The red carpet has long been called the fashion parade — and, for good reason. Not only are celebrities expected to know how to act but we also need a little eye candy when it comes time for premieres. Here are the trendsetters who went from drab to fab over the course of their careers.

THEN: Meghan Markle

WOW: Meghan Markle

THEN: Blake Lively
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants may have been Blake Lively's first run on the red carpet but that doesn't excuse this ill-fitting silky tangerine number that pulls at the hips. Serena van der Woodsen would be ashamed.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Fashion fails: the worst celebrity looks of the month.

WOW: Blake Lively
Since then, Blake has gotten her act together with barely a trace of that shy teenager. A regular on the best dressed list, we love seeing what Blake will come up with next, be it Old Hollywood glamour one week and edgy tough girl the next. Plus, we get endless inspo from Blake Lively's most drool-worthy shoe moments.

THEN: Julia Roberts
She may have won our hearts in Pretty Woman but she wasn't gaining any points with this saggy boob black number. What were you thinking, Julia?

WOW: Julia Roberts
Thankfully time has been good to Julia Roberts and not only has she figured out how to use lace to add some elegance (and modesty) but she also knows how to contain the girls when she's wearing a backless dress. Phew!
RELATED: behind the scenes: amazing celebrity stylists.

THEN: Angelina Jolie
Pale can be beautiful but back in 2000 Angelina Jolie was looking more goth. Paired with that frumpy shawl and some granny shoes, we're shocked the photographers even noticed her on the red carpet at all.

WOW: Angelina Jolie
Not giving up the black--she's been called the "Queen of the LBD"--Angie has finally figured out how to work it. Despite the loose fit, this sheath elegantly wraps around her body hugging just the right amount of curve and the warm colour of her hair helps keeps everything looking light. Plus, she's rocking some of the most expensive jewellery ever now.

THEN: Jennifer Aniston
Just because you play "the girl next door" doesn't mean you have to dress like her! When Jen Aniston first hit the red carpet during her Rachel Green Friends days, we were beyond bored.

WOW: Jennifer Aniston
Though her hair could still use a little more excitement, we're glad Jen discovered she has a hot body worth showing off in things like structured dresses and pointy heels. These days, you won't believe what it costs to look like Jennifer Aniston!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Jennifer Aniston’s style evolution.

THEN: Drew Barrymore
We're pretty sure Drew was only about 14 years old when she strutted down the red carpet arm-in-arm with the mullet-sporting Cory Feldman so we'll excuse her skin tight off-the-shoulder '90s dress. What we can't excuse is that out-of-control hair. Yikes!
Related: See more '90s couples we want to see get back together.

WOW: Drew Barrymore
Thankfully, she has since pulled herself together. Over the years she's experimented with pretty much every colour and hairstyle imaginable. If Drew is anything, it's a red carpet chameleon.

WOW: Drew Barrymore
We're glad she continues to revert back to the blonde bombshell, which is probably one of our favourite Drew looks. Wouldn't you agree?
Read on for more shocking celebrity hair colour transformations.

THEN: Katie Holmes
Understated can be amazing but this blah look from Katie Holmes was more like underwhelming. Forgive us for wanting a little more than Joey Potter once we left the Creek.

WOW: Katie Holmes
Now this is a diva! We're not sure what it was that helped Katie Holmes find her groove but girl sure knows how to make an entrance. From the smoldering eyes to the bouffant hair, this look is a yes, yes, yes!
Learn to dress for success like Katie with these 20 amazing tips from accomplished women.

THEN: Kirsten Dunst
Poor Kirsten Dunst. The actress has always been known for her old school style but unfortunately she went a little too old her first time out with a look that's somewhere between an Art Deco flapper and '80s prom queen.

WOW: Kirsten Dunst
More "inspired by" than literal, her mod silk two-piece and structured waves are perfectly working that '70s vibe without being costumey.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: where the stars really go when they're in Toronto.

THEN: Kristen Stewart
Practically unrecognizable, Kristen Stewart takes "plain Jane" to a whole new level. Though we've got nothing against the all-natural look, the heavy black trench and unflattering haircut is just a snore.

WOW: Kristen Stewart
Amping up the attitude, Kristen has been a real treat to watch on the red carpet since then with a mix of sparkly minis and edgy separates that have us on the edge of our seats waiting to see what she'll put on next.
Related: see the worst Oscar dresses of all time.

THEN: Selena Gomez
Attempting to toughen up that Disney princess look, Selena Gomez doesn't quite cut it with a shrunken denim vest and oversized tee.

WOW: Selena Gomez
Now this is what we're taking about! All grown up and dressed to impress, it's outfits like these that make Selena one to watch on the red carpet.

THEN: Taylor Swift
With curly locks and staple cowboy boots, Taylor Swift was the epitome of classic country queen when she hit the scene in 2006. Yee haw!

WOW: Taylor Swift
Perhaps taking a lesson from Blake Lively, Tay Swift ditched the boots for a pair of Louboutins and smoothed those curls out into sleek waves. This is Old Hollywood glamour 101 .
For more celebrity style inspiration, check out the most expensive accessories that stars love.

WOW: Rihanna
Fast forward to 2013 and we are blown away by this elegant turn. Bad gal RiRi sure knows how to clean up nicely.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 15 simple things stylish women do every day.

THEN: Kelly Osbourne
When you've got a dad like Ozzy Osbourne it's understandable that you would experiment with hair dye and costumey clothing but Kelly Osbourne has got it all wrong here. Not only is this dress incredibly unflattering but her black hair makes her look harsh instead of edgy.
See more: the most uncomfortable outfits spotted on the stars.

WOW: Kelly Osbourne
Though she's still rocking tulle and a coloured 'do, Kelly discovered that A-line dresses showcase her body shape best and dusty lavender is surprisingly flattering to her skin tone.

THEN: Nicole Richie
It may have been The Simple Life but this was far from a simple look for Nicole Richie. We have no words for the way she paired this super casual outfit with a satin Chanel purse, beret and Robin's egg blue pointy toes. Shudder.

WOW: Nicole Richie
It's incredible to see what a good haircut can do. All cleaned up, Nicole owns the red carpet in flattering separates with an attitude to match.