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Winona Ryder's Style Evolution Through the Years

Inky-black gowns, headbands, velvet, and more.

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25th annual american film institute afi lifetime achievement award salute to martin scorsesepinterest
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Winona Ryder is in a league of her own. The Hollywood actress, who broke into the film industry over three decades ago, has starred in a laundry list of iconic movies including Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Dracula, and Girl, Interrupted. She often plays characters with a gothic edge, a daring style she also embraces in real life. For instance, Ryder has become known for her inky black tresses (remember her fringe bangs and pixie cut from the ’90s and early 2000s?), dark gowns, and tons of lace and velvet. Not to mention, she’s also one of the few people who can pull off wearing a headband on the red carpet.

All in all, the Oscar-nominated actress has worn countless amazing looks, which is why we rounded up some of our favorites. From her early beginnings of donning bold maxi dresses with oversized blazers to her more recent fashion choices featuring unexpected details and sculptural tailoring (hello, Christian Dior Haute Couture dress suit), here’s a look at Ryder’s style evolution through the years.

1

1987

ron galella archive file photos
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Ryder kept it cozy and casual for the Amazing Chuck and Grace premiere. The look she went for included a printed maxi dress and an oversized gray wool overcoat. In addition, her fringe bangs added the perfect amount of edge.

2

1988

the 45th annual golden globe awards
Ron Galella//Getty Images

The actress smiled alongside actor Rob Lowe at the Golden Globe Awards in a red velvet dress matched with a boxy black blazer. Her red lipstick and small beaded necklace were nice touches to the elegant ensemble.

3

1989

31st annual grammy awards after party at chasen's
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Ryder has always been the queen of street style. She’s pictured here with the Beastie Boys’ Ad-Rock wearing a slouchy light pink sweater, dark wash jeans, and a simple black flap handbag.

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4

1989

fourth annual independent spirit awards
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Ryder proved less is more when she arrived at the Independent Film Spirit Awards in a simple white dress with a flouncy pleated skirt. And, yes, that’s Keanu Reeves beside her.

5

1989

winona ryder
Vinnie Zuffante//Getty Images

The actress donned a sleek and structural blazer dress paired with sheer tights for the premiere of Batman.

6

1989

winona ryder on set for debbie gibson is pregnant with my two headed love child the music video
Kevin.Mazur//Getty Images

For a 1989 music video titled “Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child,” Ryder was put in a silky bridal gown complete with veil.

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7

1990

edward scissorhands los angeles premiere
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Ryder posed with her Edward Scissorhands co-star in a black leather trench coat layered over sheer black stockings. She styled the all-black sartorial statement with a dark red lip and a chic black bob.

8

1992

world premiere of bram stroker's dracula
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

You can always count on Ryder to wear something innovative or unexpected to the red carpet. She was at the Dracula premiere wearing a ruffled two-piece skirt set in a soothing dark blue hue. The outfit had a specific Victorian-era feel to it.

9

1993

the age of innocence new york city premiere
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

She attended the Age of Innocence red carpet in another vampy look. This one included a deep purple velvet dress with a simple choker and minimal makeup.

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10

1994

66th annual academy awards
Ron Galella//Getty Images

How amazing is this fringed gown she wore to the 1994 Oscars?

11

1994

ron galella archive file photos 2011
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

She sported more velvet at the premiere of Little Women. This time, it consisted of a hip-length velveteen jacket layered over a voluminous black skirt.

12

1996

7th annual fire and ice ball to benefit revlon ucla women cancer center
Jim Smeal//Getty Images

Ryder looked like she stepped right out of an old Hollywood movie when she showed up to the Fire and Ice Ball in a timeless black gown with an exquisitely designed neckline and fitted waist.

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13

1996

artist's rights foundation honors martin scorsese with 1996 john huston award
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

She rocked a similar look at an event in Los Angeles. Ryder paired a gown with oversized pearl and diamond earrings and a slicked-back updo.

14

1996

the 68th annual academy awards
Jim Smeal//Getty Images

For the Academy Awards, she went with a flapper-esque ensemble that consisted of a sequined chiffon beige dress with a matching stole. Her wavy hair and satin pouch handbag made things look extra romantic.

15

1997

25th annual american film institute afi lifetime achievement award salute to martin scorsese
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Here, Ryder wore a Barbie pink satin gown with a chiffon shawl, statement-making diamond earrings, and a rose pink envelope clutch.

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16

1997

the 69th annual academy awards arrivals
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The actress can never say no to a head-turning lace look. This dress featured a ruffled see-through collar and a sparkly skirt.

17

1998

51st cannes film festival
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

The Cannes Film Festival always has fantastic looks, like this sequined getup Ryder wore with shiny silver sandals and a bedazzled hair accessory.

18

1998

51st cannes film festival
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Here’s Ryder in another excellent Cannes Film Festival ensemble comprised of a purple gown matched with a chiffon stole, a layer of necklaces, and a beaded handbag.

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19

1998

premiere of smoke signals
Ron Galella//Getty Images

For the premiere of Smoke Signals, the actress stepped out in a pretty periwinkle dress with a high neckline and slightly ruffled hem.

20

1998

1998 mtv video music award arrivals
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

She wore an all-black look for the 1998 MTV Music Video Awards. It featured a sleeveless top, satin pants, and square-framed sunglasses. Her platform flip-flops and sweater tied around her waist gave her an effortlessly cool vibe.

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Brittany Natale
Freelance Writer

Brittany is a freelance writer based in her hometown of New York City. She writes about everything from fashion and beauty to food and wellness. When she's not writing, she can often be found at her local library, playing with her cats, or exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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