Pop culture

15 Young Pictures of Julia Roberts That Prove Her Starpower

On the Pretty Woman star's 56th birthday, revisit these young pictures from the early days of Julia Roberts' iconic career.

Published 10.28.2022 by Natalie Frantz
young julia roberts in a grey suit holding a gold statuette
All photos via Getty Images.

Young photos of Julia Roberts from the most iconic moments in her career make it clear why she is a star. Known not only for Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, this talented Academy Award winner showed off some of the chicest suiting looks of the 1990s, the likes of which clearly inspired off-duty style popular amongst supermodels like Bella Hadid today. While Roberts may be home celebrating her 56th birthday with her husband and daughter, L'OFFICIEL brings the party here as we take a look at some of her best looks from the early days of her Hollywood career.

1 / 15
Before launching her acting career, Roberts took modeling gigs when she first moved to NYC.
Before launching her acting career, Roberts took modeling gigs when she first moved to NYC.
One of Roberts's first film roles was the late '80s classic "Mystic Pizza."
One of Roberts's first film roles was the late '80s classic "Mystic Pizza."
The role of Shelby in "Steel Magnolias" won Roberts her first Academy Award in 1990.
The role of Shelby in "Steel Magnolias" won Roberts her first Academy Award in 1990.
In an oversized Armani suit that would help define her looks of the '90s, Roberts also won for "Steel Magnolias" at the 1990 Golden Globes.
In an oversized Armani suit that would help define her looks of the '90s, Roberts also won for "Steel Magnolias" at the 1990 Golden Globes.
The actress with her signature grin in her Academy Award-winning 1990 role in "Pretty Woman."
The actress with her signature grin in her Academy Award-winning 1990 role in "Pretty Woman."
As Anna Scott in "Notting Hill," Roberts uttered the famous line, "I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."
As Anna Scott in "Notting Hill," Roberts uttered the famous line, "I'm just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."
Roberts' staple suiting look got an update with this tapered vest.
Roberts' staple suiting look got an update with this tapered vest.
At the 1991 Golden Globes, Roberts took home an award for thenow-classic rom-com "Pretty Woman."
At the 1991 Golden Globes, Roberts took home an award for thenow-classic rom-com "Pretty Woman."
The actress rocked a red skirt suit in the 1991 film "Dying Young."
The actress rocked a red skirt suit in the 1991 film "Dying Young."
Straying from suiting, Roberts was photographed in a more casual pair of overalls.
Straying from suiting, Roberts was photographed in a more casual pair of overalls.
For the premiere of "Conspiracy Theory" in 1993, Roberts opted for this sexy sheer midi.
For the premiere of "Conspiracy Theory" in 1993, Roberts opted for this sexy sheer midi.
Forever a 1990s queen, Roberts rocks a vest and lace-trimmed blouse with a pair of knee-high boots.
Forever a 1990s queen, Roberts rocks a vest and lace-trimmed blouse with a pair of knee-high boots.
Showing off the skills from her modeling days, Roberts' signature smize is just as powerful as her ear-to-ear grin.
Showing off the skills from her modeling days, Roberts' signature smize is just as powerful as her ear-to-ear grin.
Aside from classic suiting, Roberts's signature look included her boisterous natural curls.
Aside from classic suiting, Roberts's signature look included her boisterous natural curls.
Attending the Screen Actor Guild's Lifetime Achievement Award Salute in honor of Audrey Hepburn, Roberts looked luxe in this velvet piece in 1993.
Attending the Screen Actor Guild's Lifetime Achievement Award Salute in honor of Audrey Hepburn, Roberts looked luxe in this velvet piece in 1993.

Tags

goldenglobesbirthdayacademy awardyoungjuliarobertsprettywoman

Related Articles

person human face clothing apparel hair accessories accessory

Fashion

Look Back at Naomi Campbell's Best '90s Moments

L'OFFICIEL rounds up young images of the supermodel that prove her timelessness.
04.06.2021 by Hannah Amini
tie accessories accessory person human glasses necktie clothing apparel

L'Officiel Art

See Young Karl Lagerfeld in This New York Exhibition

Along with intimate captures of Pat Cleveland, Grace Coddington, and Jerry Hall — through the eyes of late fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez.
01.15.2021 by Dhika Himawan
clothing apparel footwear shoe sleeve person human female

Film & TV

Julia Roberts Talks New Film Wonder and the Importance of Human Connection

L'Officiel caught up with the American icon to discuss her latest project and the perils of social media.
01.14.2021 by Mathilde Berthier

Recommended posts for you

2025 cannes red carpet

Fashion

The Best Red Carpet Looks at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival

From Bella Hadid to Leonardo DiCaprio and Irina Shayk, these stars are lighting up the red carpet of the film festival, despite its new, contentious dress code.

05.13.2025 by L'OFFICIEL USA
bella hadid cannes 2025 hair

Fashion

Bella Hadid Debuts Honey Blonde Hair and Risqué Gown at Cannes, Defiant of New Dress Code

Bella Hadid made a rebellious return to Cannes 2025 with a honey blonde debut and a skin-baring Saint Laurent gown that pushes the limits of the festival’s strict new dress code.

05.13.2025 by Grace Clarke
jeremy-strong-cannes-2025-maroon-outfit

Men's

Jeremy Strong Rocks Yet Another Bucket Hat on Day 1 of Cannes Film Festival

The Succession actor famously loves bucket hats and Loro Piana, and he stuck to his signature style on the first day of Cannes 2025, where he is serving as a juror.

05.13.2025 by Andrea Bossi
taylor swift american music awards 2025

Music

Here's Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Is Dropping a New Album at the 2025 AMAs

The queen of pop music (and Easter eggs) has Swifties convinced a new Taylor's Version is on the horizon. 

05.13.2025 by Grace Clarke
Kim Kardashian in Paris 2025. Getty Images

Pop culture

Kim Kardashian's Trial Style Screams Strength as Her Jewelry Trial Begins in Paris

The reality star and business mogul arrived in Paris to testify against the assailants who robbed her in 2016. 

05.13.2025 by Valerie Soto
l'histoire catherine zeta jones

Fashion

L’HISTOIRE: Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Powder Pink Mugler Gown at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival

The actor attended the premiere of her film Entrapment in the regal ball gown fit for a queen.

05.13.2025 by Maegan Trusty
Cooper Koch for Calvin Klein. Photography Mert Atlas, courtesy of Calvin Klein.

Men's

Cooper Koch Brings the Heat in Calvin Klein Campaign

The Monsters actor is the latest celebrity to star in the brand's prominent campaign highlighting summer essentials. 

05.13.2025 by Valerie Soto
cardi b stefon diggs

Pop culture

Cardi B and Stefon Diggs Make It Official With Courtside Date at Knicks-Celtics Game

After months of low-key sightings and online speculation, Cardi B and NFL star Stefon Diggs stepped out hand-in-hand at a basketball game, marking their first public appearance together.

05.13.2025 by Grace Clarke