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Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

An ode to Penelope Cruz’s timeless and sophisticated style to mark her 46th birthday

The Spanish actress is a true fashion icon


UPDATED APRIL 30, 2020 2:36 AM EDT

Throughout her extensive 30-year acting career,  Penélope Cruz  has positioned herself as a true Hollywood star. When you come across a film, a photo or an article related to the award-winning actress, you can’t help but admire her beauty and grace, and of course, her ever-so-chic style. The Spanish actress has become a symbol for referencing timeless and sophisticated fabulousness, and it only seems to be getting better with time. It’s no wonder the 46-year-old beauty was tapped by the late Karl Lagerfeld to be a Chanel ambassador in 2018. “It’s such an iconic brand and Karl is a genius, and I’ve been admiring everything he’s done since I was a little girl, so it’s such a pleasure working with him,” she told Women’s Wear Daily at the time.

Whether she’s promoting a new film,  presenting at the Oscars , or stepping out to a charity luncheon,  Javier Bardem ’s wife is the epitome of modern sophistication, and the photos below prove it. Ahead, the photos that celebrate Penélope Cruz’s immaculate style over the years.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Effortless beauty

At 18, Penélope was an example of chic minimalism, and a less is more approach.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Denim days

In 1999, she experimented with a scarf-inspired top, straight-leg jeans, and strappy sandals. Her beauty look was kept natural with the exception of a bold red lip.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Chic in black

The Bandidas actress made a case for a little black dress featuring a single sleeve and paired with a fringe pashmina.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Nautical

Penélope stepped outside her comfort zone with a pair of red silk pants and a striped off-shoulder top. The look was fresh, modern, and effortlessly sexy.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Menswear-inspired

Penélope opted for a menswear-inspired suit for the premiere of ‘Woman On Top.’ Aside from wearing pointed heels, she kept the look feminine by wearing her hair down and loosely waved.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Penelope Cruz style evolution

For the premiere of All the Pretty Horses, the brunette beauty slipped into a chocolatey monochrome ensemble made up of leather pants, a cozy turtleneck, and a matching blazer. The Hollywood star added a classy detail with an olive green fedora hat.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Matchy-matchy

Penélope accompanied her boyfriend at the time, Tom Cruise, to the premiere of Minority Report in 2002. The couple matched in all-black ensembles.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Dotty dress

The Vanilla Sky actress exuded Old Hollywood glamour in a vintage-inspired polka dot dress featuring a sharp sweetheart neckline. The midi number accentuated her tiny waist with a statement bow detail.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Chic n’ tailored

The Hollywood icon showed up in a sharp tuxedo-inspired ensemble for the 10 Annual Hollywood Awards in 2006.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Timeless beauty

The Vicky Cristina Barcelona actress stunned with an Audrey Hepburn-esque look. Penélope donned an elegant black gown and baby bangs to an after-party for a gala presentation in 2006.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Nod to Coco Chanel

Penélope is the definition of modern elegance in this white tweed set from Chanel. The two-piece number which featured black trimming was teamed with a pair of satin heels and an adorable hat.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Timeless approach

During the Cannes Film Festival in 2008, the mom-of-two kept her attire simple yet elevated in a navy dress with deep red trimming and straps. The actress wore color-coordinating peep-toe heels featuring a sparkly brooch – a subtle touch of glamour.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Pretty in florals

In 2012, Penélope stepped out with her husband donning a pink floral dress, classic black heels, and a bright pink clutch. Her dress’ was a classic silhouette, but the bold print added a fun element.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Fasion Week garbs

At a Carolina Herrera show during Fashion Week, the Spanish beauty sat front row wearing a flowy dress with a timeless silhouette and chic peep-toe heels.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Striped out

The movie star gave a fashionable twist to classic jeans and striped sweater combo with a pair of stitched over-the-knee boots and a structured hat. So fab!

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Romantic fits

The award-winning actress dressed to impress in a romantic lace dress with beautiful embroidered details, which she coordinated with a pair of striking red heels.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Gold star

Penélope never ceases to surprise us. Here, she rocked a glitzy gold dress and a shorter due, proving she looks just as beautiful no matter what.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Splash of feathers

Penélope was a vision in a remarkable bejeweled dress with tiered feathers for the premiere of Pain and Glory. How gorgeous is she?

Penelope Cruz style© GettyImages

Retro lady

The Chanel ambassador decked in a signature tweed dress by the luxe French house. We love how she added a retro feel with a pillbox hat and timeless beige heels.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Standout LBD

Never underestimate the power of a little black dress. Penélope’s ruffled number was equal parts romantic and edgy for a Chanel event.

Penelope Cruz style© GettyImages

Bold move

Penélope’s style has gotten bolder over the years, and this Kelly Green jumpsuit adds to our list of favorites. The style icon accessorized with a pair of pristine white heels and a matching shoulder bag.

Penelope Cruz style evolution© GettyImages

Pretty in pink Chanel

Although her style has been more welcoming of color, Penélope’s sartorial choices never stride away from sophisticated and timeless pieces such as this textured Chanel ensemble.