Lauren Conrad got her start starring on reality dramas Laguna Beach and The Hills, but these days the trendsetter's empire has grown. She has a successful lifestyle blog, a massive social media following, and her own clothing line for Kohl's.
Still, one of our favorite aspects of the LA-based fashion icon, who turns 31 today, is her signature style. The California girl favors a mix of relaxed and feminine pieces, and she isn't afraid of a little sparkle or pop of color. From glamorous red carpet gowns to her laid-back day-to-day looks, read on for a refresher on Lauren's romantic signature style.
— Additional reporting by Brittney Stephens and Mandi Villa
She wore all white to debut her fashion line at New York Fashion Week in September 2015.
Lesson from Lauren: all white works for any season.
She put a sophisticated spin on the LBD at an event in 2013.
Lesson from Lauren: you don't need color to stand out from the crowd.
She paired a pale pink dress with a white blazer in February 2015.
Lesson from Lauren: make a minidress work-appropriate by topping with something structured.
She wore an eye-catching yellow maxi dress to the 2015 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.
Lesson from Lauren: when it comes to a bold dress, simplicity is key.
She opted for a flirty floral dress at a fashion event in 2013.
Lesson from Lauren: find your print and keep rocking it.
She paired white jeans with a simple striped tank top.
Lesson from Lauren: choose a structured top for an elevanted spin on jeans and a tee.
Lauren opted for a floral shirt and printed miniskirt at the 2014 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.
Lesson from Lauren: sometimes a skirt and top combo works just as well as a dress.
Lauren was the picture of sexy sophistication at a Malibu Rum event in May — she wore a black collared dress with two thigh-high slits, which she paired with nude sandals and hot-pink lipstick.
Lesson from Lauren: make your monochrome look standout by incorporating a dash of sex appeal — like the perfectly placed slits in Lauren's maxi skirt.
Lauren Conrad arrived at Us Weekly's 2007 Hot Hollywood party in a kelly-green-and-orange embellished mini.
Lesson from Lauren: pair green with orange for an eye-catching color combo.
Conrad sparkled in an embellished silver minidress with matching sandals at the 2007 MTV VMAs in Las Vegas.
Lesson from Lauren: keep your add-ons minimal when wearing a sequined dress.
At the 2008 MTV VMAs, Lauren owned the red carpet in a plunging dual-texture mini and glittery peep-toe pumps.
Lesson from Lauren: juxtapose a sexy mini with a sweet updo for the perfect party balance.
At a 2008 Us Weekly party, the blond stunner wowed in a turquoise paillette creation and patent pumps.
Lesson from Lauren: every girl needs a pair of classic black pumps.
Lauren topped her flirty black minidress with breezy beach waves and a bow headband at the D&G flagship boutique opening in Beverly Hills in 2008.
Lesson from Lauren: turn up the sweetness with a bow accessory.
In 2008, Lauren went bold in a colorful creation at The Hills season four finale in NYC. Though we love her embellished mini, her faux bob is what really caught our eye.
Lesson from Lauren: instantly freshen up your go-to pieces with an unexpected hairdo.
Lauren cinched her breezy printed maxidress with a thin leather belt at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards.
Lesson from Lauren: a colorful maxi is a welcome change from standard minis.
LC opted for edgy glamour, topping her sequined dress with a leather bomber jacket at the Late Show With David Letterman in 2009.
Lesson from Lauren: don't be afraid to pair unconventional textures, as they create the coolest combos.
LC posed in a printed Lela Rose mini while sitting front row at the designer's show during New York Fashion Week in 2009.
Lesson from Lauren: accentuate your dress's embellishments with coordinating nail polish.
At the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, LC went goth glam in a ruffled rose-print Moschino dress and lace-up leather sandals.
Lesson from Lauren: swap your pretty party style for a punk-chic look — don't forget the dark red lip.
LC sparkled in this green sequined Alice + Olivia minidress in 2009.
Lesson from Lauren: for an updated party look, swap your basic black sequins for a gem hue.
LC went for a grown-up look for an Avon event in 2009, wearing a curve-hugging Hervé Léger dress and YSL Tribute pumps.
