Happy 30th birthday, Emma Watson! We chart her style from Potter to perfection
Famed for her acting prowess, charitable endeavours and feminist plight, Emma Watson is one of the UK's greatest exports. When she's not saving the world one UN conference at a time, Emma is also known for providing some major sartorial envy.
From those early red carpet appearances in her Philosopher's Stone days to her more recent red carpet appearances, Emma has always stayed true to herself and her personal style. Lest we forget, this is the girl who single-handedly brought back skirts over trousers.
As her career blossomed, so did her fashion profile. She fronted the Burberry campaign in 2009, collabed with People Tree and Alberta Ferretti, joined Lancôme's illustrious list of brand ambassadors in 2011 and turned out on the world's most prestigious red carpets in haute couture.
As she celebrates her 30th birthday, we've taken a walk down memory lane to see how Emma Watson's style has transformed over her tenure in the spotlight.
Rex Features2001
Taking her first step onto the red carpet at the Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone premiere in London, 11-year-old Emma Watson’s fashion choices - quirky gown and feather boa – are already gaining momentum, though her style would require a little honing in her teen years to earn her red carpet credentials.
Rex Features2001
Cute, no doubt, but Emma’s golden, embellished ensemble and stage-school stance make her look like she’s auditioning for Aladdin. More pantomime than Hollywood heavy-hitter. But she is only 11, and so we applaud her confidence (not to mention fashion-courage).
PA Photos2002
Hitting London’s Leicester Square for the world premiere of the second Harry Potter instalment,The Chamber Of Secrets, Emma sported this pretty lilac gown with cut-away hem and elegant purple sandals. A bejewelled clutch would have made the outfit so much more red carpet savvy, mind.
PA Photos2002
Still in that difficult pre-teen phase, Emma is yet to find her fashion feet in this floral-motif suit, blindingly-gold heels and with uninspired locks.
PA Photos2002
Hitting Hollywood in a boho-esque dress teamed with a brown leather jacket and boots. Not her finest fashion moment but fairly directional for a 12-year-old.
PA Photos2003
Emma’s acting proved a hit at the 2003 Children’s BAFTAs, but her eastern-inspired dress and brown suede boots/coat combo…not so much.
PA Photos2004
Looking every inch a teenager at her first disco in this floral shirt and jeans-tucked-into-boots combo (not to mention a disastrous side-pony) – a 14-year-old Emma is all smiles at the Scooby Doo 2 premiere in London.
Rex Features2004
Now that’s more like it. Just two short months later, Emma looked pretty perfect in her stone-hued frilled frock and cutesy embellished pumps for the New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Liking the side-swept curls too, Em!
PA Photos2005
With her style slowly gaining momentum, the starlet also became the youngest person ever to appear on the cover of Teen Vogue. Flaunting her new fashion credentials, Emma donned a directional headband, elegantly embellished gown and bejewelled pumps for the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
PA Photos2005
Emma looked pleased-as-punch with her Alberta Ferretti slate-blue frock at the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire New York premiere. The actress teamed the grown-up gown, with sheer panelling and full skirt, with a pair of pretty ballet pumps and a simple Alice band.
PA Photos2006
Oh dear. Losing valuable style points at the Empire Awards 2006 – Emma’s ‘I’ve-gone-overboard-in-a-haberdashery’ dress, ugly accessories and slouchy boots do not a red carpet match make.
PA Photos2007
One word: wow! Emma sure turned it around at a charity gala in London. The rising star looked every inch the glamourpuss in this eccentric, totally show-stopping tulle and feather Chanel gown, sensibly teamed with a darling gold clutch, black skyscraper heels and elegantly haphazard hair. Stunning.
PA Photos2007
With her style star rising and rising, Emma wowed yet again at the Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix premiere in London in this Chanel couture dress, matching blue satin heels and simple, yet cool accessories in the shape of this lethal cocktail ring.
PA Photos2007
Continuing her love affair with Chanel (and fuelling rumours she was to become the face of the brand), Emma looked stunning in this white bejewelled frock and silver pumps at the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix premiere in LA.
PA Photos2007
What went wrong? Chanel DIDN’T lend Emma an outfit for the 2007 National Movie Awards in London, and we saw her style crown slip with this ill-fitting and frankly bizarre satin blue shirt-dress. No, no, no!
PA Photos2007
Phew – Chanel remembered her number, and Emma turned up to the fashion powerhouse’s show in London in this all-black, all-chic ensemble with edgy eye makeup and a eye-catching up-do.
PA Photos2008
Goodbye Chanel, hello Burberry! Emma arrived at a London party in this edgy, fawn-hued Burberry Prorsum creation and fierce heels, just a matter of months before the star was announced as the face of the brand.
