Do you remember the moment Julia Roberts defied convention and turned heads at the Golden Globes by wearing a suit? It was a bold statement that challenged the very essence of red carpet fashion. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: this wasn't just any suit—it was a charcoal gray Giorgio Armani menswear piece, tailored to perfection, that became a defining moment in fashion history. Let’s dive into how this iconic look reshaped the way we perceive style and gender norms on the red carpet.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In our series “Remember When?” (https://www.cnn.com/style/specials/remember-when), we revisit the pop culture moments that left an indelible mark on fashion. This time, we’re celebrating Julia Roberts’ groundbreaking 1990 Golden Globes appearance, a look that continues to inspire decades later.
In 1990, a 22-year-old Julia Roberts stepped onto the red carpet at the 47th Golden Globes in a suit that would forever change the game. Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Steel Magnolias—a category she would go on to win—Roberts was still relatively new to Hollywood. While Mystic Pizza had introduced her to audiences two years prior, she wasn’t yet a household name, let alone a fashion icon. But that night, everything changed.
The Armani suit—sharp, oversized, and unapologetically masculine—was a quiet rebellion against the sea of gowns and dresses. Roberts had it tailored at the Beverly Hills store where she purchased it, ensuring the cut remained bold yet refined. Paired with a crisp white shirt, a purple floral tie, and flat brown brogues, her ensemble was a masterclass in androgynous style. To balance the masculinity, she wore her signature curls loose and natural, complemented by understated makeup and a soft red lip. The result? A seamless blend of glamour and ease that Roberts herself later called one of her “all-time favorite” looks.
And this is the part most people miss: Roberts didn’t set out to make a statement. In a 2024 video interview with British Vogue, she recalled, “I did my hair, my girlfriend did my makeup… I just thought I looked fabulous. I could not have known it would become this iconic statement outfit. I still have that suit.” Yet, it became a statement—a deliberate, modern contrast to the conventional red carpet fare of the time.
While the Golden Globes of the early ’90s weren’t the haute couture extravaganzas they are today, Roberts’ choice still stood out. It wasn’t just a fashion moment; it was a cultural one. In the years that followed, women in tailored suits became a recurring—and increasingly powerful—presence at major events. Think Gwyneth Paltrow’s ruby red Gucci suit at the 1996 MTV VMAs, Rihanna’s Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo at the 2009 Met Gala, or Angelina Jolie’s impeccable Saint Laurent tailoring at the 2014 BAFTAs. But here’s the controversial part: Did Roberts single-handedly redefine red carpet fashion? Probably not. But her bold choice undeniably opened the door for others to follow.
Her affinity for suiting didn’t stop there. Over the decades, Roberts has consistently embraced tailored looks for her biggest appearances. From tuxedo-inspired jumpsuits at the 2015 SAG Awards and the 2022 Cannes Film Festival to sharp shorts and blazers at premieres like Mother’s Day (2016) and Gaslit (2022), her style has evolved while staying true to her signature. Even off the red carpet, she’s remained loyal to tailored suiting, as seen in March 2025 when she wore a gray suit to receive the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in Paris—a nod to her 1990 Golden Globes look.
Last October, Roberts revisited her iconic style on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, promoting her film After the Hunt (for which she’s once again Golden Globes-nominated). She wore a fitted cobalt-gray suit with a blue tie, updated with slimmer proportions and contemporary tailoring. The playful brooches on her tie highlighted how her relationship with suiting has evolved from quiet disruption to confident signature.
But here’s the question: Was Julia Roberts’ 1990 Golden Globes suit a revolutionary act, or simply a reflection of her personal style? And more importantly, how has her bold choice influenced the way we perceive gender norms in fashion today? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this enduring fashion moment. One thing’s for sure: the suit isn’t going anywhere, and neither is Julia Roberts’ legacy as a trailblazer in style.
