Helen Mirren's best style moments from the past 50 years
From full glam to streetwear and everything in between, Helen Mirren is undeniably stylish
Perhaps most famous for her acting, Helen Mirren best looks have also provided some serious inspiration for the style set, with her looks only getting better. Here are some of Helen Mirren's most memorable ensembles.
She may be lesser known for her fashion sense, but if we've discovered anything over the years, it's that Helen Mirren has undoubtedly enviable style from her glam red carpet looks to her more casual outfits, this is one star who has constantly topped the dress best list.
What's more, her sense of personal style hasn't wavered one bit over the last 50 years of her career, if anything, she's become even more stylish. Here are some of Helen Mirren's best fashion looks over the last 55 years.
73rd Berlinale International Film Festival 2023: smart-casual
Sporty and fun, this relaxed ensemble is giving us plenty of inspiration for smart-casual outfits. Channelling the dopamine dressing trend with this vivid fuchsia roll neck, Helen makes the perfect statement by adding some street style appeal with a pair of white trainers.
RRP: £65 | This textured pink sweater offers a bold take on the season ahead. The cable textured body will help to trap heat and keep you cosy throughout the winter, pairing effortlessly with black trousers, jeans or tucked into the waistband of skirts.
RRP: £35 | Merino wool helps to make some of the warmest jumpers and this fuchsia design is the perfect excuse for adding a pop of brightness to your winter outfit ideas. The relaxed shape makes it comfortable and cosy to wear through the season.
1968: Embroidered tunic
Even though Helen was just getting her start in the industry, she certainly knew how to dress to the nines in this romantic look from the 60s. The outfit, which is certainly still trendy by today's standards, features a beautifully patterned tunic-style dress with long sleeves, and uber-stylish tie-up sandals, all topped off with a topknot bun to create a sophisticated look.
1977: Dungarees and flat cap
Colour us obsessed with this outfit. In an image that is majorly giving off Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac energy, Helen sports a pair of overalls with a long-sleeved white shirt. For shoes, she chooses a pair of white clogs (which we're adding to our capsule wardrobe inspiration immediately), as well as fun flat cap.
1989: Matching skirt and top
This red carpet look from the 80s could pass with flying fashion colours today. With a matching long skirt and top combo, complete with a crinkled pattern and a beautiful burnt orange hue, Helen totally rocks this two-piece set. She also elegantly pairs it with a black crossbody bag and chic gold heels.
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BAFTA's 1993: Smart casual white outfit
In a look that's giving OG cottage core vibes, Helen styled a classic, lacy white dress with a perfectly tailored white blazer for her BAFTAs look in the 90s. Although the clothing itself is chic enough, her accessories are what truly make the outfit spectacular. From the chunky pearls to the fab white hat, this is an elegant smart casual outfit with extra quirk.
Golden Globes 1997: chic black suit
Helen stuns in this all-black look for the '97 Golden Globes. Her oversized black skirt suit is chic in and of itself, but when paired with some stylish, fitted boots and a truly spectacular, feathery fascinator, she hit the red carpet jackpot.
Emmy's 1999: Badgley Mischka gown
Helen looked nothing short of fabulous at the 1999 Emmys. Her perfectly cut dress elegantly shows off her figure while remaining modest - a sartorial trait that Helen has undoubtedly perfected over the years. She also paired her dress with a glimmering diamond necklace and a matching sparkly bag.
Oscar's After Party 2000: dressed down to perfection
While this look was very of its time, with trends always coming back around, we think this slip skirt ensemble perfectly channels a modern aesthetic. Pairing a plaid, longline skirt with a simple pink cami and a green cardigan, the outfit is bold, yet laidback. Finishing the look with a pair of loud, sparkly green heels to match, dressing the rather casual outfit up just a tad.
Oscars 2002: A vision in ivory
Helen is an absolute vision in this shimmery white gown and although it gives off a bridal feel, the sparkled skirt makes it red-carpet-ready. We love how the elegant satin top pairs perfectly with the tulle on the bottom, adding texture. We're also utterly obsessed with the white, pointed-toe heels she's rocking with the dress - they'd make some of the best wedding shoes for bridal.
