Harper's Bazaar
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Style Evolution Through the Years
Posted: May 1, 2024 | Last updated: May 1, 2024
Michelle Pfeiffer has frequently demonstrated her amazing sense of style over the years. The Golden Globe-winning actress, who got her start in television in the late 1970s, has played some of the most fashionable film characters out there, from the silk shift dress-clad Elvira Hancock in Scarface to the leather unitard-wearing Catwoman in Batman Returns. And while Pfeiffer’s on-screen looks are unforgettable, the star has proved time and time again that she’s just as fashion-forward off-screen.
From her signature tailored pantsuits to her embroidered red carpet ensembles, we took a closer look at Pfeiffer’s style evolution through the years.
1) 1979: Delta House
In the late ’70s, Pfeiffer starred in the short-lived television series Delta House, a spinoff of the famous 1978 film National Lampoon's Animal House. In this promo shot, the actress wore a striped pastel top with light pink pants.
2) 1980: B.A.D. Cats
Pfeiffer donned a tied-up pink striped shirt and cutoff denim shorts in a shoot for the 1980s television show B.A.D. Cats.
3) 1981: Grease 2 New York Premiere
The Hollywood star looked casual and stylish at the New York premiere of Grease 2. She donned a flowy white skirt, a V-neck black cami, and a draping gray cardigan.
4) 1985: King of David Premiere
Pfeiffer kept the neutral-hued ensembles coming when she attended the King of David premiere in a luxe layered look consisting of an open blazer, belted pleated pants, a plunge-neck cami, and a fringe scarf.
5) 1987: 15th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Award Salute
The actress decided on an all-black 'fit for a late-’80s event. She posed for photos that evening in a belted black knee-length skirt, a matching black top, a buttoned blazer, and a textured hat. Her oversized silver earrings were a perfect accent for the otherwise straightforward look.
6) 1988: Los Angeles Portrait Session
She sported a printed silk blouse for a Los Angeles portrait session in the late '80s.
7) 1988: Married to the Mob Premiere
Pfeiffer held hands with her then-husband Peter Horton at the Beverly Hills premiere of Married to the Mob. The actress decided on a cowl-neck black ensemble and a curly hairstyle for the occasion.
8) 1989: 61st Annual Academy Awards
Pfeiffer rocked a sleek and sophisticated look at the 1989 Academy Awards, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress thanks to her performance in Dangerous Liaisons. The dark red lip, the black suit, the straight, tousled hair—what's not to love?
9) 1989: On the Set of The Russia House
On the set of The Russia House, Pfeiffer wore a navy ensemble accessorized with a simple gold chain necklace and matching earrings. She looked stunning in an uncharacteristic half-up, half-down bouffant hairstyle that tied the look together perfectly.
10) 1990: 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Pfeiffer accepted the prize for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama at the 1990 Golden Globe Awards, where she dressed in a simple yet stunning floor-length black gown with a wide neckline.
11) 1990: 62nd Annual Academy Awards
She donned another knockout gown at the 1990 Academy Awards. Her look consisted of a long-sleeve black dress, a layered pearl necklace, and a ruched metal-accented clutch.
12) 1991: 48th Annual Academy Awards
The actress proved she could master sparkles, too, when she attended the Oscars in a sequined knee-length wrap dress styled with matching gloves and sheer tights.
13) 1992: Frankie and Johnny Los Angeles Premiere
Pfeiffer tossed on one of her tried-and-true classics—a tailored black pantsuit with a crisp white blouse—for the Los Angeles premiere of Frankie and Johnny. She styled the outfit with a statement-making curly updo and eye-catching red lip.
14) 1992: Batman Returns Hollywood Premiere
For the premiere of Batman Returns, she decided on a terracotta-hue spaghetti strap dress accessorized with big beaded earrings. The bright look—which she donned with a sleek, shoulder-length bob—deviated from her usual black-and-white ensembles.
15) 1993: The Age of Innocence New York City Premiere
Pfeiffer paired a velvet beret-style hat with a frilly sweater and a pleated taffeta skirt for the premiere of Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence. She kept her makeup and hair simple that night, wearing a pearly pink lip and a subtle swipe of black eyeliner.
16) 1994: 51st Annual Golden Globe Awards
In another standout style moment at the Globes, the actress wore a cream-colored pantsuit along with a sheer embroidered scarf. Her loose tresses and ivory flats gave the ensemble a luxurious, yet laid-back feel.
17) 1994: 46th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
Pfeiffer once again gave sequins a whirl at the 1994 Primetime Emmy Awards. She waved at onlookers in a glittery V-neck mini dress with strappy metallic purple sandals.
18) 1995: 52nd Annual Golden Globe Awards
Pfeiffer exuded old Hollywood glamour when she arrived at the Golden Globes in a strapless black gown with elbow-length velvet gloves and a pearl choker. One word: gorgeous.
19) 1995: First Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
She's pictured here wearing that same pearl choker with a cool white blazer top, a matching chiffon skirt, and satin pumps at the first-ever SAG Awards. The lavish look is reminiscent of the unforgettable ivory suit she wore in Scarface.
