Charlize Theron's Most Memorable Outfits

May 2024 · 5 minute read

From graphic tees to popcorn shirts, the resurgence of trends from decades past has us feeling nostalgic. We've been thinking about former celebrity couples, old TV shows we loved, and the (sometimes questionable) fashion choices that we've made over the past few years.

Perhaps no one knows more about that last bit than Charlize Theron, who, we've realized, mastered every major trend over the past two decades (and slightly beyond). Bubble skirts? She wore 'em. Random mid-section belts? Check. The actress even styled dresses over pants and wore large scarves with tank tops — two combinations that never made much sense, TBH.

Still, Theron managed to make it all look pretty darn good. Take a trip down memory lane by looking at some of the star's best throwback outfits, as we cross our fingers and hope, for our sake, that some of these pieces never make a comeback.

Camis and Pencil Skirts

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A classic 1997 pairing. It worked for the office, casual outings, and, in Theron's case, the red carpet.

Metallic Dresses

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It's true: the actress has been loving metallic designs since 1998. And this one's got a lovely velvet texture to it.

Feather Tops

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We're honestly ready for this not-so-little detail to make a comeback. it added a bit of flair to Theron's 1998 look.

Matching Shawls

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When finding the perfect layer to go with your dress was easy — and included in your purchase. Theron wore this ensemble to the 2000 SAG Awards.

Crocheted Scarves

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Styled with a cami and a printed satin bag, of course.

Matching Scarves

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Like a matching shawl, but slightly different. It's also worth noting that Theron seemed to be a fan of spaghetti straps in the year 2000.

Mesh Tops

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Worn over a white tank top with a thin, studded belt (for some extra edge).

Front-Tie Sweaters

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And knee-length leather skirts! We can't forget about Theron's kitten heels, either, which completed this 2001 ensemble.

Graphic T-Shirts

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These tops always promoted something random like a fake team, a fake band, or, in this case, cheetahs.

Going-Out Tops

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2002's version of a semi-fancy, super sexy look, especially when styled with low-rise jeans and heels.

Ruched Dresses

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These babies were always embellished with some sort of pin to pull it all together. Example: the silver star on Theron's dress, which she wore to a 2004 photo call for the movie Monster.

Micro Minis

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Which Theron wore with a modest black turtleneck because, balance.

Satin Skirts

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Theron's 2004 version fell just below the knee.

Jewel Tones

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And, let's not forget the gold bangle bracelets that were added to this look.

Belting Everything

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The actress proved to be a fan of 2005's mid-section belt trend, wearing one to Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week that year.

Fancy Flats

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A red carpet fashion staple back in 2005.

Button-Up Vests

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We really hope Theron held onto the striped vest that she wore to TRL — this aughts staple recently resurfaced.

Shorts Suits

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The star spiced up her gray set with strappy metallic heels while attending the Melbourne premiere of North Country.

Round-Toe Heels

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In a sand-like color, no less. Bringing us back to 2006!

Oversized Purses

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Sure, Theron was technically at the airport here, but big bags were all the rage back then.

Pencil Skirts

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This work staple became slightly sexier when the star added a sheer, off-the-shoulder top and drop earrings.

Peek-a-Boo Shoulders

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And, whoa — check out that statement-making pendant necklace, too!

Printed Maxi Dresses

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The thick black band signals that this dress is from 2007. Theron wore it to the Venice Film Festival that year.

Bubble Dress

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One of the more questionable trends from the '00s, but Theron pulls off the bubble silhouette rather well. Jellyfishing seems to be its modern-day rendition.

Slouchy Beanies and Booties

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Clearly, this star was onto something at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. While designs have changed a bit, these pieces have since become winter wardrobe staples.

Dresses Over Pants

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It's the best of both worlds, made complete with another mid-section belt!

Ballet Flats

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A casual outfit in 2009: a newsboy cap, long-sleeved tee (with lacy details), jeans, and ballet flats.

Vest Over T-shirts

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Also, take a look at Theron's 2009 gladiator sandals. We're having flashbacks!

Strong Shoulders

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Sure, Lady Gaga helped pioneer this 2009 trend, but Theron was definitely on board.

Gray Skinny Jeans

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The actress strayed from typical blue and black denim in 2010, when she stepped out in a groutfit.

Scarves Worn With T-Shirts

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Did we actually need a scarf? No. Did we all wear them anyway? Yep!

Fedoras

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This hat style may be timeless, but it became a bit more popular in 2012, along with wearing a black blazer with everything.

Metallic Sandals

JB Lacroix

Which wrapped around the ankles and included a big buckle. Summer 2015 in a nutshell.

Denim Shirts

NBC

It's not necessarily the shirt that's a throwback. It's how it's untucked and layered over a white mini skirt.

Fringed Leather Skirts

Anthony Harvey

We'd be lying if we said we didn't immediately run to H&M and buy an affordable option of this trend back in 2015.

Victorian Bow Tops

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Theron nailed 2017's Victorian-inspired trend when she stepped out to promote Fast & Furious 8 in Madrid.

Colorful Suits

Gregg DeGuire

Plus, big, boxy styles ruled 2019.

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