The Best Looks Spanning Zendaya’s Style Evolution
She's a fashion tour de force, an Emmy winner, a Disney Channel darling turned capital-M Movie Star—and Zendaya just getting started. In honor of The Challengers—the first feature film where the actress is billed in the leading role—Marie Claire is dedicating a week of content to all things Zendaya.
It's an understatement to declare Zendaya just a fashion icon. The actress has solidified her status as one of Hollywood's most watched and sartorially iconic, partly thanks to her longtime partnership with her stylist—slash image architect—Law Roach, who has reportedly dressed the actress since she was just 14 years old.
A decade later, Zendaya has made the world her runway— especially lately, in archival and custom-made pieces from Mugler and JW Anderson's Loewe worn throughout her whirlwind Dune: Part Two press tour and Challengers photocalls. To honor the style legend, Marie Claire chronicles a comprehensive list of Zendaya's best outfits, from her most recent custom Thom Browne court-inspired looks to head-to-toe pajama dressing from Fendi's 2019 collections.
A Vera Wang Dress at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Challengers' (April 16, 2024)
Zendaya swapped tennis core for old Hollywood in a Vera Wang lingerie-inspired dress at the Los Angeles premiere of Challengers. She styled her voluminous gown with dainty Bulgari diamond studs and a matching ring.
A Thom Browne Dress at the UK Premiere of 'Challengers' (April 10, 2024)
During the Challengers global press tour, Zendaya arrived in London wearing a custom Thom Browne dress embroidered with tennis rackets and coquettish bows on trend with the girlhood aesthetic of 2024. A closer look reveals an homage to technical tennis apparel, with a netted fabric lining along the interior of her gown. The actress accessorized her outfit with stacked Bulgari tennis bracelets, medallion earrings, and a diamond ring.
A Loewe Dress and Heels at the Rome Photo Call for 'Challengers' (April 8, 2024)
Another tennis-inspired look for the books for Zendaya’s Challengers photocall in Rome. The actress dressed in a custom glittering Loewe look inspired by signature court apparel. She paired her drop-waist dress with an unexpected custom stilettos adorned with Loewe-branded tennis balls.
An Armani Privé Gown at the 2024 Oscars (March 10, 2024)
Prior to heading onstage as one of the presenters for the 2024 Oscars, she made a jaw-dropping appearance in a Barbieheimer Armani Privé dress punctuated with sparkling palm trees. She accessorized the look with icy pink Bulgari drop earrings and a glamorous diamond-etched bracelet and ring.
A Jean Paul Gaultier Top and Jeans at the 'Essence' Black Women in Hollywood Awards (March 7, 2024)
For the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Law Roach styled Zendaya in a Y2K-inspired corset top and wide-leg jeans from Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring 2020 collection. Roach added a silver coin chain belt and a pair of white pointed-toe pumps to cement the look reminiscent of the aughts.
A Roberto Cavalli Gown at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards (March 6, 2024)
Zendaya channeled vintage glamour at the 2024 Green Carpet Fashion Awards dressed in a silk-fringed chiffon dress from Roberto Cavalli's Spring 2011 collection alongside a silver-and-diamond Bulgari arm-cuff, bracelets, and ring.
A Stéphane Rolland Couture Dress at the NYC Premiere of 'Dune: Part Two' (February 25, 2024)
Zendaya fans went crazy for the abundance of high-fashion moments during the Dune: Part Two press tour— and this one was no different. For the New York City premiere of the film, Zendaya wore a floor-grazing Stéphane Rolland Couture gown designed with strategically placed sheer paneling and artistic 3D gold sculptural details along the hemline. She accessorized the futuristic look with an impressive stack of six Bulgari diamond rings.
A Thierry Mugler Cyborg Suit at the London Premiere of 'Dune: Part Two' (February 15, 2024)
In arguably one of Zendaya’s most incredible looks yet, the actress created a buzz with a head-to-toe cyborg suit from Thierry Mugler's 1995 Haute Couture collection for Dune: Part Two premiere in London. The design reportedly took six months to complete before its runway debut at Mugler’s 20th anniversary show.
