When you think of Nicole Kidman, her incredible acting career might come into your mind, but what we think about is her always-daring red carpet style. The Australian actress is a legend — both on screen and off. While her award-winning roles in Moulin Rouge, The Hours, Cold Mountain, Lion, and Big Little Lies have solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with, it's her consistent styling excellence on the red carpet that has proven equally formidable.
Nicole is both traditionally glamorous and surprisingly avant-garde in her fashion choices, which makes her a true style chameleon. We love that she never shies away from a jaw-dropping detail, be it an oversize neck bow, a very strong shoulder silhouette, head-to-toe embellishments, or a daring color choice (that chartreuse John Galliano for Dior gown at the 1997 Oscars says it all). And even after almost three decades in the spotlight, she knows how to keep us on our toes. The proof of Nicole's red carpet evolution (and staying power!) is in each and every look on this list.
Nicole Kidman looked stunning in a blue sequined gown with ruffles by Michael Kors Collection at the 2020 SAG Awards, where she reunited with her Big Little Lies costars.
For the 2020 Critics' Choice Awards, she opted for an elegant strapless black gown by Armani Prive that featured a velvet bodice and an embroidered mesh skirt.
She looked gorgeous at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London. She wore a mustard-yellow silk Ralph & Russo gown that perfectly complimented her complexion. The gown featured intricately designed sheer tulle panels that revealed some skin.
Nicole turned heads in her punched-up version of a black pantsuit at the Big Little Lies season two premiere in NYC. Her black Michael Kors Collection Fall 2019 sequin blazer, complete with feathered sleeves, was the perfect complement to her sleek tailored trousers.
The actress stepped out at the Academy of Country Music Awards to support her husband, Keith Urban, in a Christopher Kane dress that didn't hold back on the intrigue. From the lace-covered, deep-V bodice and voluminous lace sleeves to the metallic skirt and sweet lace trim at the hem, it was not your average cocktail dress. She finished the look with black-and-gunmetal Alexandre Birman heels.
For the 2019 Golden Globes, Nicole turned to the '70s for some serious styling inspiration. Just look at her sexy, sequin-covered, merlot Michael Kors Collection gown and apropos disco ball clutch bag.
Nicole struck a chic black-and-white note in this Armani Privé Fall 2018 gown and Moynat bag at the 2019 Critics' Choice Awards. More than the stark color palette, we love that she chose a gown with competing silhouettes: a slim column bodice versus a sculptural flourish in the skirt.
We call this Valentino Spring 2009 look "electric bohemian." The Aussie starlet attended the AACTA Awards in Sydney in a gown as colorful as it was embellished, printed, and romantic — and we love that she leaned into the look even more, thanks to a messy fishtail braid.
Nicole was a vision in a custom gold-sequin Michael Kors Collection gown at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Nicole's electric green Gucci gown — worn at the 2017 SAG Awards — was a lesson in how to wow on the red carpet. What's not to love? The parrot detailing! The structured, strong shoulders! The plunging neckline! All-over sequins! The ruffled, floor-skimming train! It was an unforgettable look, that's for sure.
This pink-and-red Gucci number — rife with special details like ruffled shoulders, statement buttons, a sweet waistbelt, and voluminous three-quarter sleeves — was a unique (and perfect) choice for the CMA Awards in Nashville.
The actress tapped Alexander McQueen to design this celestial crystal-studded gown and coordinating sheer cape for the 2016 Met Gala.
For the 2015 Oscars, Nicole donned head-to-toe Louis Vuitton. While we especially loved the striking effect of the red belt contrasted with the strapless yellow-sequin gown, the white crocodile Petite-Malle clutch and silver heels were chic accents.
Inspired by the Louis Vuitton Resort 2015 collection, this long-sleeved and embellished gown by the design house was a custom look — made just for Nicole — for the Louis Vuitton Monogram celebration at MoMA in NYC.
We love to see unexpected pops of color on the red carpet, and this take in Dior Couture Spring 2013 pastels is just what the Great Gatsby premiere at the Cannes Film Festival needed. The structured strapless bodice and voluminous skirt paired with her coral pink pumps worked perfectly together.
The 2012 Golden Globes got a dose of rocker-chic thanks to Nicole's turn in this sexy, gold-studded Versace look.
Nicole accompanied Keith Urban to the BMI Country Awards in Nashville, donning a one-sleeved, red-and-white printed Stella McCartney Spring 2012 gown with matching red-and-white bow-front heels.
Nicole's 2010 Grammys look was surprisingly demure — she chose a black satin, halter-style Prada gown for the occasion.
From the runway to the red carpet, Nicole wore a look straight from the L'Wren Scott Fall 2009 collection at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. Can you take your eyes off that jaw-dropping, backless silhouette?
The actress stepped out at the Glamour Women of the Year awards in her favorite designer, L'Wren Scott.
At the 2007 Oscars, Nicole matched the red carpet in a stunning Balenciaga halter-style gown. The catch? The oversize bow that tied at the neck and trailed behind her like a superhero cape.
Now, this is how you wear a flashy slipdress. Nicole worked the red carpet at the Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus premiere at the Rome Film Festival in a body-skimming L'Wren lamé dress and dark peep-toe heels.
For Vanity Fair's Tribeca Film Festival party, Nicole's LBD by Azzaro was not your average LBD — just look to the sexy backless detail for proof.
Her gold Dior look at the 2004 Golden Globes struck the right balance between 1920s flapper and shimmery mermaid.
Sparkle and shine made for a great tuxedo upgrade at the Human Stain premiere in NYC.
She dressed the part of Golden Globes winner (she took home best actress for Moulin Rouge) in a black Versace floor-length strapless gown, which highlighted her long legs with its thigh-high slit.
With just a hint of midriff showing, Nicole walked the Mission: Impossible 2 premiere red carpet in a gold-embellished halter top and slim black trousers.
Nicole opted for something a bit more skin-baring in this plum-hued, two-piece halter top and skirt set. A fitting choice for the occasion: it was the premiere of Eyes Wide Shut in Los Angeles.
This chartreuse John Galliano for Dior number will go down as one of our favorite Oscars looks of all time.
At the American Cinematheque Moving Picture Ball, Nicole was ladylike perfection in a cream-colored cocktail dress, floor-length duster coat, mini box bag, and satin pumps.
She paired her sparkly silver strapless dress and matching heels with loose, natural curls at the Batman Forever premiere in Los Angeles.
She channeled her best version of Little House on the Prairie — flowy printed dress, straw sunhat, and braided pigtails — when she appeared alongside then-husband Tom Cruise as he added his hand- and footprints to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Her scoopneck LBD and sheer black tights (as seen at the 1991 Oscars) screamed early '90s.