Nicole Kidman Has Had A Head-Turning Style Evolution

Ever since she had her Hollywood breakout in the early '90s, Nicole Kidman's stunning fashion choices have shaped her image as a style icon. Even though Kidman was mostly known for classic and timeless fashion, over the years in the spotlight, the Australian actor explored more unexpected and bold looks. In fact, Kidman gave us some of her most memorable style moments in her 40s and 50s, proving that fashion knows no age. And while there have been some Nicole Kidman outfits that were total flops, the truth is that there is no fashionista without a clothing mistake or two.

Speaking about her favorite Academy Award gowns, Kidman revealed to Vogue in 2023 that they all hold a special place in her heart. "For many of my past looks, I was fortunate to collaborate with some of the greatest artists in fashion — Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Nicolas Ghesquière, and Mr. Armani — and it always takes my breath away when you're working with [them], and you see how they create in person," she said. "It's the highest honor to be their muse for the night!" In the mid 2020s, it became clear that the "Nine Perfect Strangers" actor is all about having fun. In fact, Nicole Kidman is in her Princess Diana 'single era,' and it's a masterful screw you to Keith Urban, her ex-husband. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves, as the '90s also had plenty of stunning Nicole Kidman outfits to offer.

Nicole Kidman entered the acting scene in Hollywood in the early '90s, and thanks to a major blockbuster and a high-profile boyfriend, the Australian quickly became a well-known industry name. Speaking of her international breakthrough, Kidman revealed to the Los Angeles Times that it took her some time to adjust to the fame. "I came to the States and did 'Days of Thunder,' married Tom Cruise, and it became a whole different situation ... It was all this attention, overwhelming and strange," she admitted.

At the time, Kidman's style was a fun take on '90s fashion. While the era was known for its grunge and punk elements, Kidman's style was mostly sophisticated with a youthful and fun twist. In 1995, she attended the premiere of "Batman Forever" in a sparkly rhinestone number by Dolce & Gabbana, a dress that instantaneously put her at the center of attention. 

Two years later, Kidman walked the red carpet of the 1997 Academy Awards in a mustard yellow satin dress by Dior. Years later, the actor shared that the gown was still one of her favorite fashion choices. "The embroidery on it, and the shape of it –- everything was just so beautiful," Kidman said in the 2024 documentary "In Vogue: The 90s" (via Vogue). While Kidman's style wasn't wild or unexpected, the actor wasn't afraid of experimenting with colors and textures, a style trait that has remained consistent throughout her career. 

The 2000s were an incredibly eventful time in Nicole Kidman's life. Privately, she divorced mega-star Tom Cruise, with whom she has two adopted children, and met her second husband, musician Keith Urban, whom she married in 2006. The Aussie's career continued thriving, and hits like "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Hours" solidified her status as a Hollywood staple. "She's not a wallflower, but she can be very shy," Kidman's friend, actor Naomi Watts, told Elle in 2008. "By nature she's someone who isn't instantly the most comfortable person in the room, but she fights that." Some of Kidman's shyness is also reflected in her fashion choices, which can be daring, but never too over-the-top.

Y2K fashion was known for maximalist patterns, bold colors, and having fun with your wardrobe. While Kidman didn't necessarily hop onto each trend of the time, the Hollywood star embraced the parts she liked. Kidman continued serving us stunning and sophisticated fashion, usually ensuring that her red carpet choices were timeless. 

In 2003, Kidman won her first Academy Award in a delicate black gown by Jean Paul Gaultier with intricate shoulder straps. "The fact that she became my first haute couture client was very exciting, but it was also a compliment for me, as I think she has great style," the designer told the Herald Sun in 2014. "When in 2003 she asked to wear a dress to the Oscars, I was delighted." Two years later, Kidman stunned at the Golden Globes in a fun teal gown by Gucci. The most memorable part of it was undeniably the peacock feather, showcasing that even though the Aussie loves a classic piece, she isn't afraid of an unexpected detail, as long as it doesn't overwhelm the look.

The late 2000s and early 2010s brought personal changes to Nicole Kidman's life, as the actor and her husband welcomed two daughters. With that, Kidman's career slowed down slightly, but not for long. Focusing on her family, Kidman admitted that being in the spotlight still wasn't something she was very used to. "I find standing and posing for photos very awkward," Kidman told Harper's Bazaar in 2015 (via People). However, the Aussies' red carpet photos always turned out incredible.

In 2012, Kidman stunned at the Golden Globe Awards in a Versace gown that perfectly highlighted the actor's toned physique. The gray satin material was bedazzled with gold details, and Kidman kept her accessories simple to let the gown have its moment. Speaking to E! News in 2015, Kidman shared that she admired the art of fashion design. "I think it's so hard and I bow down to designers," the "Cold Mountain" star said. "You've been cutting things up and I don't even know how to sew." 

Kidman added that her 2006 wedding gown by Balenciaga was her favorite dress. "It's the most exquisite dress and it is so beautiful ... It is wrapped in special paper and it will be passed on to whichever daughter wants to wear it." The Hollywood star added that she keeps plenty of her outfits. "I still have so many of my dresses. I treat them as you would a painting because that's what they are — they're just in a different form," she added. In 2015, Kidman walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in an ethereal blue and silver princess gown by Armani Privé.

In 2017, Nicole Kidman opened up about the role fashion plays in her life. "There are dreams attached to fashion. When it's presented in a way where you go [gasp], it just makes you feel good," Kidman told InStyle (via Vanity Fair). "It allows me to express what I'm feeling, as in, I want to wear that because that's actually my rebellion right now. Or that's my way of fitting in. Or it's my way of saying no. Or it's my way of saying I'm different." In 2017, Kidman turned 50, and with the decade came even bolder and braver fashion choices.

The Hollywood star showcased her fashion boldness at the 2018 Academy Awards in an avant-garde royal blue gown by Armani Privé. "I wore an Armani Privé dress, and I have to say they really take care of the details, like how to make a giant bow sit," Kidman explained to Harper's Bazaar, adding that even though it had a corset and big bow, the piece was still "unbelievably comfortable."

In 2023, Kidman showed up to the Academy Awards once again in a design by Armani Privé. This time it was a black gown with bold flower detailing. "I adore Mr. Armani and the whole Armani family," Kidman told Vogue in 2023. "I loved the architecture of the dress this year and the simplicity. The flowers were all hand-embroidered and exquisitely made." While Kidman remained loyal to sophisticated and classic looks over the years, in the late 2010s and early 2020s, the "Big Little Lies" star explored more daring fashion, going for pieces we simply can't imagine her choosing in the '90s or the aughts.

In 2025, the Hollywood star went through a separation, one that surprised many. However, Nicole Kidman was never the same after her Keith Urban divorce, and the changes that it brought also showed up in her fashion choices. In fact, Nicole Kidman's revenge outfit at Paris Fashion Week is one of her most iconic looks yet. Speaking about what fashion means to her, Kidman revealed to Vogue that it changes. "Sometimes it's armor," she said in 2024. "Sometimes it's playful, sometimes it's sexy. It just depends on my mood. Sometimes it's androgynous, sometimes it's kind of, screw you."

In 2026, Kidman wowed at the Chanel fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in a black dress with feathery detailing. In 2025, the Hollywood star was named the brand's ambassador, and she gushed about the collaboration to WWD. "As someone who has such an appreciation for haute couture, I am so looking forward to witnessing Matthieu [Blazy]'s vision for the oldest haute couture house still in operation and having the opportunity to wear what I know will be gorgeous creations," Kidman explained. And as the Australian actor is slowly approaching her 60s, we can't wait to see the fashion she has in store for us.