A Bottega Veneta Top and Skirt at the Mexico City Photo Call for 'Dune: Part Two' (February 7, 2024)
Zendaya’s slightly avante-garde Bottega Veneta look was a neutral nod to sci-fi for the Dune: Part Two photocall in Mexico City. Bottega Veneta custom-designed the matching skirt suit with a turtleneck crop top and a floor-length leg-baring slit skirt accessorized with a wide leather belt. The look was accompanied by a brown stiletto from Christian Louboutin and Bulgari jewelry, including a diamond Serpenti ankle cuff.
A Fendi Dress at Their Spring Couture 2024 Show (January 25, 2024)
At Fendi’s Couture Spring 2024 runway show in Milan, Italy, Zendaya wore a slinky custom burgundy gown with cut-out shoulders and fingerless glove sleeves from the Italian house.
A Louis Vuitton Dress at Their Spring 2024 Womenswear Show (October 2, 2023)
For the Louis Vuitton Spring 2024 women's collection show in Paris, France, Zendaya, an ambassador for the house, wore a custom floor-length white dress with a two-way top-to-bottom zipper which she styled half-way to reveal a plunging neckline and thigh slit.
A Louis Vuitton Set at Their Spring 2024 Menswear Show (June 20, 2023)
Among numerous A-listers at the Paris Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2024 show for Pharell Williams's debut collection, Zendaya stood out in a glittering sequin blouse and flared trouser set, and a black Louis Vuitton Capucine bag.
A Richard Quinn Dress at the Bulgari Mediterranea Event (May 16, 2023)
At the Bulgari Mediterranea High Jewelry event in Venice, Italy, Zendaya wore a custom-made sultry black off-the-shoulder satin dress by London-based designer Richard Quinn. We’re unsure if we’re more impressed with the dress or the dramatic diamond Bulgari snake choker from the Italian jeweler’s impressive High Jewelry collection.
A Valentino Gown at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (February 26, 2023)
The year 2023 was that of Barbie Pink, even celebrities like Zendaya played into the bubbly color trend. For the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, the style icon slipped into a strapless floor-length rosette appliqué Valentino gown and a Bulgari emerald-and-diamond choker.
A Prada Top and Skirt at the 54th NAACP Image Awards (February 25, 2023)
Zendaya and image architect Law Roach love a vintage moment. For the 54th NAACP Image Awards, Zendaya wore an outfit from the Prada Spring 1993 collection featuring a white satin star-cut-out bralette and a coordinating maxi skirt.
A Versace Dress at the 54th NAACP Image Awards (February 25, 2023)
Another major NAACP fashion moment for Zendaya was a black-and-green Versace couture gown pulled from the Italian fashion house’s Spring 2002 collection. The archival dress was coupled with a Bulgari diamond bracelet and ring.
A Valentino Gown at the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (September 12, 2022)
At the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Zendaya made history as the youngest two-time Emmy winner. For the momentous event, the Euphoria actress wore a breathtaking vintage black Valentino dress with a regal ballgown silhouette. To balance out the dramatic fit, she wore a demure diamond ring and choker by Bulgari, coupled with a feminine black hair ribbon.
A Valentino Top and Skirt at the 94th Annual Academy Awards (March 27, 2022)
If there’s anyone who has the power to make a crop top sophisticated, it’s Zendaya. While walkingthe 94th Annual Academy Awards red carpet, the actress styled a midriff-baring silk blouse with a silver sequin Valentino skirt designed with a flowing train. She took the metallic theme home with stacks of individual Bulgari bracelets on each arm and a matching collar necklace.
A Valentino Suit at the Valentino Fall 2022 Show (March 6, 2022)
Zendaya attended the Valentino Fall 2022 fashion show in Paris, France, in a bright fuschia suit. The head-to-toe Valentino look included a chiffon blouse, perfectly tailored, high-waisted trousers with monochromatic appliqué flowers, and a floor-length coat. The look was completed by the house’s signature patent leather platform pumps.
