7 Zendaya red carpet looks that defined modern fashion

The Gothams 34th Annual Film Awards At Cipriani Wall Street On December 2, 2024 In New York City - Source: Getty
The Gothams 34th Annual Film Awards At Cipriani Wall Street On December 2, 2024 In New York City - Source: Getty

By her late twenties, Zendaya was not just a great actress or a former child star — she was a major name in fashion too. Her start was on the Disney Channel, winning over kids with her charm. As she moved to grown-up roles, like in HBO's Euphoria and big movies like The Greatest Showman and Spider-Man, her image started to change.

What came out was not just a top performer but also a brave and open fashion star. Her style evolution has been anything but ordinary, and much of that comes from her long work with stylist Law Roach.

They've made looks that break the norm and often start new trends, always getting all eyes on them at big events like the Met Gala, the Oscars, and fashion shows worldwide. From androgynous suits to high-fashion gowns, her way with style comes from new ideas and show-like flair. She doesn't just put on clothes, she uses them to tell tales. Her outfits aren’t just for show; they convey a mood, a message, and often a deeper story.

Behind that bold look is a way of thinking she's taken on over time: dressing for herself, not for others to nod at. As she once said in a chat, working with Roach helped her discover her true self, encouraging her to shed fears and ignore outside opinions.

This way of being is now a big part of how she shows herself to the world. Whether she's walking a red carpet or simply photographed on the street, Zendaya embodies a kind of sartorial fearlessness that continues to inspire young fans, emerging designers, and seasoned fashion veterans alike.

The Dune star's reach goes past just her own look; she uses her stage to fight set ways and back mix and fairness in fashion. By picking creators from groups often left out and showing off green fashion, she spurs talks on doing right in a field often slammed for being too closed off.

Her gift to mix top style with deep words has set her not just as a trend leader but also as a good guide who uses her fame for good shifts. This thought-out way makes sure she stays seen as a new star who gets that fashion can be a way to show who you are and a means to help society.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. The reader's discretion is advised!


Here are Zendaya’s top 7 red carpet looks of all time

Zendaya's walk on the red carpet is now tied with new ideas, nice looks, and no fear of fashion's wild thoughts. Over time, she has always been one to set new limits, giving out looks that not only catch eyes but also shake up old thoughts of what is cool. From her first days trying out fun, young styles to her latest moves into big fancy wear and new designs, Zendaya's red carpet outfits show her growth, belief, and art.

Her skill to mix old cuts with new turns has made her well-loved and cemented her as a trendsetter for younger fans. Each time she shows up, it's thought out well, working with top style makers and dressers to set up times that stick out long after the event is over.

1) Zendaya at the Met Gala 2025

Zendaya turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, hitting the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style right on. She chose a smart cream suit made by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton. This look had a sharp blazer, vest, tie, broad-leg pants, and came together with a big floppy hat and heels, all fitting the event's "tailored for you" dress rule. Zendaya's sleek bun beneath the hat completed the look with a refined touch.

The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" - Arrivals - Source: Getty
The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" - Arrivals - Source: Getty

The star shone bright in eye-popping Bulgari gems and her well-known 5.02-carat diamond ring from Jessica McCormack, reportedly, given by her partner, Tom Holland. She made her style stand out more with long, bright red nails. This year, she didn't stick with her usual style guide, Law Roach, who went to the event on his own but still helped with her look.

Star makeup artist Ernesto Casillas took hints from '90s top models to make Zendaya's perfect face look, using only Charlotte Tilbury products. He made her lips pop with the Super Nudes Shapewear Lip Cheat Duo in Tan and Big Lip Plumpgasm in Nudegasm Diamonds, and her eyes sparkled with Rock 'n' Kohl liner in Smokey Bronze.

The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" - Arrivals - Source: Getty
The 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" - Arrivals - Source: Getty

He also used colors from the Sensual Sunset set and thick Exagger-Eyes mascara. Zendaya continues to redefine elegance, setting a new standard for fashion and beauty at the Met Gala.

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2) Zendaya at the Met Gala in 2017

Zendaya's looks at the Met Gala have come to be known for bold style moves and true charm. Each year reveals a new chapter in her style journey. One great time was her 2017 Met Gala outfit, which shone as a clear show of skill and sureness. That year, Zendaya wore a bright dress by Dolce & Gabbana.

"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Source: Getty
"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Source: Getty

It stood out with its loud tropical parrot print full of life and color. This cool look made her stand out on the busy museum steps, known for stars. She also had her hair in a big afro style, which fit well with the fun and free feel of the dress.

"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals - Source: Getty
"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals - Source: Getty

The hair and dress matched well, mixing grace with joy. They showed how Zendaya dares to try bold looks while being true to herself. This outfit caught the eye of many and added to the night's mood of art and style love. It locked in Zendaya's name as a style star who keeps changing the game of red carpet style.


3) Zendaya at The Greatest Showman premiere in 2017

Zendaya's rise in the movie world hit a big mark with her part next to Zac Efron in the famous musical film The Greatest Showman. This work not only showed off her wide range as an actress but also put her in the spotlight in Hollywood. At the movie's New York City first show, Zendaya made a big mark, mixing class and cool with her style picks.

