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 icon 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 screen goddess’s best style moments throughout the decades.

2024
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Sophia Loren attends Damiani Centenary gala dinner at Teatro Alcione on Mar…
Loren was dripping in diamonds for the Damiani Centenary gala dinner held in Milan, March 13, 2024.

2021
Sophia Loren attends The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala at Academy Museum of Motion …
Loren dazzled in a sequined number for the opening gala of the 2021 Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

2019
Sophia Loren arrives to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 11th Annual Governors Award…
For the 2019 Governors Awards, the Italian kept things simple with a plunging velvet dress.

2014
Sophia Loren attends a photocall to present Cannes Classics at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival …
Loren returned to her former Cannes ways when she wore this red chiffon set to attend a photocall in 2014.

2007
Sophia Loren arrives to the Sistina Theatre downtown Rome to be awarded the life time award to her c…
The actress took home the Lifetime Award at the 2007 Rome Film Festival wearing a statement black gown trimmed with layers of crystals.

2003
Sophia Loren during Giorgio Armani Receives The First Rodeo Drive Walk Of Style Award – Arrivals at …
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.