London 2004: red accessories
In a look that's sort of screaming Mary Poppins, Helen rocks this polka dot coat, which she pairs chicly with a red scarf and some black heels. We're also obsessed with her small red bag, which is perfect for any occasion - fancy or otherwise.
Paris Fashion Week 2008: smart tailoring
We love it when Helen ventures into trouser-suit territory. For this Paris look, she decided to style a pair of black cigarette trousers with a silver, short-sleeved blazer. We're also loving her sleek bob haircut in this photo, great inspo for a future look.
The Tonight Show 2015: a cobalt blue dream
For one of her appearances on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Helen wore a form-fitting, cobalt blue dress, ticking off the dopamine dressing trend with ease. We're obsessed with the dress alone - but we especially love the accessories she pairs with it. For a necklace, Helen opts for a chunky, beaded necklace, and wears a handful of chunky gold bangles on her wrist to bring out the other gold accents that appear in the outfit.
Berlin Film Festival 2015: Dolce & Gabbana gown
We're positively green with envy looking at this stunning red carpet look from Helen. The gown, which is floor length contours to every curve before fluting out into a fishtail-inspired design, boasts a beautiful emerald green colour - a perfect shade for the actress.
Paris 2017: black velvet
In a rather sophisticated look, Helen donned a black velvet gown in Paris back in 2017, proving that, while she can rock a fun colour or style, she also looks amazing in black and other neutral shades. Helen paired this long black gown with a small black clutch purse, some diamond earrings, and a bold red lip.
Cannes Film Festival 2021: jaw-dropping yellow
We love bright yellow, and Helen Mirren wears this chiffon dress perfectly. The ballerina-length design features a sweetheart neckline, sheer sleeves and gathering through the bust and waist, pairing perfectly with her bold diamond and emerald necklace.
'The Duke' Screening 2022: acid brights done right
Have you ever seen a person just embody the season of spring more perfectly than Helen? Again, she rocks a yellow dress effortlessly - but her hot pink pashmina (neon pink cape is the true star of the show here.
SAG Awards 2022: pink Dolce & Gabbana gown
Helen was rocking the Barbiecore trend before it was mainstream. For the 2022 SAG Awards, Helen channelled Barbie - likely keeping a secret that she was about to join the cast of the upcoming Barbie flick. From the sugary pink hue to the padded hairband and embellished flowers, this sweet look is fit for a princess.
'Shazam' Press Tour 2023: the perfect winter coat
OK, as if her pose weren't amazing enough, Helen absolutely rocks this longline brown coat, a look that wouldn't go amiss in any deep autumn capsule wardrobe. Styling the coat with a stunning pair of black leather gloves and black kitten-heeled boots - this is a cosy but smart ensemble.
The 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival: true blue
This look was a standout for so many reasons, but most notably Helen Mirren's blue-grey hair. With a gorgeous structured bodice and a wide V-neck design, this floor-sweeping gown couldn't look better with her bold hairdo.
Le Defile L'Oreal Paris Runway 2021 - Paris Fashion Week: sharp suiting
Although this is a runway photo, it has to be one of our favourite Helen Mirren looks of all time. She can really pull off everything, from soft and feminine to bold and edgy, and this suit proves it. Finished off with impressive platforms, it is an unforgettable ensemble.
2021 Telluride Film Festival: street style
We know she always looks gorgeous on the red carpet, but this outfit proves Helen Mirren does street style flawlessly too. A great casual outfit idea for women over 50, sporting cropped jeans, and a relaxed navy spell-out crewneck, she proves that style and comfort can go hand-in-hand. We've also found a similar jumper at Matches so you can channel the look for yourself.
Los Angeles Premiere of Catherine The Great 2019: turquoise perfection
This statement Badgley Mischka gown has to be one of our all-time favourite Helen Mirren outfits. Not many people can pull of this bold hue so gracefully but she absolutely nails it. Styled with a statement necklace and sleek updo, it's the perfect premiere look.