20) 1997: AFI Salute to Martin Scorsese
The actress looked like she waltzed right off of the movie screen at the AFI Salute to Martin Scorsese in 1997. Pfeiffer donned a textured silk dress, an oversized shawl, statement earrings, and a diamond-encrusted necklace.
21) 1997: Fox TCA
Pfeiffer sported an aubergine-hued set for the Fox TCA Awards with a pair of teeny-tiny orange-tinted glasses.
22) 1998: 50th Annual Primetime Emmys
It was back to sparkles for the Primetime Emmys in 1998. Pfeiffer showed up to the red carpet in a bedazzled cami with a floor-grazing sequined skirt. Her small beaded drawstring clutch sealed the deal.
23) 2000: Museum of Television & Radio's 5th Annual Gala
She looked vibrant in a deep pink sheath dress with sand-colored heels at the Museum of Television & Radio's gala. Her loose, wavy hair and coral lipstick gave the ensemble a beachy vibe.
24) 2001: AFI Awards
Pfeiffer proved that a pair of great glasses could instantly transform an outfit when she rocked a pair with this matte satin gold skirt suit.
25) 2001: Out and About
Another day, another pair of fabulous shades. The actress paired a sleek black pair with a pinstriped suit while heading out with her husband, TV writer David E. Kelley.
26) 2002: White Oleander Hollywood Premiere
Pfeiffer kept it chic and simple in a sheer black blouse, white trousers, and gold accessories at the Hollywood premiere of White Oleander, in which Pfieffer starred alongside Robin Wright, Allison Lohman, and Renée Zellweger.
27) 2003: Los Angeles Mission Christmas Party
With a bold tan leather jacket, auburn-tinged shades, and a face-framing haircut, Pfeiffer was camera-ready while enjoying the Los Angeles Mission Christmas Party.
28) 2004: The Fashion Group International's Annual Night of Stars
Pfeiffer struck a pose in a sweet black midi dress accessorized with drop earrings and gold-hued sandals.
29) 2007: Hairspray Photocall
The actress turned to one of her timeless looks—a chic blazer set—for the Hairspray photocall in 2007. Her voluminous hair, peep-toe heels, and warm pink lip gave the ensemble a flirty edge.
30) 2008: 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
The actress donned a strapless knee-length dress for the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2008. Her swept-back hair and minimalist accessories allowed the outfit's sweetheart neckline to shine.
31) 2009: Cheri Screening
Pfeiffer kept it light and lovely at the Cheri screening in a simple white dress with a frilly square-shaped bust. Her rhinestone-encrusted clutch and silver heels provided the perfect details.
32) 2010: White House Correspondents Dinner
Pfeiffer posed on the red carpet in a flouncy black dress with a ruffled hem and oversized front center bow. She styled the look with sky-high platform heels and a layered pearl necklace.
33) 2010: 82nd Annual Academy Awards
The actress donned a crimson one-shoulder Carolina Herrera gown at the 2010 Oscars. The designer dress featured a fabric rosette detail and all-over ruching.
34) 2012: 8th Annual Pink Party
She flashed a smile at the 2012 Pink Party in a sparkly graphic mini dress styled with a long, silver chain necklace and a stack of steel-hued bracelets.
35) 2013: The Family Germany Premiere
Pfeiffer may just be the queen of the blazer—the actress wore a gold-embroidered one with a pair of high-waisted flared trousers at the The Family premiere.
36) 2017: Murder on the Orient Express World Premiere
For the Murder on the Orient Express premiere, the Scarface actress exhibited unabashed elegance in a silver Prada gown with draped sleeves, a plunging neckline, and an empire waist.
37) 2017: The Wizard of Lies New York Premiere
When The Wizard of Lies premiered, Pfeiffer walked the red carpet in a tailored black blazer with matching wide-leg pants. Her wavy sun-kissed tresses, open-toed platforms, and simple clutch gave the ensemble a laid-back vibe.
38) 2018: 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Pfeiffer combined two unexpected pieces—a belted blazer and an embroidered floor-length tulle skirt—for the 2018 Golden Globe Awards.
39) 2019: In New York City
Pfeiffer showed that her street style is top-notch when she was snapped in NYC donning a printed mock neck floral dress, lace-up boots, a fitted blazer, and oversized cat-eye shades.
40) 2019: Fragrance Foundation Awards
The dramatic frilled sleeves, the ruffled shirt details, the sheer fabric—this simple yet statement-making black-and-white outfit is awards show worthy, while still feeling fun and casual too.
41) 2020: G'Day USA
Pfeiffer embraced oversized tailoring and simple accessories—peep the thin silver hoop earrings—during a visit to G'Day USA.
42) 2022: Paramount+ UK Launch
For the Paramount+ UK launch, Pfeiffer wore a puff-sleeve midi dress with all-over ruching and a wrap V-neckline. Her black mesh pointed heels tied the look together.
43) 2023: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania Los Angeles Premiere
Pfeiffer stunned in a clingy, high-neck dress with plenty of gold accessories at the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania premiere.
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