Kate Beckinsale's best looks, from sweeping ruffled gowns to glam trouser suits

Look no further than Kate Beckinsale's best looks for a lesson on making a stylish entrance...

Kate Beckinsale's best looks
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There’s a princess-like quality to Kate Beckinsale’s best looks. While few of us might find ourselves on a red carpet as frequently as the actress, we can still be inspired by her penchant for full-on Hollywood glamour, which has only intensified throughout her time in the spotlight - from dramatic ruffling and swathes of sequins to eye-catching colours and adventurous accessories.

Beckinsale is known for her acting versatility, having starred in everything from action films to rom-coms and period dramas. The star made her movie debut in Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing while still studying at Oxford University. After that, she appeared in the likes of Prince of Jutland, Cold Comfort Farm and Emma during the 1990s, and was cast in Pearl Harbor, Serendipity and Van Helsing in the early 2000s.

The actress - who shares one daughter with former partner Michael Sheen - then went on to appear in Total Recall, Love & Friendship and The Only Living Boy In New York during the 2010s. She has also dabbled in TV, starring in several series including Underworld, The Widow and Guilty Party - going behind the camera to serve as an executive producer on the latter.

Given her glittering on-screen career, Beckinsale has stepped out at numerous premieres and awards ceremonies over the years, displaying with confidence her distinct sense of style. The A-lister isn’t afraid to don gowns with sheer detailing, plunging necklines and daring hemlines, however, she is also a fan of a more demure look - with classic floor-length gowns and slinky tailoring. She’ll often let her dress do the talking, and simply finish off her evening wear with an elegant updo and diamonds. 

Kate Beckinsale's best looks

From owning the red carpet in show-stopping gowns to proving the power of a daring cut-out detail, Kate Beckinsale always puts her own spin on the latest fashion trends

1. The all-black Jimmy Kimmel look

Kate Beckinsale is seen at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on August 01, 2017 in Los Angeles, California

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Beckinsale looked sharp in an all-black ensemble as she arrived at the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios in Los Angeles in 2017. The star paired a black top, featuring puff organza sleeves and a peplum hemline, with a pair of skin-tight trousers. She accessorised with big sunglasses, a tote bag and classic pointed-toe heels.

2. The sparkly red Oscars gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California

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All eyes were on Beckinsale as she shimmered her way into the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills. The actress shone in a sparkly red gown by Zuhair Murad, which featured a criss-cross neckline, cut-out detailing and a small train. She kept her make-up look simple - with a dramatic smokey eye - and styled her locks in a bouncy blow-dry.

3. The white Wimbledon midi dress

Kate Beckinsale at the Wimbledon Championships on the Gentleman's Final on July 14, 2019 in Wimbledon, England

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Wondering what to wear to Wimbledon? Look no further than Beckinsale for inspiration. The actress was the epitome of elegance while attending the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London in 2019 in a white lacy short-sleeved midi dress, by Dolce & Gabbana, that featured a small peplum hem. She accessorised with a sleek ponytail and floral patterned heels.

4. The shimmery fringed black and gold gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the amfAR Gala Venezia 2023 during the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 03, 2023 in Venice, Italy

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There was no missing Beckinsale at the Venice International Film Festival in 2023. The actress wore a sheer black and gold gown by Georges Chakra, which featured eye-catching fringed detailing on the cuffs of its wide sleeves and hemline. She finished off the look with gold earrings and platform gold heels.

5. The structured purple Cannes gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the amfAR Cannes Gala 2023 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 25, 2023 in Cap d'Antibes, France

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Beckinsale stunned in purple at the amfAR Cannes Gala 2023 in Cap d'Antibes, France. Her short-sleeved Tony Ward Couture gown featured a hint of sparkle and dramatic ruffling throughout. She added further glamour with a pair of statement diamond earrings.

6. The sparkly Zuhair Murad jumpsuit

Kate Beckinsale attends the 31st Annual Producers Guild Awards at Hollywood Palladium on January 18, 2020 in Los Angeles, California

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We love an elegant jumpsuit, and Beckinsale dazzled in a sparkly nude number at the Annual Producers Guild Awards in Los Angeles in 2020. The Zuhair Murad design featured a plunging neckline and cut-out sleeves. She finished off the look with glossy locks and dewy make-up.

7. The sheer white Golden Globes dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the InStyle And Warner Bros. Golden Globes After Party 2019 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California

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Beckinsale looked radiant in white at a Golden Globes afterparty in Beverly Hills in 2019. The star’s strapless Georges Chakra gown featured pretty ruffling and elegant sheer panels. She accessorised with a nude lip and wavy hair.

8. The black and silver Oscars gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California

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Making quite the entrance, Beckinsale attended the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party wearing a Tony Ward number. Looking like an award herself, her look comprised of a sparkly black dress - featuring an asymmetric neckline and sheer panelling - and a silver opera cape. She accessorised with a sleek updo and drop-down diamond earrings.

9. The black Cannes gown

Kate Beckinsale attends Chopard ART Evening at the Martinez on May 23, 2023 in Cannes, France

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Beckinsale stunned in a sweeping black gown at a Chopard event in Cannes in 2023. Her strapless dress, by Sophie Couture, featured a voluminous embroidered skirt. She finished off the look with an elegant up-do, glory makeup and silver drop-down oval earrings.

