JLo has been in the spotlight for quite a while — and she managed to rock practically ever trend ever throughout the course of her career. From that plunging Versace to cargo capris and fur, see how her style has morphed throughout the years.
She definitely has come a long way from her Jenny on the block days! Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the divine diva, there’s one thing you can’t take away from her — and that’s her willingness to embrace any and every trend ever. Hey, Jennifer Lopez has been rocking crop tops since before they came back in style — and there’s a whole lot more variety where that came from.
Jennifer Lopez Old Pictures: The Early Years
Our first photo takes us back to 1996, when a young Jennifer attended the 25th Annual Nosotros Golden Eagle Awards sporting crazy curls, a cropped, tied sweater and a small handbag. Sure, JLo’s look is quite questionable but hey, let’s blame it on the late 90s.
Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Selena’ Style — A Star Is Born:
Jennifer’s major role was in the film Selena, and for the premiere the star stunned in a sparkling gown that enhanced her shoulders. We’re pleasantly surprised to see that she learned to tame her tresses and pulled her hair back, keeping the focus on that gorgeous face. She clearly had an affinity for accessorizing from early on, which is evident on the red carpet as she was gingerly draped in a blue fur and satin stole.
Jennifer Lopez’s Infamous Versace Dress:
After Jennifer emerged in that plunging sheer Versace dress it was evident that the red carpet hasn’t, and never will, be the same again. Although she just looked at the dress and shrugged, (oh, this little old thing?), everyone else could not stop staring. The plunging neckline extended below her belly button and the fabric was essentially held together by a brooch — and yet she avoided a wardrobe malfunction and looked absolutely amazing. I have always had an irrational affinity for Jennifer Lopez with Puff Daddy, (Jen+Puffy4Ever). Now, looking back, I think half of it is based on the fact that they were dating when she stepped out in this iconic ensemble.
Jennifer Lopez Embraces Florals, Get Bangs & Gets Married — Just In Time For The Grammys:
We all know girls who like to change their look after they go through an emotional breakup — and Jen did just that and then took it one step further. A new look, bangs, and a quick marriage seem to be just the trick for getting over an ex, (or at least in Jen’s book in 2002 it was).
It was obvious the star wasn’t going to be able to recreate that major moment in 2000, so instead she swapped the plunging neckline for a leggy look. Jen attended an afterparty with her husband Cris Judd — and by now it’s obvious that her taste in men seems to have evolved as quickly as her taste in trends. On this occasion, the star selected a blue ensemble that put her toned legs on full display. While her figure and her new bangs looked amazing, the embroidered flowers and the knee-high boots are what really threw us off — but hey, it’s just a sign of the times…and in 2002 she definitely ‘werked’ that red carpet in her outfit!
The Bennifer Period:
Oh, the Bennifer phase. Jen and Ben were the first celeb couple to get their very own nickname. What could be better than one mega-star, you ask? Two mega stars. In a RELATIONSHIP. It’s a true sign that the stars have aligned in Hollywood to create one major superpower — and clearly Jen’s style was perfectly on point during this time, when it was impossible for her to go anywhere without someone snapping a photo.
While JLo was with Ben Affleck she had already developed a knack for stealing the spotlight in sexy looks on the red carpet, which is clearly evident in the gallery above. Plunging necklines are JLo’s best friend — but it only foreshadowed what was yet to come. While Jennifer dated Ben she continued to stay ahead of the fashion pack, donning everything from chiffon gowns to fur.
A Dark Moment In 2004:
Silly fans, don’t be fooled by the rocks that she’s got! She’s still Jenny from the block — and she couldn’t have found a better outfit to display that lyric if she tried. When Jen goes through a breakup she really likes to redefine her sense of style — and unfortunately it didn’t work out on this occasion. Her relationship with Ben went through a few on-again, off-again phases before the couple finally called it quits — and the stress of her personal life clearly took a toll on her closet. While I really loved the majority of Jen’s looks, (even if they all are in rightfully in red-carpet-retirement), I can’t say the same for this outfit. The hat, the low-rise capris, the clear-and-wooden heel combo, the sequin bolero jacket, OH AND THE SIDE PONYTAIL — oh my. Hey, some people stress eat — and I guess others punish themselves in other ways. Let’s move on and leave 2004 in the past, (where it belongs).
The ‘I-Only-Party-On-Yachts-With-Roberto-Cavalli’ Phase:
I could not be happier to see that JLo decided to leave the capris at home and instead embraced the true diva-off-duty look — a wide-brimmed hat and a flowing caftan. The star, who was hanging with designer Roberto Cavalli, can do diva-glam in her sleep — and this ensemble is true proof of that.
Jennifer Lopez: The Later Years:
Although no one can rock a nude embellished catsuit and a plunging neckline quite like Jennifer, sometimes she likes to surprise us — and that’s exactly what she did in 2011, when she embraced a softer, more feminine look. While I love how she always keeps us on our toes, JLo definitely looks her best when a backless silhouette, a plunging neckline or a thigh-high slit is involved.
Speaking of thigh-high slits, rocking a leggy look has definitely become one of her signatures — and that’s just what she did at the 2013 Grammys. While nothing will ever be as epic as her plunging Versace, she still knows how to make a statement.
Today, Jennifer is praised as a divine diva, a major trendsetter, and an international superstar — and none of that would have been possible if she hadn’t gone through all of these very interesting phases of her life!
Browse our gallery above and let us know which trend you think suited Jennifer best.
Katrina Mitzeliotis
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