Actress, singer, entrepreneur and style icon — Selena Gomez is a true multi-hyphenate.
The Texas native was first thrust into the public eye when she made her acting debut on “Barney & Friends” at age 10; Gomez began hitting major red carpets when she was 15 years old, thanks to her breakout role as Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place.”
At the time, she dressed like most teenagers of the early aughts, dabbling in trends like skinny jeans, layered tank tops and Converse’s Chuck Taylor sneakers.
After the series wrapped up in 2012, Gomez blossomed into a pop princess, making waves in the music biz with her 2013 album “Stars Dance.” She channeled this persona with looks like sheer dresses and sequin catsuits.
Nowadays, hardly a huge Hollywood affair goes by without an appearance from Gomez. Dressed by celebrity stylist Erin Walsh, the actress is a force to be reckoned with on and off the red carpet.
Take a walk down memory lane and check out Gomez’s style evolution below, from her Disney Channel days to her new movie star era.
Disney days (2008-2012)
Much like her fellow Disney Channel stars at the time, including Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, Gomez’s red carpet looks in the 2010s captured the essence of the decade’s fashion. Tulle dresses were frequently on the menu for the burgeoning star, as were graphic tees and chunky bangles.
She also had some unforgettable beauty moments early on in her career — like the bright blue streaks she rocked in 2007. “Got some blue going on … I don’t know, I like a little edge and a little pop in my hair, so I wanted to add something different, especially for the Teen Vogue party,” she shared at the event, in a clip that’s since gone viral.
During her Disney days, Gomez slowly cemented herself as a fashion darling and even scored a spot on the cover of Teen Vogue in 2009. The same year, “Wizards of Waverly Place” earned its first Emmy for outstanding children’s program. A teenage Gomez took to the red carpet in a light gray chiffon Marchesa gown.
Naturally, Gomez isn’t fond of all of her past outfits — such as her oversized graphic tee and skinny jeans look from the ABC Summer Press Tour Party in 2007. “It’s so bad… I thought I was so cool,” she said in a 2021 Vogue video.
“But in my defense, it was very Paramore, Ashlee Simpson days… and I’m not apologetic about that phase in my life. I just don’t want to ever see it again.”
Pop princess (2013-2017)
Things took a glamorous turn when Gomez bid farewell to her Disney Channel character and entered her pop star era, focusing more heavily on her music after the show ended. Following her “Stars Dance” album, Gomez released “Revival” in 2015.
Shedding her young image, the A-lister — then in the midst of an on-again, off-again relationship with Justin Bieber — began receiving invites to high-profile events, including the Met Gala. Gomez made her debut at the elite affair in 2014, arriving in a plunging plum dress by Diane Von Furstenberg.
In 2016, high fashion brands began to take note; she was tapped as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton and teamed up with Coach, in a massive deal that included her trying her hand at accessory design.
In June 2016, the musician kicked off her “Revival” tour, during which she wore a series of pop star-approved looks. Notable numbers included a custom crystal-adorned catsuit by Monse and a sequined leather look from Karl Lagerfeld.
Designer darling (2018-2021)
As she took on more acting roles, like “A Rainy Day in New York” and “The Dead Don’t Die,” Gomez began collaborating with even more major designers.
For a photocall at Cannes for the latter film in 2019, the actress stunned in a navy Chanel set, which felt like a departure from her glitzy pop-star style.
She also wore a straight-off-the-runway Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Clare Waight Keller at the premiere of “Dolittle” in 2020. Earlier that year, Gomez dropped her album “Rare,” which debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.
In an interview with Dazed after its release, Gomez reflected on her style, chatting with Louis Vuitton creative director Nicholas Ghesquière.
“Selena, you have such individual taste in fashion and became a style icon at a very early age,” the designer told the musician, adding, “Can you please tell me more about your path to discovering your style?” Gomez, apparently laughing, answered, “I have to say that I was pretty much free-falling!”
Major mogul (2021-2024)
In recent years, Gomez has gravitated toward sumptuous, high-octane gowns, often of the black and sparkly variety.
She’s become an awards show regular, thanks to her starring role (and producer credit) on “Only Murders in the Building,” a mystery comedy that premiered in 2021.
Meanwhile, thanks to the success of her makeup brand, Rare Beauty, Gomez became a billionaire last September — and has been focused on a flawless beauty look that complements her understated monochromatic turn.
Bridal vibes (2024- present)
In December 2024, Gomez announced that boyfriend Benny Blanco proposed after a year of dating. “forever begins now,” the actress captioned an Instagram photo of her sparkler — a marquise engagement ring the music producer designed in collaboration with Abril Barret.
Gomez quickly stepped into her new bridal era, debuting a variety of dreamy, wedding-ready numbers. In early January, for an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” she arrived at the studio in an embellished cream dress from Raisa Vanessa’s spring 2025 collection and complementary white Aquazzura pumps. For the show, Gomez changed into a white silk satin blazer from Saint Laurent atop a matching scalloped mini.
She amped up the glam when her “Emilia Pérez” press tour kicked off in 2024, selecting a bow-adorned Vera Wang gown and $70,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. diamonds for the movie’s New York Film Festival premiere.
She kicked off awards season at the Golden Globes, looking every bit the princess in a powder blue Prada gown worthy of Cinderella.
She saved her most dazzling dress for the Oscars, channeling Sophia Loren in rose gold Ralph Lauren.
We can’t wait to see what she eventually wears down the aisle.
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