Over the last four decades, Nicole Kidman has provided us with dozens of iconic looks.
Kidman has never been afraid to take a risk, as evidenced by these 45 style moments.
From backless gowns to giant parrots, here are some of her most daring outfits.
Nicole Kidman has been one of the most successful actors of the last 40 years, with five Oscar nominations (and one win), six BAFTA nominations (another win), 18 Critics' Choice nominations (three wins), three Emmy nominations (two wins), and 20 Golden Globe nominations (six wins).
She also hasn't shied away from box-office fodder, like the "Aquaman" films — which have made more than $1 billion at the box office — "Paddington," "Happy Feet," and "Batman Forever."
Kidman is also known for her iconic red-carpet style. We've picked 45 of the most daring looks from her decadeslong career, from the '90s to now.
Kidman channeled a flamenco dancer with this ruffled hot pink dress at a May 1995 screening of "To Die For."
Kidman won a Golden Globe for her performance.
One month later, in June 1995, Kidman shined bright like a disco ball at the "Batman Forever" premiere.
She looks the part of the next big movie star.
Her 1997 Oscars dress proved she was willing to take risks — not many can pull off a silk dress this color.
Technically, this John Galliano-designed Dior dress is considered chartreuse, and it was considered the "first true couture dress on the red carpet," according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Kidman paired a black see-through top with this patterned fringed skirt for the premiere of "The Peacemaker" in September 1997.
She added a large jeweled choker over the collar of her shirt.
Kidman was the picture of '90s glam with this almost entirely backless, oxblood set at the premiere of "Eyes Wide Shut" in July 1999.
InStyle rightfully calls this look "perfect" to this day — though it's a wonder Kidman didn't experience any type of wardrobe malfunction.
Kidman rocked a similarly backless top at the premiere of "Mission: Impossible 2" in May 2000.
This kerchief-esque style of top is trendy once again in 2025, like the rest of '90s and early 2000s style.
For the Australian premiere of the film that same month, she wore a floor-length leather dress.
We have to wonder why she's yet to play a super spy after seeing her in this outfit.
She wore this almost entirely sheer black dress at the premiere of "The Others" in August 2001.
Kidman was nominated for another Golden Globe for her performance in the film.
At the 2001 Hollywood Film Festival Gala Awards later that month, Kidman wore an ornate gold belt on her stomach.
She paired it with a black crop top and blazer, and a golden snake choker.
Kidman vamped it up in this black velvet off-the-shoulder gown with a plunging neckline in February 2002.
The Yves Saint Laurent dress has a simple silver vine detail on the front.
Kidman's dress at the 2002 SAG Awards in March resembled a tuxedo vest, without the accompanying shirt or jacket.
It was designed by Jean Paul Gaultier as part of his Haute Couture line.
Kidman wore a lingerie-inspired slip dress to the 2003 Critics' Choice Awards in January of that year.
She carried a blush silk jacket with her.
For the 2003 Met Gala in April, she wore this semi-sheer, sparkly, one-shoulder gown and giant diamond earrings.
The Gucci by Tom Ford dress fit in well with the theme of "Goddess: The Classical Mode."
The "Cold Mountain" star once again opted for an entirely backless dress, this time a black one, for a November 2003 event.
She added a giant red flower in her hair.
She wore a white-and-gold one with an exaggerated collar and belt for a "Cold Mountain" premiere in December 2003.
Note the matching over-the-top cuffs, too.
Kidman paired sequins and mesh paneling at the 2004 Golden Globes.
This Dior dress wouldn't be out of place at a 1920s-themed party.
The following month at the Academy Awards, she wore an icy blue strapless dress with a feathered hem.
The satin Chanel gown had matching feathers at the neckline, too.
In January 2005, Kidman wore a peacock-inspired dress to the Golden Globes.
The dress is the classic peacock blue-green and is accented with peacock feathers on the shoulder. It was designed by Gucci.
Kidman's 2007 Academy Awards dress with the giant bow at the neckline remains one of her most iconic looks.
"That one was controversial," Kidman said of the Balenciaga dress in 2016. "Some press people didn't like it. But that kind of talk doesn't bother me. I still liked it, especially the structure," she told InStyle.
She returned to the metallics in December 2007 with this shiny silver suit.
Kidman looked ready for battle in a suit of armor for the "Golden Compass" premiere.
