Sophia Michaels
Julia Roberts made fashion history in “Pretty Woman” with her minidress. While she hasn’t had such dramatic fashion moments, she has worn outfits that might raise eyebrows with snooty salespeople. Roberts has expressed her preference for a chic and effortless style, occasionally embracing androgynous looks like a men’s Armani suit at the Golden Globes, which drew mixed reviews from critics.
Though some of Roberts’ fashion choices have been praised, others have left critics puzzled. Despite being on the worst-dressed list in 1991, Roberts continues to march to the beat of her own fashion drum.
Julia Roberts’ Controversial T-Shirt Statement
During the ’90s, Julia Roberts made headlines for her relationship with cameraman Danny Moder while he was still married. In a bold move, Roberts wore a hand-decorated T-shirt with the words “A Low Vera” aimed at Moder’s then-wife, Vera Steimberg. Despite receiving mixed reactions, Roberts stood by her unconventional choice, labeling it as a private expression.
Julia Roberts’ Lackluster Oscars Debut
Julia Roberts’ first Oscars appearance in 1990 was underwhelming in a dull and ill-fitted Armani gown. Compared to her glamorous role in “Steel Magnolias,” where she wore a stunning wedding dress, her Oscars outfit missed the mark with an unflattering hemline and bust darts. It was a missed opportunity for Roberts to establish herself as a fashion icon.
Julia Roberts’ Red Carpet Rebellion at Cannes
Julia Roberts made a stunning appearance at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival wearing a black Armani Prive gown paired with an eye-catching emerald Chopard necklace. Surprising everyone, she decided to walk barefoot, shedding her high heels before climbing the iconic stairs of the Palais des Festivals. Roberts explained that her barefoot statement was to divert attention from the significant effort put into her overall look and focus on her bare feet.
Speculations arose that Roberts’ barefoot choice was a rebellion against the unwritten Cannes rule requiring all female attendees to wear high heels. She also deviated from the official dress code that mandates elegant footwear, with or without heels. The actress later clarified that her primary motive for going barefoot was to avoid tripping on the stairs, rather than trying to make a bold fashion statement.
**Avoiding the “Drants” Fashion Trend**
In January 2019, Julia Roberts attempted to popularize the controversial dress-pants combo known as “drants” at the Golden Globes. Her Stella McCartney ensemble featured a tulle gown with a sudden transition to black trousers, creating a fashion faux pas. Despite landing on the worst-dressed list, Roberts persisted by wearing a similar outfit to the Critics’ Choice Awards, but it failed to impress critics.
Roberts’ experimentation with the drants trend, combining an elegant gown with trousers, led to mixed reviews and multiple appearances on worst-dressed lists. The actress’s bold fashion choices showcased her willingness to take risks, even if they didn’t always resonate with fashion critics.
**Fashion Statement at a Political Fundraiser**
Julia Roberts made headlines at a fundraiser for President Joe Biden in June 2024 when she wore a black Greta Constantine dress with a provocative neckline. The attire, while deemed conservative in some aspects, raised eyebrows due to its daring plunge neckline. Her color choice sparked reactions from onlookers, with some making political jabs referencing the outfit.
Attending the fundraiser alongside George Clooney, who also made a fashion statement with an undone dress shirt, Roberts attracted attention for her bold dress choice. Despite the fashion controversy, the actors’ presence at the event overshadowed any sartorial debates.