PA Photos2008
Continuing her reputation as a budding style icon, Emma wowed in this white, flowing Grecian-inspired Alexander McQueen gown at the National Movie Awards. Her shoes, also by McQueen, were especially made by the late designer for the occasion. Guess Emma had begun to make her mark in fashion, then.
PA Photos2008
By now a regular on the fashion scene, Emma’s simple yet chic look – teaming an All Saints leather jacket with ruby red lippy – while front row at Christopher Kane gets the thumbs up from us.
PA Photos2008
Another day, another fashion party… For a Chanel show in Paris, a newly-blonded Emma chose a futuristic - yet appropriately youthful – look in this space-age silver dress and matching jacket, teamed with leggings and heels.
PA Photos2008
Emma flaunted fashion credentials worthy of a red carpet regular twice her age for the Tale Of Despereaux premiere in Hollywood. Her William Tempest midnight blue cocktail dress – with its busier detailing, folded skirt and plunging scoop back is elegant yet edgy.
PA Photos2009
Emma chose this Temperley London floor-length gown, with trademark embroidered neckline, for the 2009 BAFTAs in London and ensured all eyes on her.
PA Photos2009
It's angelic, it's elegant, it's vintage – could this be our favourite red carpet Emma moment ever? The heaven’s may have opened at the Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince premiere in London’s Leicester Square, but even all that torrential rain didn’t stop Emma looking flawless. This Ossie Clark print gown is just perfection.
PA Photos2009
Filming The Late Show with David Letterman in NYC, young Emma gave us serious wardrobe envy working the transparency trend in a directional Christopher Kane tiered dress and Charlotte Olympia black heels with gold platforms. Oh, to get our manicured mitts on her designer contacts…
PA Photos2009
A custom-made, textured, Burberry party dress in dazzling gold, edgy Burberry skyscraper heels, a haphazard up-do and smoky eyes – yes, we LOVE this look!
PA Photos2010
As a guest of Burberry designer Christopher Bailey, fashion’s darling Emma sported this custom-made, white, one-shouldered Burberry gown with an asymmetric ruffles and diamante Burberry heels.
PA Photos2010
To accept the Best Family Film gong for Harry Potter at the National Movie Awards in London, Emma chose this Chanel-esque tweed playsuit from Karl Lagerfeld and über-desirable Christian Louboutin ‘Miss Butterfly’ bow front heels.
PA Photos2010
A Louis Vuitton corset, Christian Louboutin leather boots, a Valentino fringe leather bucket bag - is this the most designer-heavy festival look ever? Jealous, us?!
Bigpicturesphoto.com2010
Once her Harry Potter filming commitments were over, Emma found herself at libery to do whatever she wanted with her locks. And so she did – by chopping them off into this cute, Mia Farrow-esque crop. Here, seen heading for stylish Bungalow 8 in London, the starlet looks oh-so chic with her new ‘do, teamed with a pretty print dress over skinnies and pumps.
PA Photos2010
This velvet one-shouldered dress by Vionnet is quite a departure from Emma’s usual look – but we love that she doesn’t get stuck in a fashion rut.
Rex Features2010
Talk about vamping it up! Emma has a rare moment of risqué as she dons a lace and feather mini dress by Rafael Lopez at the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 premiere.
Rex Features2010
Emma does downtime style as well. On her way into The Late Show With David Letterman, the actress sported a loose jumper and skinny jeans.
PA Photos2010
Emma doesn’t often opt for a minimalist approach to her outfits but this pared-down satin dress by Calvin Klein was a rare exception.
Rex Features2010
Emma might be preppy but she’s not dull – as this rock ‘n’ roll take on the staple Burberry Trench proves. Just check out those studs!
2011
Of course Emma’s unique style meant it was never going to be long before she designed her own brand. Instead of going down the traditional A-List route, Emma worked with ethical brand People Tree to create a collection that was fashionable and fair-trade.
Wenn2011
Emma took the plunge with a racy neckline at the pre-BAFTAs party. But, always mindful of going too far, she balanced the look with some Chanel monochrome cuffs and a slick of red lippy.
Wenn2011
In a leather-sleeved Burberry trench, Emma is sassy and sophisticated.
All Grown Up: The Changing Style of the Harry Potter Stars
PA Photos2011
Never one to miss a trend (or two in fact), Emma rocks embellished shoulders and a Little White Dress by Marchesa at the MTV Movie Awards.
Rex Features2011
On the final Harry Potter promo trail – sob! – Emma kicks things off stylishly in a Rafael Lopez LBD with classic black Chanel pumps.
PA Photos2011
...Then really works some fashion magic at the UK premiere of the film, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, in a fairytale gown by Oscar De La Renta.