A Classic Belted Shirtdress in New York City (February 6, 2022)
While attending a screening of her boyfriend Tom Holland's movie, Uncharted, the Euphoria actress wore an oversized silk navy button-down shirt belted at the waist. She paired the shirt dress with a sheer tight and Christian Louboutin heels.
A Valentino Dress at the LA 'Euphoria' Season Two Premiere (January 5, 2022)
Zendaya showcased a black and white striped Valentino gown from the house’s Spring 1992 collection for the much-anticipated Euphoria season two premiere in Los Angeles. Proving to be a timeless silhouette, the fitted-floor-length gown was designed with wide-paneled black and white vertical stripes and a scalloped neckline. She accessorized the look with minimal diamond drop earrings from Bulgari.
A Valentino Dress at the LA Premiere of 'Spiderman: No Way Home' (December 13, 2021)
During the Los Angeles premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Zendaya stepped out in a very on-theme nude and spider web graphic gown custom-made by French fashion house Valentino.
A Balmain Outfit at the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show (December 13, 2021)
In promoting the movie Spider-Man: No Way Home on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Zendaya wore a wide fringe white suit with a gold chain top from Olivier Rousteting’s Balmain's Spring 2022 collection, which marked the house’s 10th anniversary. She styled her look with glittering black heels from Christian Louboutin.
An Alexander McQueen Look at the UK Premiere of 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' (December 5, 2021)
Back at it again with the on-theme dressing while promoting Spider-Man: No Way Home at a photocall in London, Zendaya stole the show in a crystal cobweb embroidered Alexander McQueen blazer dress and sparkly black-and-silver webbed tights.
A Roberto Cavalli Gown at the Ballon d'Or Photo Call Photo Call Paris (November 19, 2021)
Upon arriving at the Ballon d'Or photo call at the Théatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, Zendaya appeared to be wearing a minimalist black Maxi dress by Roberto Cavalli, but a 360-degree turn revealed gold skeletal details along the plunging backside. The vintage gown was pulled from Cavalli’s 2000 collection but was refashioned by Fausto Pugsili, the house’s CEO and creative director.
A Vera Wang Set at the CFDA Fashion Awards (November 10, 2021)
Red hot Vera Wang Haute Couture was the name of the game at the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2021, where Zendaya was honored with the Fashion Icon Award.
A Vivienne Westwood Look at the 'Dune' Photo Call in London (October 21, 2021)
Zendaya wore a Vivienne Westwood chained corset top and checkered skirt for the Dune photo call in London. The top’s material was crafted from oxidized brass, and the skirt was made of Bogolan fabric—a handmade Malian cotton fabric traditionally dyed with fermented mud. The piece was designed in collaboration with the Ethical Fashion Initiative.
A Rick Owens Gown at the 'Dune' UK Special Screening (October 18, 2021)
At a photo call in London for Dune, Law Roach dressed Zendaya in an ivory Rick Owens one-shoulder gown in his signature draping, embroidered with thousands of sequins and a dramatic train. The dress was originally designed for Owens’ Fall 2021 collection. Alongside the gown, the actress wore a collection of Bulgari Serpenti diamond bracelets and rings.
A Purple Ala?a Set at the 'Dune' Photo Call in Paris (September 6, 2021)
Zendaya arrived at the Parisian Dune premiere in an oxblood knit Ala?a two-piece. The crop top and feathered hemline maxi-skirt were from creative director Pieter Mulier’s debut Spring 2022 collection for the iconic French fashion house.
A Balmain at the 78th Venice International Film Festival (September 3, 2021)
When Zendaya graced the 78th Venice International Film Festival red carpet, she appeared to have just emerged from the canals surrounding the city. Her nude sculpted leather Balmain dress paired with a 93-carat diamond and emerald serpentine necklace from Bulgari's Magnifica High Jewelry collection.
A Valentino Dress and Blazer at the 78th Venice International Film Festival (September 3, 2021)
One of Zendaya's less talked-about looks was this effortlessly cool, flowing white Valentino couture dress. The high-slit gown was paired alongside a black tuxedo jacket as she arrived at the 78th Venice International Film Festival.