10. The ruffled white midi dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the Vanity Fair and Lancôme Women in Hollywood celebration at Soho House on February 06, 2020 in West Hollywood, California

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At a joint Vanity Fair and Lancôme event for Women in Hollywood in 2020, Beckinsale oozed Hollywood glam in a sophisticated one-shouldered minidress. Her frock, by Solace London, featured a dramatic ruffled neckline and an elegant peplum hemline. She accessorised with a pair of strappy white heels.

11. The sparkly Giambattista Valli mini dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California

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Beckinsale turned heads at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills. The star wowed in a sparkly strapless mini-dress by Giambattista Valli, which featured a ruffled skirt and dramatic floor-length train. She completed the look with wavy locks and a pair of black strappy heels.

12. The magenta Paris Fashion Week mini dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall Winter 2022 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 06, 2022 in Paris, France

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We love magenta-hued eveningwear, and Beckinsale stunned in the eye-catching purple shade while attending the Elie Saab show during Paris Fashion Week in 2022. The frock featured statement ruffled sleeves and a plunging neckline, and she finished off the head-turning look with a clutch bag and velvet open-toed heels in a matching colour.

13. The silver Julian McDonald dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the National Film Awards 2022 at Porchester Hall on July 04, 2022 in London, England

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Beckinsale wowed at the National Film Awards 2022 in London in a striking silver dress with sparkly detailing. The sleek long-sleeved Julian McDonald design featured a plunging neckline, daring front split and gathering at the waist. She finished off the look with a pair of drop-down earrings, a sparkly silver clutch bag and metallic open-toed heels.

14. The black leather midi dress

Kate Beckinsale attends W Magazine Celebrates Its 'Best Performances' Portfolio and the Golden Globes with Audi and Giorgio Armani Beauty at Chateau Marmont on January 4, 2019 in Los Angeles, California

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While Beckinsale may have a penchant for pretty frocks, she is a fan of an edgier look from time to time. The actress wowed in a strapless black leather form-fitting midi dress at a W magazine party in Los Angeles in 2019. She accessorised with a black clutch bag and black strappy heels.

15. The white Self-Portrait mini dress

Kate Beckinsale attends The Hollywood Reporter's Women In Entertainment Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel on December 07, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California

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Beckinsale put a stylish foot forward at The Hollywood Reporter's Women In Entertainment Gala in Beverly Hills in 2023. The star looked chic in a white Self-Portrait long-sleeved mini dress, which featured a v-neckline and pretty bow detailing. She accessorised with a pair of sky-high metallic platform heels and frankly, even looking at them makes us feel dizzy...

16. The sheer black gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 27, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There was no missing Beckinsale at Vanity Fair’s afterparty for the Oscars in 2022. The actress wowed in a sparkly black Zuhair Murad dress, which featured a sheer skirt and sleeves. She finished off the glamorous look with her hair in a high ponytail and a pair of silver drop-down earrings.

17. The risqué white gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the launch of the new Aston Martin DB12 at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France on May 24, 2023

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Beckinsale looked every bit the Hollywood star at an event in Cap d'Antibes, France in 2023. The star stunned in a white one-sleeved gown, which featured sparky silver detailing, elegant cut-outs around the midriff and a side thigh split. She finished off the stunning look with a high ponytail and silver drop-down earrings. 

18. The shimmery Julien Macdonald gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the Fashion Trust US Awards at Goya Studios on March 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

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At the Fashion Trust US Awards in Los Angeles in 2023, Beckinsale opted for a striking silver gown by Julien Macdonald. The shimmering dress featured elegant sheer and sparkly detailing, as well as dramatic 1980s-style angular shoulders. She kept the rest of her look simple with a smokey eye - an easy make-up look for evening - and minimal silver jewellery.

19. The bright orange dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the Warner Bros. premiere of "The Suicide Squad" at Regency Village Theatre on August 02, 2021 in Los Angeles, California

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A perfect example of dopamine dressing, Beckinsale stood out in a citrus hue at the premiere of The Suicide Squad in Los Angeles in 2021. The star’s bright orange dress - designed by Rasario - featured a high neck and puff sleeves. Her hair was styled into a wavy blow dry and she finished off the look with a pair of strappy heels.

20. The dramatic black gown

Kate Beckinsale attends Sean Combs 50th Birthday Bash presented by Ciroc Vodka on December 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California

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We love a classic black gown, and Beckinsale proved that the shade is still the most stylish of all at Sean Combs’ 50th birthday party in Los Angeles in 2019. The Georges Chakra design featured a plunging neckline, sheer lacy detailing on the skirt and a dramatic train. She finished off the look with a high ponytail and glowy make-up.

21. The white Jenny Packham gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the 24th British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate on December 05, 2021 in London, England

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Beckinsale looked every bit the leading lady at the British Independent Film Awards in London in 2021. The white Jenny Packham caped dress featured long silver sleeves, and she accessorised with an elegant up-do, diamond drop-down earrings and a black clutch bag with silver bow detailing.

