Great Outfits in Fashion History: Julia Roberts’ 1999 Sequined Vivienne Tam Dress

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In ‘Great Outfits in Fashion History,’ Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

Julia Roberts‘ red-carpet style is particularly appealing for its boldness and versatility; the actor can pull off everything from a silk gown to a men’s suit. Her look at the London premiere of “Notting Hill” in 1999 exemplifies this well — but it wasn’t her red sequined Vivienne Tam dress that had fans in a tizzy.

Roberts let the mid-length, cap-sleeved, mock-necked style be the star of the show, styling it with minimal accessories (simple black heeled sandals, a black clutch, gold drop earrings). Unbeknownst to her at the time, though, it would be her grooming — or, rather, lack thereof — that caught everyone’s attention.

“I waved, and people saw I had armpit hair. It was a scandal,” Roberts cheekily said in a 2024 video interview with Vogue. “I could scandalize you people right now if I took my jacket off.”

This is a great outfit in fashion history for more than its sheer aesthetic appeal. It was a moment Roberts normalized body hair during a time when it was even more taboo than it is today.

Keep scrolling to shop pieces inspired by Roberts’ glittering ensemble.

Kim Shui Mini Dress, $495, available here

Larroudé Valerie Slingback Sandal In Black Leather, $330 $165, available here

Hanifa Cassandra Knit Dress, $249, available here

Petit Moments Tied Up Earrings, $45, available here

PH5 Iris Flower Asymmetric Sheath Maxi Dress, $485, available here

Kurt Geiger London Party Eagle Drench Clutch, $135, available here

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