A Valentino Gown at the 93rd Annual Academy Awards (April 25, 2021)
Who else can't seem to forget this bright yellow midriff-baring Valentino gown that Zendaya wore to the 2021 Oscars? Zendaya accessorized her outfit with brilliant Bulgari jewels—and now this look will live rent-free in our heads forever.
A Christopher John Rogers Dress at the 2020 Emmy Awards (September 20, 2020)
The pandemic might have prevented the 2020 Emmy Awards from taking place in person, but it didn't stop Zendaya from having a fashion moment. While attending virtually, the star stunned in an empire waisted black and purple Christopher John Rogers dress and Bulgari gemstones.
An Armani Privé Dress at the 2020 Emmy Awards (September 20, 2020)
For Zendaya's second look during the virtual Emmy Awards in 2020, the style icon accepted her Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress while wearing a custom two-piece dress by Armani Privé featuring a black and voluminous black and white polka dot skirt, a silver studded bralette, and Bulgari jewels.
A Rahul Mishra Couture Look at the Bulgari B.zero1 Rock Event (February 6, 2020)
A champion of emerging designers, Zendaya stepped out in a long organza shirt covered in 3D hand-embroidered florals and black wide-leg trousers from Indian fashion designer Rahul Mishra’s couture 2020 collection for the Bulgari B.Zero1 Rock jewelry event in New York City. She paired the evening’s look with diamonds, courtesy of the event’s host, Bulgari.
Fendi Cardigan, Top, and Bottoms at the Launch of the Solar Dream Event (February 5, 2020)
Zendaya arrived at Fendi’s Launch of Solar Dream event wearing a cozy knit striped cardigan, a neutral-colored pajama-esque sheer button-down shirt, and silky shorts from the Spring 2020 collection. She grounded the look with over-the-knee leather boots from Christian Louboutin.
A Christopher Esber Dress at the AAA Arts Awards (January 30, 2020)
In 2020, cut-out dresses reigned supreme, and Zendaya showed us exactly how to pull one off. During the AAA Arts Awards, the actress wore an all-black Christopher Esber dress coupled with sleek black pumps.
A Tom Ford Set at the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards (January 12, 2020)
Zendaya's red carpet wardrobe is a concoction of daring looks that push the envelope, and this one also went down in history. The actress-slash-singer attended the Critics' Choice Awards wearing a magenta sculpted chrome crop top and a floor-grazing jersey material maxi skirt from Tom Ford.
A M?not Skirt Suit at the GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards (November 28, 2019)
For the GQ Australia Men of The Year Awards, Zendaya slipped on a cropped white power suit jacket and a coordinating floor-length skirt with cut-outs at the waist, designed by M?not. Her heels were Christian Louboutin.
An Imane Ayissi Dress at the 'Queen & Slim' Premiere (November 14, 2019)
When Queen & Slim hit theaters in 2019, Zendaya appeared in a plunging black dress from Imane Ayiss’s Fall 2019 collection at the film's premiere.
A Christopher Esber Dress at the E! People's Choice Awards (November 10, 2019)
Leave it to Zendaya to spice up an LBD. At the E! People's Choice Awards in 2019, the actress wore a cut-out dress by Christopher Esber featuring shimmering embellishments just above the waistline.
A Peter Do Suit at the ELLE Women In Hollywood Event (October 14. 2019)
Do you recall when sage green was the leading color trend in 2019? If not, Zendaya's Peter Do pantsuit might spark your memory. Zendaya mastered layering in a blazer, button-up top, skirt, and trousers for that year's ELLE Women in Hollywood event, championing yet another emerging designer from the New York fashion scene.
A Tommy Hilfiger Dress at the Tommy Hilfiger VIP Dinner (October 4, 2019)
Zendaya attended a Tommy Hilfiger VIP dinner wearing a charming black-and-white halter-neck gown with a polka-dot print by the American designer.
Am Alexandre Vauthier Gown at HBO's Post-Emmys Reception (September 22, 2019)
For HBO's post-Emmys reception in 2019, the Euphoria star has fun with abstract florals with a voluminous mid-length ball gown from French designer Alexander Vauthier.