78th Venice International Film Festival 2021: chic sparkles
Can you ever go wrong with sequins? We love the 3/4 sleeve look that makes this dress a little more playful. The sea green colour is certainly a bold choice but the matching headband pulls the look together beautifully by keeping things completely monochromatic.
Golda Special Screening 2023: the perfect suit
A lesson in adding texture to your wardrobe in a sophisticated way, this suit ticks every box. The velvet finish is unique without being too playful, which is why we love it. Channel Helen's look with this blazer from Next and finish off with a pair of the best ballet pumps with a subtle heel to stay comfortable and stylish.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods UK Special Screening 2023: statement bow
Bigger is certainly better when it comes to this showstopping cape. Pink is a colour Helen opts for regularly and who can resist when it looks this good? Adorned with an oversized bow and elevated with sheer gloves, it has a drama that she wears perfectly.
73rd Berlinale International Film Festival 2023: black draped gown
This is a style of dress we've seen Helen rock a few times before and it never loses its appeal. With a wide boatneck and puffed gathered sleeves, it elevates an LBD (long black dress) to new heights. Sophisticated and chic, this look is truly timeless.
72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival 2019: Elie Saab gown
Is there any hair colour she can't pull off? Matching her sparkly Elie Saab gown to her pink locks, Helen Mirren debuted yet another unforgettable outfit in 2019. This neckline cut is one of her favourites and it always looks enduringly elegant. With a sheer embellished overlay, this dress is absolutely breathtaking.
The Duke UK Premiere 2022: terrific tulle
A masterclass in how to wear red. This Needle & Thread tulle dress of dreams has gorgeous sheer sleeves that give this gown a trendy edge that Helen pulls off beautifully. We especially love the tiered skirt with glittery embellishments that catch the light wonderfully.
Monte-Carlo Gala For Planetary Health 2020: gorgeous greens
The statement necklace is what makes this look for us. Perfectly paired with a gorgeous green long sleeved dress, complete with an asymmetric neckline, it is an etheral ensemble that has a fresh spring-like feel that we will be taking inspiration from when it comes to occasion dressing.
70th Berlinale International Film Festival 2020: glittery A-line dress
By far one of Helen Mirren's most memorable looks, this dress ticks every box. From the A-line shape to the sheer sleeves, this sparkly party number looks right at home on the red carpet. Black and sparkles will always be a brilliant pair and this ensemble just proves it.
London Fashion Week 2019: snake print
Animal prints aren't for the fainthearted but Helen pulls this off effortlessly. We love the pleated midi skirt and coordinating shirt with red accents that adds a formal touch to the edgy feel of this outfit. Finished off with a pair of pointed boots and a maroon clutch, it is a cool yet timeless look for fashion week.
Le Defile L'Oreal Paris Runway 2023: all sequins
Another killer runway look, this dress will give even the best sequin skirts a run for their money. From the waterfall sleeves to the off-the-shoulder cut, it is a piece fit for any red carpet. But what we really love is Helen's hairstyle here - embrace your frizz to capture the same feel!
New York 2023: street style
Sticking to a neutral colour palette, this street style look proves that Helen Mirren's best looks aren't just reserved for the red carpet. Statement outerwear will never go amiss and this midi style is sophisticated and chic.
14th Annual L'Oréal Paris Women Of Worth Awards 2019: all cream
Dressing in one shade is a quickfire way to look effortlessly glamorous and this outfit is just that. And if you need an extra something to make the look even more luxe, accessorising with pearls is the way to go. Cosy and comfortable, this outfit is a winner in every sense.
Madeline Merinuk is woman&home's US lifestyle news writer, covering celebrity, entertainment, fashion, and beauty news.
She graduated in 2021 with a B.A. in Journalism from Hofstra University, winning multiple student journalism awards, including a National Hearst Award, during her time there. After graduating, she worked at today.com, the digital site for the Today Show, where she wrote pop culture news and interviewed big-name personalities like Emily Ratajkowski, Haley Lu Richardson, Emma Corrin, and more.
Her personal interests, in no particular order, are: cheese, Joni Mitchell, reading, hot yoga, traveling, having multiple chapsticks in every handbag at all times, and dancing to ABBA songs as if she were in the Mamma Mia movies.
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