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.

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Effortless beauty

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

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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.

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Chic in black

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Chic n’ tailored

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.