A Vera Wang Dress at the 71st Emmy Awards (September 22, 2019)
Whenever Zendaya makes an Emmys appearance, she's bound to serve a memorable look. In 2019, she did just that, wearing an emerald green Vera Wang gown fitted with a sheer corset top and an asymmetrical satin bottom, plus emerald green heels in a perfectly matched hue.
A Vest and Trousers at Vera Wang's Spring 2020 Show (September 10, 2019)
Zendaya might be a red carpet queen, but she also knows how to put on a street-style look when necessary. During the Spring 2020 Fashion Week circuit, she stopped by Vera Wang's New York City show and sat front row in a grey tweed vest layered with a transparent tank and black tailored trousers, likely from Vera Wang’s collection.
A Tommy Hilfiger Suit at the TommyNow Fall 2019 Show (September 8, 2019)
Not everyone can pull off head-to-toe animal prints, but Zendaya is surely the exception. The actress was pictured at the TommyNow Fall 2019 fashion show debut in a snakeskin suit and matching boots designed by Tommy Hilfiger.
A Jacquemus Top and Shorts at the 2019 Teen Choice Awards (August 11, 2019)
If you're searching for summer outfit inspiration, look no further than Zendaya’s 2019 Teen Choice Awards look. She wore a breezy yellow and white striped Jacquemus top, a pair of seafoam green shorts, and white pumps.
A Gold Mini Dress at the Fendi Couture Show (July 4, 2019)
While in Rome for the Fendi Couture show, Zendaya was the center of attention in a draped gold mini dress from the Italian luxury house, paired with open-toe metallic heels.
A Custom Armani Set During Haute Couture Fashion Week (July 2, 2019)
During Haute Couture Fashion Week in 2019, Zendaya had all eyes on her custom Armani look, which featured a midriff-baring white button-down top and ankle-length cropped trousers. Sheer tights were layered underneath and paired alongside black sky-high Christian Louboutin pumps.
A Georges Hobeika Dress at the Lanc?me Launch Event (July 2, 2019)
Zendaya stunned in a pink embellished halter gown by Georges Hobeika that revealed a double-split plunging neckline during the Lanc?me launch event, where the brand announced her as the face of their Id?le fragrance.
An Armani Dress at the 'Spider-Man: Far From' Premiere (June 26, 2019)
Any fan of Zendaya knows that theme dressing is in her fashion wheelhouse. For the Spider-Man: Far From Home premiere, the actress was pictured in an open-back sparkly red and black Armani gown, which closely mirrors the colors of Spider-Man's traditional superhero suit.
A Carolina Herrera Look at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (June 25, 2019)
While arriving at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Zendaya looked like a true ray of sunshine in a bright orange Carolina Herrera mini dress, a coordinating headband, and white Louboutin heels.
A Matching Fendi Look While Out in New York City (June 25, 2019)
Years have passed, and yet this look remains iconic. While out and about in New York City, Zendaya wore a cherry-red Fendi pajama-inspired top, skirt, and matching boots from the house’s Resort 2020 collection.
A Peter Do Tunic Dress and Trousers at the Good Morning America Show (June 24, 2019)
With an eye for design, Zendaya appeared on Good Morning America in yet another Peter Do look: a sheer tunic dress and trousers printed with car sketches.
A Peter Do Set at a Photo Call for 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' (June 24, 2019)
In 2019, Zendaya seemed to be partial towards monochromatic dressing. During a photo call for Spider-Man: Far From Home, Zendaya wore a silky all-blue Peter Do set. The LVMH Graduate Prize-winning designer had just launched his namesake label in Spring 2019 after working for the French fashion house Céline.
An Alexandre Vauthier Suiting Look at a Photo Call for 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' (June 17, 2019)
Zendaya took a business casual approach while attending a photocall for Spider-Man: Far From Home in London, England. For the occasion, the actress wowed the crowd in an Alexandre Vauthier checkered blazer, vest, and pants, layered with a white button-down, black scarf, and leather Christian Louboutin heels.