22. The green Cannes dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the "La Passion De Dodin Bouffant" red carpet during the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 24, 2023 in Cannes, France

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It's not a look we'll rush to copy, but it's definitely a showstopper. Beckinsale turned heads on the red carpet at Cannes in 2023 in a sweeping mint green long-sleeved gown. The stunning Zuhair Murad dress featured sheer and sparkly detailing, as well as an opening at the front and a statement bow on one hip. She finished off the look with glowy make-up and an elegant updo.

23. The silver Vivienne Westwood gown

Kate Beckinsale arrives at the 14th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards With Presenting Sponsor Lacoste held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on February 21, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California

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Beckinsale was a vision at the Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills in 2012. The actress stunned in a silver off-shoulder Vivienne Westwood gown, which featured a corseted bodice, artful draping and a small train. She finished off the look with her hair styled into an elegant chignon and silver oval earrings.

24. The bright pink dress

Kate Beckinsale attends the "Prisoner's Daughter" Premiere during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 14, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario

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The dress Beckinsale wore to attend the premiere of Prisoner’s Daughter at the Toronto International Film Festival is giving us serious Barbiecore vibes. Her bubblegum pink strapless frock, designed by Bach Mai, featured a voluminous skirt and high-low hemline. She accessorised with open-toed black heels and toughened up the girly look with long black leather gloves.

25. The sleek red suit

Kate Beckinsale at the Roger Vivier Holiday Dinner on December 6, 2023 in Pacific Palisades, California

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Beckinsale exuded elegance at the Roger Vivier Holiday Dinner in Pacific Palisades, California in 2023. The actress looked stylish in a silky red trouser suit, comprising of a tuxedo-style blazer - worn beneath a bralette in the same shade - and a pair of wide-legged trousers. She accessorised with a matching red clutch bag and red platform heels.

26. The black Golden Globes gown

Kate Beckinsale attends 19th Annual Post-Golden Globes Party hosted by Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 7, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California

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All eyes were on Beckinsale at a Golden Globes afterparty in Beverly Hills in 2018. The star’s black Alex Perry gown featured a plunging neckline, sparkly puff sleeves and a small train. She accessorised with a high ponytail and silver drop-down earrings.

27. The sheer New York Fashion Week gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the Bach Mai fashion show during New York Fashion Week - September 2023 on September 12, 2023 in New York City

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Beckinsale commanded attention at the Bach Mai show during New York Fashion Week in 2023. Her strapless gown featured a sheer white A-line silhouette and an eye-catching ruffled hemline. She finished off the statement look with a high ponytail and glowy make-up.

28. The printed Julien Macdonald gown

Kate Beckinsale attends the GQ Men of the Year awards at the Tate Modern on September 5, 2018 in London, England

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At the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in London in 2018, Beckinsale wowed in a raspberry red printed Julien Macdonald gown. The strappy frock featured daring cut-outs, a thigh split and sweeping train. She accessorised with silver drop-down earrings and black open-toed heels.

29. The blazer and trackies look

Kate Beckinsale is seen walking out of a hotel in Midtown on July 23, 2021 in New York City.

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Forget the jeans and heels look, Beckinsale paired black tracksuit bottoms with a pair of white stilettos while out in New York in 2021. She smartened up the ensemble with a black blazer jacket over a black bandeau crop top, and accessorised with large black sunglasses and an oversized white clutch bag.

30. The neon green gown

Kate Beckinsale attends 2023 The Prince's Trust Gala at Cipriani South Street on April 27, 2023 in New York City

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There was no missing Beckinsale at The Prince's Trust Gala in New York in 2023. The actress wowed in a neon green ensemble, comprising of a strapless form-fitting lacy gown, and a ruffled opera cape over the top. She wore her hair in an elegant updo and accessorised with a pair of simple silver drop-down earrings.

31. The cream Christian Dior mini dress

Kate Beckinsale poses in the press room during the 2012 MTV Movie Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre on June 3, 2012 in Universal City, California

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Beckinsale looked chic at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, California. The cream Christian Dior mini dress featured three-quarter-length sleeves, a turtleneck and ruching at the waist. She finished off the elegant ensemble with a printed clutch bag and velvet purple heels. 

32. The black Ralph Lauren suit

Kate Beckinsale attends The Fashion Awards 2016 on December 5, 2016 in London, United Kingdom

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We love a tailored look, and Beckinsale wowed in a black trouser suit at The Fashion Awards 2016 in London. The actress accessorised the Ralph Lauren design with a black studded choker and classic black heels, while wearing a smokey eye and her hair up in a high ponytail.

Lauren Clark

Lauren is a freelance writer and editor with more than six years of digital and magazine experience. In addition to Womanandhome.com she has penned news and features for titles including Women's Health, The Telegraph, Stylist, Dazed, Grazia, The Sun's Fabulous, Yahoo Style UK and Get The Gloss. 

While Lauren specializes in covering wellness topics—ranging from nutrition and fitness, to health conditions and mental wellbeing—she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain, interviewing Heidi Klum and joining an £18k-a-year London gym.