"The Greatest Showman" World Premiere - Source: Getty
"The Greatest Showman" World Premiere - Source: Getty

She had on a great strapless dress made by Viktor & Rolf, in deep black and bright red, with a big tulle skirt that added dramatic volume to her silhouette. Her outfit was a top show of Zendaya’s skill to mix old-time charm with a new twist.

She matched her look with a neat, short bob cut and bangs, a strong shift that showed off her new style as both a trendsetter and a big name in showbiz.

"The Greatest Showman" World Premiere - Source: Getty
"The Greatest Showman" World Premiere - Source: Getty

This event showed how much Zendaya has grown, putting a spotlight on her power to draw eyes both on and off screen as she keeps changing her style and who she is in the arts.

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4) Zendaya at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in 2018

At the 2018 GQ Men of the Year Awards, Zendaya showed her love for bright colors and new style, grabbing all eyes with an eye-popping suit that truly showed her bold look. She had on a well-made dress by Ralph & Russo that mixed deep purple and bright yellow satin well, making a great look that was both royal and fun.

GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2018 - Red Carpet Arrivals - Source: Getty
GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2018 - Red Carpet Arrivals - Source: Getty

The dress had a shiny crystal chain mail top, which sparkled with fine work, giving the dress a cool yet neat flair. To add to its charm, a bold high slit gave a feel of flow and sureness, mixing grace with a fresh feel. Zendaya's pick of smooth black pumps was not by luck; they matched well with the gown's big bow and cape-like parts, pulling the whole look together with a neat end.

GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2018 - Red Carpet Arrivals - Source: Getty
GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2018 - Red Carpet Arrivals - Source: Getty

This outfit showed off her sharp eye for strong colors and also marked her skill in mixing old-time charm with new style twists, making her a style star who dares to step out of the line.


5) Zendaya at the Euphoria premiere in 2019

A key moment in Zendaya's bright career was at the big 2019 launch of Euphoria. This event not only showed off her acting skills but also raised her up as a style star. As Vogue pointed out, Zendaya wore a sharp white mini dress made by Nina Ricci that mixed pure looks with fresh style well.

LA Premiere Of HBO's "Euphoria" - Arrivals - Source: Getty
LA Premiere Of HBO's "Euphoria" - Arrivals - Source: Getty

The dress had soft, thin tulle edges that gave a light, dreamy feel to the look, making it pop on the red carpet. She completed the look with minimalist white pumps, maintaining its sleek elegance. Her hair, a smooth, high ponytail with soft, thin bangs, gave a young, fresh feel to her sharp dress, showing how she can rock bold looks.

LA Premiere Of HBO's "Euphoria" - Arrivals - Source: Getty
LA Premiere Of HBO's "Euphoria" - Arrivals - Source: Getty

This look was more than just about style; it stood for Zendaya's rise as a sure star and a leader in fashion, noting a big time when her role in Hollywood started to mix with her growing pull in the fashion scene. The big show and her standout dress set a high bar for how she shows herself, making it clear that Zendaya was moving into a new level of fame that mixes skill, charm, and style well.


6) 93rd Annual Academy Awards in 2021

Zendaya's look at the 2021 Oscars was one to remember, much because of her bright, no-strap neon yellow dress by Valentino that all eyes went to. Yet, it was the amazing set of gems she picked to go with her dress that really took the stage and raised her style up high.

93rd Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
93rd Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

She wore a stunning set of Bulgari Magnifica jewels, with more than 183 carats of shiny yellow diamond. This eye-catching mix had a bold pin and a soft tassel neck piece, both showing the unique shine of yellow diamonds.

This amazing set had a big brooch and a fine tassel collar necklace, each showing off the bright glow of yellow diamonds. With these, she had on a great 30-carat yellow diamond ring that sparkled brilliantly, a sharp emerald-cut diamond ring that brought a hint of old grace, and pear-shaped yellow diamond drop earrings that made her face look lovely.

93rd Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
93rd Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

The whole set of jewelry was worth more than $6 million, showing not just her great style but also the richness and class that came with her on the red carpet. This mix of strong colors and top gems made sure the actress's look stayed in the minds as one of the most posh moments of that night.


7) Zendaya at the Challengers London premiere in 2024

At the London show of Challengers, Zendaya turned heads with a style move that matched the film's tennis vibe. She wore a chic white dress made by Thom Browne, with a neat, pleated skirt that shone with tiny sparkle bits, catching the light as she moved.

"Challengers" UK Premiere - Source: Getty
"Challengers" UK Premiere - Source: Getty

The dress also had a smart tennis racket shape mixed in, linking her outfit to the sport at the core of the film. Her hairstyle added extra class: a long, sleek braid fell neatly down her back, hanging softly down her back. To top off her look, she tied a sharp white ribbon into a bow on the braid, giving a soft, girly touch.

"Challengers" UK Premiere - Source: Getty
"Challengers" UK Premiere - Source: Getty

This thoughtful combination of fashion and thematic detail not only celebrated the premiere's sporty narrative but also showcased Zendaya's unique ability to blend storytelling with high style on the red carpet.


Zendaya’s red carpet appearances consistently showcase her bold creativity and timeless elegance. She can match her look to a movie's theme or set fresh trends with her brave style picks. She keeps showing us what it means to be a style star today.

Every outfit seems picked with care, showing off not just her great style but also her self-assurance and unique self. Over time, she has made a name for herself as a key figure on the red carpet, one whose style moves are as strong and lasting as her acting work.


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Edited by Sezal Srivastava