35 of Keira Knightley’s Most Iconic Style Moments (2024)

Keira Knightley not only plays stylish characters on-screen (do you remember her flowy green dress in Atonement?), but she’s just as fashion-forward in real life. Born in the London suburb of Richmond, the talented actress has starred in a laundry list of popular films, including Pride & Prejudice, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Imitation Game. But besides bringing her A-game to the big screen, the Hollywood actress also has flexed her fashion chops on the red carpet, wearing some of the most eye-catching ensembles through the years.

From floor-length haute couture gowns to Chanel suits, Knightley always keeps the looks coming. Ahead, we rounded up some of her most iconic style moments.

Knightley posed with Thora Birch at the U.K. premiere of Bridget Jones’ Diary in a lacy tunic worn with a black bralette and dark pants. The two starred together in The Hole, a 2001 crime thriller directed by Nick Hamm.

The actress posed with her Bend it Like Beckham co-stars in a similar lace look the next year. Her embroidered jeans were an unexpected detail.

For a 2003 Oscars party, Knightley stepped out in a drapey beige chiffon dress with a plunging V-neckline and pleated hem. She styled the look with a matching fringed stole and tousled tresses.

A few months later, she showed off a strapless lace-up top while at the UK premiere of Love Actually. The punk-inspired ensemble also featured black jeans and pointy black heels.

Knightley posed in another black look while walking the King Arthur New York premiere red carpet. Her open-toed heels, bangs, and bright red lipstick tied the look together seamlessly.

She strayed away from her usual dark dresses when she showed up to the Hollywood Awards in a flowy tan chiffon dress with a low neckline and asymmetrical hem. She accessorized the eye-catching look with a leather clutch and black sandals.

Knightley attended the West End Opening Night Gala in a patterned brown midi dress with metallic silver sandals and a slouchy leather bag. She arrived hand-in-hand with fellow actor Jamie Dornan, who she was dating at the time.

For the gala premiere of Pride & Prejudice, the star wore a sculptural tartan look with adorable black heels and one of the early 2000s’ most famous accessories: a wide belt.

She looked very chic at the New York premiere of Pride & Prejudice in a strapless burgundy gown with a furry black shrug and head-turning gold jewelry. Her swept-back hair and statement earrings made the ensemble look extra glamorous.

Can we take a moment to appreciate this incredible gown? This lovely white strapless dress, with head-turning silver detailing at the waist, was designed by none other than Valentino.

The Hollywood star rocked another gown at the 2006 Academy Awards that was a throwback to one of her earlier looks. The dark burgundy-brown dress featured an asymmetrical neckline and show-stopping fishtail hem. Her diamond choker and ring provided the perfect touches.

She decided on a demure pink dress for the 2007 premiere of Atonement. The look included a wide velvet ribbon at the waist and a stylish raw-edge hem.

Another red carpet, another incredible look. She posed at the 2008 BAFTA Film Awards in a sparkly silver-white gown with a tiered hem and ruched bodice. Her simple jewelry and hairstyle allowed the gown to truly shine.

For the Young Victoria premiere, Knightley wore a tweed two-piece skirt set boasting a chic ivory and pale pink pattern.

A year later, she wore a unique short-sleeved gown boasting an eye-catching kaleidoscope pattern.

Knightley always appreciates a great neutral-hued gown, as she made clear when she arrived at the International Rome Film Festival in an extravagant silk chiffon dress featuring a sculptural neckline and flowy hem. Her taupe shoes matched the look perfectly.

A long-sleeved gown always has a touch of regalness to it. In 2011, she styled a floor-length gold patterned dress with a voluminous skirt and high neckline.

Knightley looked striking in a gorgeous short-sleeved gown with fabric flower details and a metallic waist belt.

The actress paired a light green satin gown with an embroidered hem and neckline to the premiere of her film Anna Karenina. The sweet look even came with pockets.

Knightley always looks stylish, whether she’s wearing a designer gown or donning a simple two-piece set. She’s pictured here with her husband, musician James Righton, sitting in the front row at the Chanel Paris Week fashion show. Righton is outfitted in a sleek navy suit, while the actress wore a black and white set accessorized with metallic heels.