Julia Roberts Has Worn This Fashion Staple Since the ‘90s—Here’s How She Keeps It Fresh

Admittedly, I’m obsessed with ‘90s minimalism, and while the zeitgeist of today may be tunnel-visioned on Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, I’ll always be loyal to Roberts, who absolutely dominated that decade’s best-dressed lists. And I’m not just talking about her Pretty Woman wardrobe—though I do reference her outfits (post-Rodeo Drive shopping spree) for daily style inspo. Offscreen, the actress continues to dress in the most effortlessly cool ways.

One look that will forever live rent-free in my mind is the long, pinstripe double-breasted blazer that had those sharp shoulder pads and nothing underneath, which she wore in 1991. She styled it with a matching mini skirt and sheer black tights, defying the notion that a red-carpet look can only be dainty gowns. And who could forget *that* oversize gray suit from Giorgio Armani that she wore to the 47th annual Golden Globe Awards, where she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Steel Magnolias? Two words: Outfit goals.

After analyzing some of her recent looks, I noticed that, even after 30-plus years, Roberts always goes back to the one fashion staple: the blazer. Here’s how she’s styling it today.

Roberts is the queen of cool-yet-formal dressing. Take, for example, how she incorporates traditional pieces, like heeled loafers, a dress shirt and an undone bowtie, to add some elevated quirk to a classic blazer and skirt set. The key here is to be unintentional with the styling. Leave the first few buttons undone, drape the bowtie haphazardly under the collar and give your opaque stockings a much-needed break and wear fishnet stockings instead. It’s polished, yet totally carefree and relaxed.

You can never go wrong when you ground your look in neutrals like white and black. A trick I learned from Roberts street style: Pair a white blazer and matching trouser shorts with a contrasting top underneath for an ensemble that’s refined and suitable for the warmer months. Then, mirror that peek of black in an accessory, like your shoes. It’s a stylish outfit with none of the fuss.

While Roberts adores a black blazer, she’s not afraid to take it up a notch with a splash of color and sparkle. As not to overpower the bold choice in accessories, try keeping to a soft pastel color palette like a baby pink or sky blue. Furthermore, let your fitted blazer be the star of the show (next to the bling, of course) and wear matching micro shorts underneath that end just below the hem of your jacket.

The next time you wear a maxi dress, take a page out of Roberts’s book and reach for a cropped blazer. The clipped style will keep the focus on your dress without breaking up the proportions, maintaining that long line and length (whereas a longer blazer can clash against the maxi and make your legs look short and your waist long by cutting you off below the hips). If you notice, Roberts keeps her look uniform by matching the color of her cropped blazer with the shade of her dress.

If I’ve learned anything from Roberts, it’s that I should never be afraid to not just wear the blazer but wear the whole suit. Something that the actress does that I just love is that she’s not afraid to put aside her black pieces and go for brighter options instead. Case in point: the butter yellow blazer and trouser monochromatic set from Lafayette 148 New York that she wore for an appearance in the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The vibrant pairing adds an element of fun and playfulness you don’t normally see in traditional office attire. If you chose to wear a wide-leg trouser, make sure to button your fitted blazer to balance out the silhouette and give some shape to your look.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, then you know that full skirts are trending from Los Angeles to New York to London. And Roberts sets the bar high by styling the pièce de resistance with a blazer fit for a true fashion icon: a slim-fit Dior number. Wearing a head-to-toe Dior Haute Couture ensemble, you can see how chic a tailored blazer that nips in at the waist looks when worn with a voluminous skirt, creating one seamless hourglass line. Keep the distractions at a minimum and forgo base layers underneath, as the bare V-neck will draw the eye towards your face.