Jennifer Aniston has been setting trends since her early days on Friends, but just as her career has flourished so have her red carpet capabilities. Jennifer has a soft spot for monochrome minimalism and streamlined silhouettes sprinkled with the occasional party mini. Though we appreciate her "black is anything but boring" motto, we prefer to take our Jen with a side of spice. And recently, it seems Jen has taken our opinion into consideration — at least that's what we're telling ourselves — stepping out of the dark and embracing electrifying hues and flirty florals. If the voluminous crimson Valentino Haute Couture strapless Jen worked at 2013 Oscars is any indication of what's to come, we bow down.
In honor of Jennifer's 45th birthday — we can't believe it either! — we're looking back at some of her most ravishing red carpet moments to date.
— Additional reporting by Hannah Weil
Crochet and a bare midriff — plus the famous Rachel cut — at a VH1 event in '95.
While posing with Friends cast mates Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow at the 1996 Golden Globes, Aniston nailed chic minimalist in a cream gown.
Jen went for minimalist separates and chunky heels at the 1997 premiere of Picture Perfect.
Jennifer worked a Cosmo-appropriate black minidress for her August cover party in 1997.
Jen chose a femme floral print for an NYC film premiere in '97.
For the 1998 LA premiere of The Object of My Affection, Aniston chose a red curve-hugging sheath and black handbag.
Proving she has the minimalist game on lock, Jennifer Aniston styled a sophisticated and sleek turtleneck with a slim maxi skirt in 1998.
Her leopard bag popped against her stark white dress at the GLAAD Media Awards in '98.
With faux dreads, a sequined top, and Brad at her side at the 1999 Emmy Awards.
A classic black A-line dress and pointed-toe pumps for the 2000 People's Choice Awards.
Jen had a boho red carpet moment in a halter-style maxi and extralong locks at the SAG Awards in 2000.
Jen and Brad were trés chic in black at Vanity Fair's Oscar party in 2000.
A bared midriff and a ladylike skirt for the Rock Star premiere in 2001.
A pantsuit and another peek at Jen's toned midriff for the 2002 Golden Globes.
Soft and embellished for the 2002 Emmy Awards — the year Jen took home the prize for best actress in a comedy series.
One of our favorites: a black halter-style gown for Jen's Golden Globes win in 2003.
For the 2004 IFP Independent Spirit Awards, Jennifer went cool and chic in crisp white pants and sunnies.
One of the sexiest takes on menswear we've ever seen at the He's Just Not That Into You premiere.
A departure from the usual, Jen chose florals for a Marley & Me photocall in Paris.
With John Mayer at her side in an embellished strapless Valentino at the '09 Oscars.
A metallic, body-con sheath for a special screening of The Break-Up in '06.
Icy blue and impeccably chic in Burberry for the London premiere of Marley & Me in March 2009.
Classic chic in a pencil skirt and knit top while promoting The Bounty Hunter.
A short gray sheath and tights made for monochromatic perfection at a film screening in '09.
Posed to perfection in a sequin and satin Valentino LBD at the Madrid premiere of The Bounty Hunter.
Jen tempered her glittering ultramini Valentino with a tuxedo blazer for The Bounty Hunter's London premiere in March 2010.
A sparkly Valentino sheath for the LA premiere of Love Happens in '09.
Jen turned to a sexy, menswear-inspired outfit again for the People's Choice Awards.
In a style departure, Jen opted to go long in a creamy, Grecian-inspired Donna Karan gown in March 2010.
Brightly hued in a hot pink iridescent Christian Lacroix at the March 2010 Paris premiere of The Bounty Hunter.
For the Hollywood premiere of The Switch, Jennifer was true to form in a leg-revealing, strapless Lanvin.
Aniston worked a sparkling one-shoulder Valentino for an appearance in Mexico in 2010.
A femme, lacy Nina Ricci dress while promoting Horrible Bosses.
Rocking a Balenciaga mini for the Horrible Bosses LA premiere.
Opting for a bright, citrus-hued Vivienne Westwood while promoting her fragrance.
For Elle's 2011 Women in Hollywood tribute, Jennifer opted for a supersexy, sparkly minidress by KaufmanFranco accessorized with strappy Balenciaga heels.
With a fit-and-flare silhouette, a tiered skirt, and all-over floral print, this little Dior number is a definite departure from her typically classic, often black, and usually sexier red carpet routine.
Va-va-Valentino was Aniston's designer of choice for a 2012 cocktail party in Beverly Hills, CA.
Jennifer reprised her signature style in a classic black fit-and-flare dress cinched with a corset leather belt, both by Alexander McQueen, at the We're the Millers premiere in Germany.
Aniston proved the power of the LWG — long white gown — wowing in Burberry and a studded Valentino clutch in June 2012.
Sticking with her traditional monochrome palette by topping a Christian Dior bustier with black shorts and pointed pumps in April 2013.
The star veered from her usually tonal looks with this herringbone Tom Ford peplum-detailed dress in February 2013.
When Jennifer stepped out for the 2013 Oscars in this crimson strapless Valentino Haute Couture gown with matching red lizard minaudière by Salvatore Ferragamo, everyone's jaws dropped.
A powder blue Vivienne Westwood asymmetrical frock enhanced Aniston's baby blues during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. Nude pumps and silver drop earrings rounded out her pastel palette.
Jennifer took a walk on the wild side in this elegantly edgy leather Christian Dior fit-and-flare tempered with dainty sandals at the 2013 People's Choice Awards.