'80s Icon Kim Basinger Has Had Some Stunning Red Carpet Moments

A handful of leading ladies probably come to mind when you think of who dominated the silver screen in the '80s, and no doubt Kim Basinger is among the pack — and if she isn't, she should be. The beauty queen turned model turned actor first broke into the big leagues in 1983 as a Bond girl alongside Sean Connery in "Never Say Never Again" and then sealed that with a kiss and a camera as photojournalist Vicki Vale in "Batman" to close out the decade.  

Befitting a movie star, Basinger has been a regular on the red carpet for awards shows and other buzzy events, and her style is charming and one of a kind. And we've got the pics to prove it. The septuagenarian seems to be a fan of dark colors and neutrals, looks that are strong but playful, and we've seen some ooh-worthy plays on suiting, but not without delightfully feminine touches.

Kim Basinger starred in "I Dreamed of Africa," and when she stepped out for the New York City premiere in April 2000, the Oscar winner reached for a quiet yet impactful eggplant shift dress. The garment was covered in stones of the same hue, arranged to create a striped print. Between the simple silhouette and the luxe-looking embellishments, the look felt classic and elegant. We also love that the striped theme carried down to the stockings, and the choice of the red kitten heel slingbacks. 

Kim Basinger's signature bright blond locks flowed as she walked the red carpet at the Los Angeles, California premiere of "8 Mile" — the much buzzed-about movie starring rapper Eminem — in November 2002. Basinger rocked an all-black look featuring pinstriped slacks, a satiny button-down shirt with lace sleeves, and a classic blazer. She cheekily wrapped a skinny sequin scarf around her neck for a playful touch. And the heavy eyeliner was the perfect way to up the allure even further. 

Clearly, we should be going to Kim Basinger for tips for rocking pinstripes outside of the office. The tailored three-piece navy suit and tie she wore to the New York City screening of "Grudge Match" in December 2013 was formal, no doubt, but definitely nighttime snazzy and plenty whimsical. The slicked back hair really sold it. She's already been a Bond girl, but should we be adding her name to the conversation around who's going to be the next James Bond? 

Basking in the glow of "Batman" glory, Kim Basinger attended the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, California in September 1990. She was rocking a look that perfectly encapsulated that time when the style of the late '80s was morphing into the fashion of the '90s — black spandex bodysuit, headband, and a cute cropped leather biker jacket busy with metal adornments. It's been nearly four decades and she still looks amazing. The secret to Kim Basinger's healthy skin in her '70s may be simpler than you think: lots of water and no caffeine.

A longtime animal rights activist, Kim Basinger joined the Last Chance for Animals' 35th anniversary gala in Beverly Hills in October 2019 dressed cleanly and sporting evidence that a classic white sneaker will never go out of style when worn well. The "Blind Date" star reached for an oversized cream-colored blazer and matching wide-legged trousers. She threw that on over a simple white T-shirt and completed the look with white Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars — a timeless and ageless shoe.

Befitting a Georgia gal, Kim Basinger attended the 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 1998 looking like a total southern belle. She wore a black halter dress with a nipped waist and a voluminous circle skirt. The tea length was beyond darling, as were the little cardigan and black pumps with delicate ankle straps. Later on in the evening, Basinger would win the Best Actress award for "LA Confidential" during the ceremony. Her performance in the crime thriller would also earn her an Oscar.