s red carpet style is still evolving with each and every appearance. Below, a look back at Selena Gomez’s most memorable red carpet moments.

2024: Cannes Film Festival

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Gomez looked like Hollywood royalty at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in this classic Saint Laurent gown and blinding diamond jewelry.

2024: Time100 Summit

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The actress and singer laced up in this corset Brandon Maxwell at the 2024 Time100 Summit in New York City.

2024: SAG Awards

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During the 2024 SAG Awards, Gomez kept things simple in this va-va-voom Versace number.

2024: Emmy Awards

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Gomez sizzled in this cut-out Oscar de la Renta number at the 2024 Emmy Awards.

2024: Golden Globe Awards

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The actress’s bold Armani princess dress was tough to miss on the Golden Globes red carpet.

2023: Academy Museum Gala

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The singer was a vision in Valentino for the 2023 Academy Museum Gala in this dramatic black gown that finished off with statement silver details.

2023: Rare Impact Fund Benefit

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Gomez’s embellished halter neck Valentino gown was just one of three show-stopping looks she slipped into to host her inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit.

2023: MTV Video Music Awards

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Gomez sizzled in this flashy Oscar de la Renta number for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

2023: Golden Globes

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Nominated for her work in Only Murders in the Building, Selena Gomez took to the red carpet in a regal purple gown with voluminous sleeves from Valentino.

2022: Only Murders in the Building Season Two Premiere

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Gomez brought the sparkle in this sequin-covered, cutout Michael Kors dress for the Only Murders in the Building season two premiere.

2022: Screen Actors Guild Awards

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Gomez’s Oscar de la Renta black column dress with puffed sleeves stole the show at the SAG Awards in 2022.

2020: Hollywood Beauty Awards

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The Rare Beauty founder returned to an off-the-shoulder silhouette with this pale pink Patou mini dress at the 2020 Hollywood Beauty Awards.

2020: American Music Awards

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Having fun with color, Gomez opted for a chartreuse strapless Versace mini dress for the 2020 American Music Awards.

2019: Cannes Film Festival

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Gomez attended the opening ceremony of the 2019 Cannes Film Festival in a Louis Vuitton two-piece look complete with a bustier top and quilted skirt.

2018: Met Gala

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Gomez was far from thrilled by how her 2018 Met Gala Coach dress photographed: She later captioned a video of herself running away from the camera with “Me when I saw my pictures from MET” on Instagram.

2017: Fashion Awards

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Giving off chic prairie girl vibes, Gomez attended the 2017 Fashion Awards in a frilled Coach dress with a lace hem.

2017: Met Gala

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This romantic slip dress from Coach was perfectly contrasted by Gomez’s hot pink eyeshadow at the Met Gala in 2017.

2016: American Music Awards

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The bright color and exaggerated silhouette of this Prada dress made it quite the showstopper at the 2016 American Music Awards.

2016: Met Gala

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Gomez’s Louis Vuitton dress at the 2016 edition of the Met Gala featured a sculpted leather bralette and combat boots.

2016: Grammy Awards

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Calvin Klein had the honor of putting Gomez in this sequin, cutout dress for the 2016 Grammy Awards.

2015: Met Gala

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Wearing a white Vera Wang gown with a keyhole cutout and slight train, Gomez attended the “China: Through The Looking Glass” edition of the Met Gala.

2015: Vanity Fair Oscar Party

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Gomez brought a bit of edge to the Vanity Fair Oscar party in this long-sleeved, black Louis Vuitton gown.

2014: Met Gala

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Gomez went sleek and simple in this wine-hued, Diane von Furstenberg gown at the 2014 Met Gala.

2013: Video Music Awards

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This Atelier Versace dress for the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards is still one of Gomez’s best looks to date.

2011: American Music Awards

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Gomez stole the show with this slinky, champagne-colored Giorgio Armani gown at the 2011 American Music Awards.

2011: Vanity Fair Oscar Party

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Making her red carpet debut with her now ex-boyfriend, Justin Bieber, Gomez attended the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar party in a red Dolce & Gabbana dress.

2010: Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

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Doing her duty as a Disney star, Gomez showed up to the Kids’ Choice Awards in a cheery yellow Christian Cota chiffon dress and a casual braid.

2008: American Latino Media Awards

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Sixteen at the time, Gomez was only one year into Wizards of Waverly Place when she wore this empire-waist Marchesa gown to the 2008 American Latino Media Awards

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