Lesson from Lauren: a red lip and coordinating nail polish oozes ladylike sophistication.
Lauren hit the town in polka dots and liquid leather in 2009 — we love the bright blue clutch!
Lesson from Lauren: sometimes it's all about the accessories.
Lauren looked sweet and business casual at a Lucky event in 2009.
Lesson from Lauren: a crisp blazer will refine any look.
LC channeled '40s-inspired chic for the VH1 Save the Music Gala in 2010 — she wore a gorgeous, low-cut blue Topshop dress and deep red lipstick.
Lesson from Lauren: it's not only about the dress when channeling Old Hollywood glamour — take it up a notch with a chic chignon.
While out and about in NYC, Conrad worked a bright yellow coat, complete with ruffle detail.
Lesson from Lauren: never underestimate the power of a statement coat.
Lauren looked red hot in body-conscious Hervé Léger for her book party in 2010.
Lesson from Lauren: a sexy silhouette in a look-at-me hue always makes a statement.
She wore a short-sleeved, draped blue BCBG Max Azria dress for a book signing in 2010.
Lesson from Lauren: pairing blue with black is no longer off limits.
Promoting her book in a psychedelic-print Nanette Lepore dress in 2010.
Lesson from Lauren: balance bold prints with streamlined shoes.
For the finale party of The Hills in 2010, Lauren wore a long-sleeved, printed Mandalay dress with nude pumps from Aldo.
Lesson from Lauren: give your printed mini a playful touch with a no-fuss ponytail.
Lovely in a white lace Marchesa dress for a book signing in 2010.
Lesson from Lauren: white lace is always welcome.
Donning a tan dress cinched with a yellow belt for an NYC event in 2010.
Lesson from Lauren: tan and yellow fuse well together.
For Teen Vogue's Young Hollywood party in 2010, Lauren sported an olive green Myne blouse tucked into high-waisted black shorts.
Lesson from Lauren: give your minidresses a rest and try a structured blouse and high-waisted shorts.
Sleek and sophisticated in a blue kimono top and scalloped shorts for an event in 2010.
Lesson from Lauren: play with proportions — a draping top and fitted shorts.
We're loving Lauren's cool 3.1 Phillip Lim high-waisted shorts.
Lesson from Lauren: cinch your high-waisted shorts to accentuate your fit figure.
At a 2012 book signing, Lauren posed in a watercolor maxi dress.
Lesson from Lauren: cinch your flowing dresses to create a sexier silhouette.
For the CoverGirl 50th Anniversary party in 2011, Lauren looked pretty and sophisticated in a nude silk wrap dress and Jimmy Choo heels.
Lesson from Lauren: monochrome is anything but boring.
For a Hollywood event in 2011, Lauren went edgy-cool in a pair of black leather Current/Elliott pants with a white blazer and drapey top from her Paper Crown collection.
Lesson from Lauren: leather pants inject rock-chic edge to any ensemble.
Lauren celebrated her 25th birthday in a bronze sequined Farah Khan frock and pretty ballerina bun.
Lesson from Lauren: sequins are a birthday essential.
Sweet, girlie florals for an Alice + Olivia launch party in 2011.
Lesson from Lauren: you're never too old to play dress-up (check out Lauren's Grecian headband).
Lauren sported a pretty cream-colored BCBG Max Azria paillette frock for an event in 2011.
Lesson from Lauren: don't be afraid to mix textures.
For the InStyle Golden Globes afterparty in 2012, LC wore a navy blue Paper Crown dress with strappy Jimmy Choo sandals.
Lesson from Lauren: every girl needs a LND — little navy dress — in her closet.
Lauren celebrated her 26th birthday in a bold blue sequined Alice + Olivia dress in 2012.
Lesson from Lauren: you'll be dance floor ready at any party with a sky-high ponytail.
Lauren took New York Fashion Week by storm in September 2012 wearing a slew of feminine floral looks — she paired this gorgeous Badgley Mischka dress with a ballet bun and red lipstick.
Lesson from Lauren: a floral sheath, nude pumps, and slick top knot are a winning combo.
