From her first beauty pageant at age 14 in Naples, Italy to today, Sophia Loren has known the power of a good look. After that decisive moment in her early teens (she was crowned “Miss Elegance” at the 1950 Miss Italia pageant), Loren has graced the public with an undeniable sense of style both on and off the red carpet. We’ve seen her as the sultry Epifania Parerga in The Millionairess, take home Oscar and BAFTA Awards in Two Women, and of course, dazzle in custom couture at the Cannes Film Festival.
Throughout it all, Loren has become synonymous with not only the carefree, La Dolce Vita style but also the classic glamour of ‘50s and ‘60s Hollywood. On red carpets, the Italian historically favors statement-making ballgowns trimmed with dozens of crystals and sequins but isn’t afraid to opt for more casual styles like a-line dresses and chic suit sets. She’s been a muse to some of fashion’s most revered names—Cristóbal Balenciaga, Emilio Schuberth, Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani—and is one of the most recognizable film stars to have graced the screen. Here, a look back at the Italian screen goddess’s best style moments throughout the decades.
Loren dazzled in a sequined number for the opening gala of the 2021 Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
For the 2019 Governors Awards, the Italian kept things simple with a plunging velvet dress.
Loren returned to her former Cannes ways when she wore this red chiffon set to attend a photocall in 2014.
The actress took home the Lifetime Award at the 2007 Rome Film Festival wearing a statement black gown trimmed with layers of crystals.
The awards black gown became something of a signature throughout Loren’s career—here, she sported one for a 2003 Giorgio Armani event in Beverly Hills.
After appearing on Larry King Live in 1995, Loren departed the New York studio in a chic two-piece suit set complete with flashes of gold jewelry.
Loren packed on the sparkle for the 1993 Academy Awards in this dramatic gown and pants combination.
While on set in 1987, the actress traded her glitzy gowns for a rather relaxed look.
The star went home with the World Film Favorite Special Award during the 1977 Golden Globes while sporting this fringe, metallic gown.
Loren mastered ‘60s airport style with a patterned overcoat, clear sunglasses, and a textured top hat.
Loren stepped out to the New York premiere of Dr. Zhivago in a sultry mini dress and fur coat.
The actress, fittingly, looked like a million bucks while filming The Millionairess in 1960.
As Epifania Parerga, Loren stunned in a corset, opera gloves, and wide-brimmed hat in the 1960 film, The Millionairess.
While in New York, the actress went rather simple in a plaid a-line dress.
You could always count on Loren to make a statement on the red carpet, like here, when she wore a taffeta ball gown and fur stole to the 1958 premiere of The Key.
Loren captured the spirit of the ‘50s look in this Christian Dior “New Line” dress and leather pumps.
In one of her first of many appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, the film star stole the show in a dramatic white gown, black gloves, and a statement necklace.
Loren looked every bit of her bombshell self during a press conference in 1955.
While she’s most known for her standout style, you could always count on Loren to nail even the most casual of looks.
Loren truly looked like a Royal in this tiered, ruffled gown and diamond tiara in 1954.
At age 16, a fresh faced Loren posed for a headshot while sporting her soon-to-be famous flipped hairstyle.
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