Rex Features2011
To speak about the film on The Late Show, Emma opts for ritzy Balmain with slicked-down locks and city-gal wedges. We love!
Rex Features2011
Emma takes a fashion risk for the new York Deathly Hallows premiere, looking to the dark arts of Bottega Veneta to make a dramatic statement.
PA Photos2011
Sweet ‘n’ sassy in signature Alexander McQueen tartan for the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in London.
Rex Features2011
Emma gets her post-Potter career off to quite the fabulous start, starring opposite Michelle Williams in the critically acclaimed My Week With Marilyn. She’s now well-established enough to experiment with grown-up, tailored looks without looking like she’s playing dress up; this elegant Jason Wu two-piece, that she wore for the film’s UK premiere, is pitch-perfect.
Xposurephotos.com2012
We’ll forgive you if you don’t recognise our girl immediately in this shot – the long, lank locks, pearl necklace and dowdy office outfit are a million miles from her usual, chic sartorial stomping ground. But never fear! She isn’t having a style crisis; she is, in fact, on the set of her new film, The Bling Ring, in which she plays a teenage robber responsible for a spate of crimes in Hollywood.
Rex Features2012
Another day, another outfit for The Bling Ring: a glamorous faux fur gilet and superstar shades.
Barcroft Media2012
...Ditto this rather risqué leather biker plus crop top and hot pants.
Come back, chic Emma! All we can say is your premiere dress had better be a good one...
PA Photos2012
Phew. It was actually at another premiere, for Struck By Lightning, that Emma restored our faith in her personal style convictions in this edgy Miu Miu ensemble.
2012
The lesser-spotted, off-duty Emma Watson made a chic addition to the Mulberry pool party VIPs at Coachella – and, elsewhere at the fest, set tongues wagging as she locked lips with new beau Will Adamowicz. That’s the expression of a woman in love if ever we saw one.
Rex Features2012
EW was clearly way ahead of the catwalk on this one. It might be a controversial look, but Emma pulled off a dress with trousers in all black with little else to distract.
Was this a DO or DON'T in your book?
Rex Features2012
Despite her clean-cut image, Emma's never been one to shy away from flesh-baring minis (and why not? she's got the legs for 'em). This backless number had plenty going on, but the actress has balanced out the satin bow with a slick hairstyle.
Rex Features2013
For the premiere of her film in June, Emma wore futuristic separates by Roland Mouret. Her bustier and and trouser ensemble cemented her status as one to watch in the wardrobe department.
PA2013
It's back to Chanel, a firm favourite for Em. Ms Watson made a flared tweed frock look youthful - props!
Getty Images2013
Wow Emma Watson! At the GQ Man Of The Year Awards in London, the actress embraced the midriff-baring trend with this Balenciaga architectural top and loose black trousers.
PA Photos2014
Continuing to push the fashion envelope, she blew the red carpet competition out of the water at the 2014 Golden Globes in this backless dress with trousers ensemble by Dior.
Rex2014
Attending a London party in February of 2014, the budding fashionista opted for this monochromatic design by Giambattista Valli with an oversized bow as the skirt. Emma also pulled her longer locks into a sleek and chic up-do for good measure.
Getty Images2014
At the 2014 Oscars, Emma plumped for a chic and simple Vera Wang piece. And looked absolutely gorgeous, naturally.
Rex Features2014
Umm. We’re kind of speechless. We didn’t think Emma’s Dior outfit at the 2014 Golden Globes could be topped but this Wes Gordon design with drop back detailing is possibly the most amazing Emma has ever looked on the red carpet – and that’s saying something.
Rex Features2014
Despite a more daring design from the back, Emma’s dress is beautifully demure from the front!
Rex Features2014
We’ve long known that Emma Watson is a fashion pro who found her red carpet feet a long time ago, now – but this gorgeous yet-so-oh-so-simple J.Mendel monochrome jumpsuit is just the latest in a long succession of red carpet wins that have cemented Emma as a bit of a style icon despite her tender years.
PA Photos2014
Now in the full swing of the promotional tour for her new flick Noah, Emma Watson's red carpet style is blowing us away on a daily basis at the moment. Having plumped for more directional pieces thus far, this classic black dress looked like quite the departure from her trend-led style...
Rex Features2014
But all was not as it seemed on first appearances because when she turned around, Emma's Oscar de la Renta gown showed a daring - and oh-so-sexy - backless detailing. Go Emma!
PA2014
Could her style get any better during the Noah press tour? (Answer: No) Indeed, at the film's London premiere, Emma wore this - frankly divine - Ralph Lauren Collection one-of-a-kind white silk cady column halter evening dress with Jimmy Choo accessories - naturally!