Lauren attended Jenny Packham's Spring 2013 runway show in a flirty dress by the designer, which she paired with nude Christian Louboutin pumps.
Lesson from Lauren: coordinating your bag and shoes is no longer a fashion faux pas.
Lauren hopped on the leather dress train in a knee-length Johanna Johnson dress in 2012.
Lesson from Lauren: a leather fit-and-flare is equal parts edgy and feminine.
Lauren exited the NBC Studios in an aztec-print Tibi blouse and peach chiffon skirt in 2012.
Lesson from Lauren: double-up on pastels for a feminine combo.
For a ShoeMint event in 2012, Lauren wore a cream-colored lace dress with her beloved nude Christian Louboutins.
Lesson from Lauren: get a double dose of sweetness with a lace mini and bow belt.
On a 2012 promotional book tour, Lauren chose an orange Harlyn fit-and-flare to greet fans and sign copies in Bal Harbour, FL.
Lesson from Lauren: embrace Summer with an orange fit-n-flare.
Lauren was all smiles in a mixed-print Rebecca Minkoff maxi for NYFW Spring 2013.
Lesson from Lauren: black, white, and red is a trendy triple threat.
LC opted for a quirky printed Kate Spade fit-and-flare at the designer's Spring 2013 presentation during NYFW.
Lesson from Lauren: don't be afraid to capitalize on your love of cheeky prints.
Lauren Conrad got back to basics with a textured floral dress by Lela Rose and nude platform pumps at a book signing in NYC.
Lesson from Lauren: accentuate your gorgeous gams with leg-lengthening pumps.
Lauren rocked a crisp white-on-white ensemble (and a hot-pink ponytail) for a book signing in 2012.
Lesson from Lauren: white on white is crisp, clean, and chic.
Lauren showed off a sweet, sophisticated Topshop and Paper Crown pairing for a party in Beverly Hills in 2012.
Lesson from Lauren: a draping maxi skirt evokes elegance.
In 2012, Lauren exuded retro glamour in a black and white gown, red lip, and cascading curls, complete with jeweled hair pin, at the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Designs For the Cure Gala.
Lesson from Lauren: colorblocking is always a hit.
Lauren wore a bright yellow Yoana Baraschi party dress for a book signing at Barnes & Noble in 2012.
Lesson from Lauren: no need to over-accessorize a gorgeous dress.
We love Lauren's fun take on holiday dressing — she wore this Lot78 sweater with leather leggings and pumps in 2012.
Lesson from Lauren: aim to be fashionable and festive.
Lauren made an LA outing look completely chic in 2012 — she styled a cheetah-print from C. Wonder with black skinny jeans and flats.
Lesson from Lauren: a pop of leopard is paramount.
Lauren took in a day of errands in 2013, looking cute and enjoying the warm LA weather in a MINKPINK shirtdress and Christian Louboutin heels.
Lesson from Lauren: give structure to a printed shirtdress with a thin belt.
Lauren looked ravishing in a red cotton minidress and tan wedges for an outdoor Miami event in 2013.
Lesson from Lauren: when in Miami, do as the Miamians do — go for the bold.
For a Miami runway show in March, Lauren went Old Hollywood. She wore a black halter-style gown from Camilla and Marc, which she paired with red lipstick and '40s-style waves.
Lesson from Lauren: switch your classic LBD for a long black dress.
Lauren wore a strapless gown from her own Paper Crown collection on the red carpet at the Unbridled Eve Gala ahead of the Kentucky Derby in May.
Lesson from Lauren: bows can be sweet and sophisticated.
Lauren went all out for the Kentucky Derby in 2013, staying true to the dress code in a tan sheath dress from her Paper Crown collection. She paired the look with nude heels from her LC For Kohl's line, as well as a Derby-appropriate oversize hat.
Lesson from Lauren: embrace the occasion while staying true to your signature style.
Conrad was high tea ready in a blossoming Paper Crown holiday collection sheath for the launch of her BlueAvocado XO(eco) collection in September 2013.
Lesson from Lauren: lend a playful touch to your sophisticated sheath with a high ponytail.