Disney-Star to Style Icon: Zendaya’s Style Evolution

A red carpet newbie, but you’d never be able to tell. Rocking black pants and a funky leopard print jacket, Zendaya was all smiles at Variety’s 4th Annual Power of Youth Event at Paramount Studios in 2010.

In a metallic jacket and patent mini skirt, Zendaya was on-trend and trying out a more mature look when she attended the premiere for Justin Bieber: Never Say Never in 2011.

The portrait of a “lady”, Zendaya feels retro-chic in a knee-length tulle skirt, fitted boatneck-style top and ankle-strap pumps. While it’s not our favourite look from the star, we love her willingness to experiment with different styles – and the faux-bob hairstyle was serious commitment to the look.

Looking statuesque, Zendaya stunned in a hold metallic maxi skirt and classic white button-down blouse for a Teen Vogue’s Young Hollywood Party in 2012. This look was chic, on-trend and one we’d wear over and over.

Zendaya nailed her red carpet look at the 2013 American Music Awards, stepping out in an all-white outfit, long, sleek hair and stacked silver bangles.

Attending the Keep A Child Alive's 20th annual Dream Halloween in 2013, Zendaya dressed up as the late Aaliyah. From the hair to the slouchy denim and Tommy Hilfiger, this costume was spot-on – and honestly, not a bad look.

At just 17 and nominated for the YoungStars award that evening, Zendaya, looked more at ease on the red carpet of the BET Awards than most of the stars in attendance that night. Rocking an Emanuel Ungaro creation, Zendaya stepped out in a baby-blue-and-black ensemble. We’re still not sure how she managed to work a baseball cap and bomber jacket in with a floor-length skirt and heels – but there’s no doubting she did.

Looking like she just stepped off the runway for Georgine, Zendaya blew us away when she stepped onto the red carpet for the American Music Awards in 2014. In a gold jacket and pants combo, with a blue halter-style cropped top underneath and voluminous curly hair, Zendaya was easily one of the best-dressed of the evening. The look was bold, chic and another one for the win column.

2014 was a year of amazing style moments for Zendaya – but beyond the glam, it’s outfits like this that really began to cement the star as one to watch. Playful, trendy and on theme with Zendaya’s brand of “effortlessly cool”, this look goes down as one of our favourites.

Who would’ve thought a turtleneck could look so perfect on the red carpet? Zendaya paired this high-neck knit tunic with a sheer, embellished miniskirt overlay and knocked it out of the park at the 2015 premiere for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. If there was any question at this point that Zendaya was playing by her own style rules – and setting major trends – this clinched it.

With a sleek faux-bob hairstyle, bold and bright hues and that killer confidence, Zendaya nailed in in DKNY at the 2015 Kid’s Choice Awards.

After some controversy on the Oscar’s red carpet that same year, where E! host Giuliana Rancic would spark outrage for her ignorant comments about Zendaya’s hair, the star made a point to snub Rancic on the red carpet of the Golden Globes, steering her show-stopping Marchesa gown over to Ryan Seacrest for an interview instead. Whether it’s her fashion – or her politics – Zendaya has made a point of staying true to herself, and, as she told Ryan Seacrest that evening, people seemed to take notice because she’s “real”.

We never thought we’d say this but – the mullet works. Zendaya stole the show at the 2016 Grammy Awards, rocking a full suit and pixie-cut blonde hair, with extensions added to the back for that “mullet” look – a subtle homage to the late, and iconic, David Bowie. The whole look was bold and unapologetic, and we love it.

Rocking a tropical print and vivid colours, Zendaya clearly took a pass on the Met Gala theme of the evening – Comme des Garcons – and did her own damn thing. And naturally, she nailed it.

For the 2017 Australian premiere of The Greatest Showman, Zendaya had jaws dropping as she graced the red carpet in an absolutely stunning Moschino butterfly-themed dress.

So the dress was a bit of a flop, seeming to overwhelm Zendaya’s petite frame at the 2017 InStyle Awards – but we loved her choice of hairstyle for the evening – never missing an opportunity to showcase a wider range of beautiful hairstyles than most celebrities opt for in Hollywood.

We – are – not –worthy! This was a moment. Zendaya slayed in an embellished, nude floor-length gown by Michael Kors. With her hair pulled back and minimal accessories, the star stunned and ensured her place atop best-dressed lists everywhere.

Zendaya was the red-dress emoji IRL at the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards, where she wowed in a floaty and tiered off-the-shoulder red dress.

The Euphoria star channelled modern-day Little Mermaid vibes when she posed for photos in a knockout green grown by Vera Wang and flowing, brownish-red locks. We’re still picking our jaws up off the floor two years later, to be honest…

Serving up something so good, it managed to tide us over through a lack of red carpets in 2020, Zendaya rocked Tom Ford like no one ever has at the Critics Choice Awards. This metallic, futuristic high-fashion robot moment has us daydreaming about what’s to come for the style icon in 2021…