Do you remember that iconic moment when Julia Roberts broke the mold by sporting a suit at the Golden Globes?
EDITOR'S NOTE: In our nostalgic segment, "Remember When?" (https://www.cnn.com/style/specials/remember-when) brought to you by CNN Style, we dive deep into the pop culture archives, exploring the celebrity outfits that have left a lasting impact on fashion history.
Can a single appearance on the red carpet transform someone into a fashion icon? If you’re Julia Roberts and donning a Giorgio Armani suit, the answer is a resounding yes.
Back in 1990, a mere 22 years old, Roberts made headlines when she stepped out in a charcoal gray Armani suit taken from the designer's menswear collection during the 47th Golden Globes. At this prestigious event, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress due to her remarkable role in the 1989 film "Steel Magnolias," a distinction she ultimately won. Although she was just beginning to make her mark in Hollywood—having gained some recognition from her earlier film "Mystic Pizza"—she had yet to achieve the level of fame that would later follow, nor was she particularly noted for her fashion choices at that time.
The suit itself—sharp, oversized, and undeniably masculine—was a game changer. More than thirty years later, it still remains one of the most subtly revolutionary moments on the red carpet in Hollywood's history.
Roberts had the suit customized at the Beverly Hills store where it was purchased, skillfully refining its cut while maintaining its menswear edge. She complemented the suit with a crisp white shirt, a striking purple floral tie, and flat brown brogues, showcasing what can be described as a masterclass in androgynous style. To balance the boldness of her outfit, she wore her hair in loose, natural curls and opted for fresh, understated makeup highlighted by a soft red lip. The final look was a seamless blend of glamour and ease, which Roberts later reflected on in a video interview with British Vogue, calling it one of her "all-time favorite" ensembles.
"I did my hair, and my girlfriend did my makeup," she recounted. "I don’t even think people wore such extravagant gowns to the Golden Globes back then the way they do now, but I felt quite extravagant in this outfit. I had no idea it would become such a statement piece. I just thought I looked fabulous, and I still own that suit."
And indeed, it became a significant statement. While the Golden Globes of that era—as Roberts herself has pointed out—had not yet evolved into the high-energy, couture-centric spectacle that we see today, dominated by brand collaborations and meticulous styling, her daring fashion choice still stood out distinctly. Amid a sea of dresses and traditional silhouettes, her Armani suit made a bold and contemporary statement that set her apart.
In the years that followed, women wearing tailored suits began to emerge more prominently on major award stages. Consider Gwyneth Paltrow in a stunning ruby red velvet Gucci suit at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards; Rihanna rocked a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo at the 2009 Met Gala; Angelina Jolie turned heads with impeccable Saint Laurent tailoring at the 2014 BAFTAs; Ayo Edebiri donned a relaxed Loewe suit at the 2025 Golden Globes, paying homage to Roberts; and just recently, Keri Russell and Sarah Snook impressed in a Tom Ford tuxedo and an Akris suit, respectively, at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards (https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/04/style/red-carpet-critics-choice-awards). While Roberts' choice may not have singlehandedly rewritten the rules of red carpet attire, it undeniably paved the way for others to follow.
This pivotal moment also shaped Roberts' personal approach to public fashion. Over the decades, she has consistently chosen suits and suit-inspired looks for her most significant appearances—from tuxedo-style jumpsuits at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2015 and the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, to sharp shorts paired with blazers at film premieres like "Mother’s Day" in 2016 and "Gaslit" in 2022.
Even outside of red carpet events, her love for tailored suiting continues. In March 2025, Roberts donned a gray tailored suit to receive the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres at the French Ministry of Culture in Paris, echoing the essence of her 1990 Golden Globes ensemble.
She revisited this theme again the following October during her appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" to promote her latest film, "After the Hunt," for which she received another nomination at the Golden Globes—this time for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. For this occasion, Roberts selected a fitted cobalt-gray suit with a blue tie that paid homage to her original look, though updated with modern proportions and tailoring. The jacket featured a shorter cut and a more precise fit, while the trousers were high-waisted and streamlined. She finished off the outfit with a light gray shirt and a tie adorned with a cluster of brooches, playful touches that highlighted how her relationship with tailored clothing has matured from quiet rebellion to a confident personal style signature.
What lies ahead for her sartorial journey remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the suit is here to stay.
