How Lily James Morphed Into a Real-Life Red Carpet Princess
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If you only know Lily James as the irreverent yet adorable Lady Rose on Downton Abbey, then you're going to see a whole new side of her when the latest iteration of Cinderella opens in theaters on March 13. In it, she transforms from rags to riches at the sweep of her fairy godmother's wand. And in real life, Lily underwent a similar story — going from girl-next-door brunette to glamorous blond bombshell on the red carpet . . . in just a few years. Keep reading to see more images of Lily's makeover.
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May 2012, Fast Girls Photocall at Cannes
Lily appeared like the opposite of Lady Rose with this all-American beach-babe beauty look.
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June 2012, Fast Girls Premiere in London
Here's a full look at Lily's long brunette locks and naturally wavy hair texture.
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November 2012, Lacoste Party in London
See a zoomed-in look at Lily’s dewy, rosy cheeks and undone cool-girl hair.
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December 2012, English National Ballet Christmas Party
Lily gave us a dose of the glamour to come with this poppy red lip.
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January 2013, InStyle Best of British Talent Party
From rags to riches? Not quite. But Lily certainly did seem like a real girl with her casual updo and makeup.
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April 2013, Laurence Olivier Awards
We finally saw a glimpse of Lily as Cinderella in this romantic, wedding-like gown and beauty look.
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February 2013, EE British Academy Film Awards
And poof! It was like a fairy godmother waved her wand to make Lily’s updo and makeup go from semichic to on fleek!
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July 2013, Emporio Armani Summer Garden Live
Soft sideswept waves and pink lipstick gave us another glimpse of Lily's dreamy beauty to come.
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April 2014, Battersea Power Station Annual Party
A brond-haired Lily showed off natural roots, thick brows, and lush lashes.
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June 2014, Glamour Women of the Year Awards
Though we're now used to seeing her with retro waves, Lily looked like a bombshell with sleek Kardashian strands matched with glossy pink lips.
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February 2015, Glamour Women of the Year Awards
Again, Lily proved she can do wavy or straight strands and look drop-dead gorgeous.
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March 2015, Cinema Society and Stuart Weitzman Screening of Cinderella
A half-up 'do showed off Lily's brushed-up brows and cheekbones.
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March 2015, World Premiere of Cinderella
Finally! Lily walked the red carpet decked out like a fairy princess. The good news? She won't change back at midnight.
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March 2015, Toronto Premiere of Cinderella
Lily stepped out in Toronto with her waves pulled back in a bobby-pin-flaunting style.