Nicole Richie’s Decades-Long Style Transformation Isn’t So ‘Simple’

Nicole looked elegant for Saint Laurent’s Paris show in an olive gown green dress and matching heels.

The designer matched with her husband in all-black to attend the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars bash.

Nicole’s Schiaparelli mini dress was blinged-out with a bejeweled eye along the neckline.

She went with a feathered cocktail dress and chandelier earrings for a 2019 gala.

Nicole’s white Grecian gown was marked by a bold strip of black fabric.

Nicole’s more refined style, and looks like this off-the-shoulder gown, really started to take shape once she exited reality television.

With purple hair and a crushed velvet and sheer gown, Nicole went bold for the 2014 Met ball.

Power shoulders, croc-embossed fabric, and classic pumps at a 2013 Grammy party.

Nicole’s version of “Punk,” the 2013 Met Gala dress code, involved gray hair, a bold lip, and this embroidered long-sleeve dress.

The actress rocked some cut-out sleeves with blonde Hollywood waves in 2011.

She might be known for her ashy blonde ‘do, but Nicole did rather well with black hair at the 2010 Met Gala.

Nicole brought a very 2000s sweater and a bright pop of canary yellow to Marc Jacobs’s 2006 runway show.

Richie’s chin-length curls paired nicely with this metal mesh dress.

She might have been at a Marc Jacobs event, but Nicole carried the accessory of the 2000s on her arm: a Balenciaga city bag.

Nicole’s sequined and lace gown that she wore to the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscars party was one of her more high-glam looks at the time.

A statement necklace down to her waist, a ruffled skirt, and a John Galliano-era Dior purse. It doesn’t get more 2004 than that.

Nicole and Paris put on these coordinating fairy dresses to attend a The Simple Life 2 party in 2004.

At the time, Nicole’s signature mini dresses were mixed in with more casual looks like this blue jeans, black Uggs, and “going out” top combination.

Nicole, with piece-y black and blonde hair, added “something blue” to her 2003 Billboard Music Awards look.

Nicole always knew cowboy boots were a thing, even back in 2003 when she wore them with a high-sheen cut-out dress, Boho earrings, and a Louis Vuitton pochette bag.

A double denim moment during a 2001 night out with Paris.

While she remained out of the spotlight for most of her childhood, Nicole was quickly thrust into the spotlight with The Simple Life and looks like this patriotic chainmail top.

Nicole, then just four years old, with mom and dad in 1985.