Rex Features2014
Proving her fashion prowess knows no bounds, Emma Watson showed her sartorial versatility in this super chic travelling outfit which comprised of a beanie hat, Wayfarers, ripped jeans and a lacy top when she snapped arriving at Heathrow. Go Emma!
Getty Images2014
In a departure from her usual style, Emma Watson got in on the crop trend and the leg veil trend with this lacey bandeau and maxi skirt ensemble from Valentino at the label’s Paris Couture Week show.
Hugo Boss2014
UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson attended the HeForShe United Nations campaign launch in New York wearing a smart, chic and sober black midi dress by Hugo Boss in September 2014.
PA Photos2014
The Potter alumnus then changed her outfit for something a little more statement in this gorgeous stone grey dress coat and heels.
PA2014
Another red carpet, another killer and totally fashion forward ensemble from Emma Watson who wore this directional sheer off-the-shoulder white top with a pair of printed tailored trousers to the BAFTA Britannia Awards in LA in October 2014.
Wenn2015
Stepping out on a rare night out in London, Emma Watson dined at the Chiltern Firehouse in a beautiful Saint Laurent silk shirt and floral mini skirt. Gorgeous!
Rex Features2015
At the premiere of Regression in Madrid, Emma stunned in a knitted black top and chiffon skirt by Christopher Kane. She styled the look with a bright lip, gold bracelet cuff and stacked rings.
Getty Images2015
Now this is how to work airport style - a slouchy tee, black skinnies, biker boots and a leather jacket was order of the day at LAX airport in September 2015.
Getty Images2015
Emma wore a gorgeous form-fitting black dress and kept warm by throwing a camel coat over the top.
Rex2015
She wore an oversized shirt with a mandarin collar, flared trousers and Rupert Sanderson court shoes to interview Gloria Steinem for her book club, Our Shared Shelf, in London. very understated.
Getty Images2016
Emma Watson joined NYC's First Lady Chirlane McCray to light the Empire State Building in magenta - the colour of the HeForShe campaign - in a classic white dress with ruffle detailing.
Rex Features2016
Working a classic look of cropped jeans, white shirt and a leather jacket for a stroll around New York.
Rex Features2016
For the White House Correspondents Dinner, Emma Watson wore an Osman AW16 look inspired by poppies. The poppies were hand drawn and painted by Osman and finished off with 3D hand embroidery. Wow.
PA Photos2016
Emma loves a dress-trouser hybrid, as demonstrated at the 2016 Met Gala - a Calvin Klein look made from recycled plastic bottles.
Xposurephotos.com2016
Emma Watson attended the Second Anniversary of #HeforShe in a black and white Stella McCartney dress and Monique Pean jewellery. We've never seen her look chicer.
Getty Images2016
Emma Watson put a Halloween spin on her outfit last night, wearing a Dior dress with embroidered bats and witches on.
Getty Images2016
At the 2016 Museum Of Modern Art Film Benefit, Emma went for an edgier look in a draping velvet dress with a choker and strappy black heels.
Rex Features2017
For the Beauty and the Beast photocall in Paris, Emma made the fashion city proud, stepping out in an edgy Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2017 royal blue dress.
Getty Images2017
We think this might be the best Emma's ever looked - how incredible is this bespoke Emilia Wickstead dress she wore for the UK Beauty and The Beast premiere?
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Emma Watson arrived for the Asian premiere Beauty and The Beast in Shanghai wearing this Elie Saab gown. The nude coloured dress was embellished head-to-toe with crystals and bird designs. Talk about craftsmanship. 😱
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The Beauty and The Beast promo continues, and Emma Watson as gone and given fans exactly what they wanted with a yellow Belle-inspired gown. You know how to tease us, Emma.
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For the New York screening of Beauty and The Beast, Emma wore a black cut-out Givenchy Haute Couture dress. Stunning.
Getty Images2017
What a beauty! At the premiere of The Circle, Emma wore a bardot-top white dress.
PA Photos2017
Emma Watson looked absolutely stunning at the premiere of her new movie 'The Circle', in Paris. The actress stepped out in a billowing Miu Miu dress with floral motif and embellished spaghetti straps.
Getty Images2017
Emma Watson has brought her fashion A-game to Paris, while promoting 'The Circle'. It is the second time in one week that the star has turned heads in yet another amazing ensemble.
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Emma Watson arrives at The BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party in Beverly Hills wearing a trouser suit.
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Emma proved black doesn't need to be boring as she arrived at the Little Women premiere.
Getty Images2020
Emma arrived at the G7 Advisory committee for Equality between women and men at Elysee Palace in a killer green suit and bold yellow heels. Yaaas, girl.
