Before & After Pics Of Vanna White's Gorgeous Evolution Since Her '80s Breakthrough
The '80s gave us many style trends that are just as cool today, but the decade also gifted us with television icon Vanna White (which some may argue is an equally important contribution to society). It's hard to imagine "Wheel of Fortune" without the now-legendary co-host, and over the years, White's amazing style evolution and bubbly personality has cemented her as one of the most well-known TV personalities of all time. Even in 2026, more than 30 years since her 1982 debut on the show, White is still co-hosting and looking gorgeous.
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You can see in the above photos that White is more stunning than ever since her early years on "Wheel of Fortune." The photo on the left was taken in January 1986 and the photo on the right was taken in May 2022. Though perhaps not one of the biggest pop culture style icons with influential fashion, White was still known for her glamorous '80s style. It's incredible to see her now, with sleek hair and more minimal makeup, looking so different, and yet just as gorgeous.
Though White will forever be seen as the stylish letter-turner on "Wheel of Fortune," she was initially just a fan of the show, and had even applied to be a contestant. Thankfully, producers saw larger potential in her, and five year's into the game show's run, White became the new co-host. "Wheel of Fortune" not only brought White great success, it also gave her the chance to expand her sense of style.
Vanna White was responsible for her own style evolution
Known for showcasing an array of gowns that would put a queen's collection to shame, you might assume that Vanna White's dresses were chosen for her — but think again. In a 2018 interview with The Believer, White mentioned that her wardrobe on "Wheel of Fortune" is where she has free reign. "I try on probably forty gowns at one time ... Out of those forty gowns, we pick the top twelve that we're going to wear and I wear them and then they go back to the designer," she explained. Though 12 dresses at a time doesn't sound like a lot, over the course of her career, White has worn more than 8,000 gowns — a seriously impressive number!
The "Wheel of Fortune" star's own fashion sense evolved along with her dresses on the show, and White grew to appreciate unexpected styles. In a 2011 interview with The Television Academy Foundation, she revealed that one of her all-time favorite designers is Carolina Herrera. "She's so versatile — you never know what her style is," she added. However, as much as her gown selection over the years is what made her a TV icon, White is also a fan of keeping things simple and casual at home. In reality, she mostly just gets dressed up for work, which is totally relatable.
Over the years, White's stunning evening gown collection on "Wheel of Fortune" evolved with the times — an important shift, as outdated fashion pieces can make you look so much older. Whether it's her on-screen glam or more subtle off-screen looks, we've had the pleasure of seeing White's personal style shine through from our homes for over 30 years.