At a February 2008 press conference, Kidman managed to combine lace, mesh, and feathers in a single dress.
Kidman, who was five months pregnant at the time, wore Prada for the event.
Once again, Kidman proved she loves a backless dress at the Academy of Country Music Awards in April 2009.
The high-neck, backless look is one she returns to time and time again. This particular gown was designed by L'Wren Scott.
Kidman wore a mauve dress with a matching capelet at a screening of "Nine" in December 2009.
The dress was also designed by L'Wren Scott.
Kidman channeled a circus ringmaster at the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Once again, she chose a L'Wren Scott look.
In June 2011, she mixed a green velvet/brown sheer dress with periwinkle heels at the CMT Music Awards.
This interesting look was designed by Proenza Schouler.
Kidman pulled out all the stops for Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse in November 2012.
Kidman deserves to attend a royal wedding if her hat game is this strong.
Kidman walked the Golden Globes red carpet with her husband, Keith Urban, in this black dress with a sheer corset bodice and bronze bees in January 2013.
That year she was up for two awards: best supporting actress for "The Paperboy" and best actress in a miniseries or motion picture — television for "Hemingway & Gellhorn."
Kidman's 2013 Oscars dress shimmered and shined down the red carpet that February.
The L'Wren Scott dress had golden swirls along the bottom.
One doesn't know what to look at Kidman's sequined and lace blue gown at Cannes in May 2014.
This dress was designed by Armani and it was fit for a princess, which was appropriate, as she was there for the premiere of her film "Grace of Monaco."
She wore a white gown that featured a large black bird for an awards ceremony in November 2015.
Kidman chose an Alexander McQueen gown for the 2015 Evening Standard Awards in London.
At the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards in April, Kidman wore this busy dress with sheer sleeves and butterflies.
Once again, this dress is Alexander McQueen.
Kidman looked like a celestial goddess at the 2016 Met Gala in this dress adorned with the moon and stars.
That year's theme was "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology," and she wore this Alexander McQueen dress, complete with a cape.
Kidman's black dress at the 2016 Critics' Choice Awards had both a large cutout and a dramatic slit.
She opted for a simple black Brandon Maxwell dress for the December 2016 ceremony.
Kidman's dress at the 2017 SAG Awards in January featured a plunging neckline and a parrot on each shoulder.
The flamboyant, green sequined gown was designed by Gucci.
The star returned to dramatic bows for the 2018 Academy Awards.
Kidman's royal blue Armani Privé gown is her favorite dress she's ever worn, according to Harper's Bazaar.
In January 2019, she attended the Critics' Choice Awards in a black-and-white column dress with a structured skirt.
This look was designed by Armani Privé.
Kidman bared her abs in this one-shouldered gown with a large cutout and a thigh-high slit to the 2021 CMAs in November.
Kidman attended the CMAs in this Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello gown to support her husband, country star Keith Urban.
Kidman attended the 2022 Academy Awards in March wearing this light blue strapless dress with an exaggerated peplum skirt and train.
Kidman's stylist, Julia von Boehm, told Vogue that this dress exhibited "quiet elegance."
Her dress at the premiere of "The Northman" in April 2022 featured coral feathers and beaded embroidery.
Kidman wore Prada at the film's premiere.
For the 2023 Academy Awards, she wore a sequined black gown with a thigh-high slit and two large beaded roses.
This was another look by Armani Privé for Kidman, who served as a presenter at the ceremony.
Kidman's entrance at the 2023 Met Gala was nothing short of jaw-dropping.
This is the same Chanel gown that Kidman wore in her iconic commercial for Chanel No. 5 in 2004, directed by Baz Luhrmann. According to Vogue, the blush gown is made of silk tulle and is covered with "250 pink ostrich feathers, and over 3,000 silver crystals and sequins."
To attend a gala in September 2023, Kidman wore a baby-blue feathery gown with black opera gloves.
The dress was accentuated by a satin bow around her waist.
Kidman went for vintage glam at the 2024 Met Gala in May.
The theme of the 2024 Met Gala was "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," which meant bringing back vintage looks from their "sleep."
Kidman's look was a recreation of a 1950s gown designed by Cristobal Balenciaga. Per Vogue, it took 800 hours to attach 3,000 black feathers to the silk bodice.
Kidman wore a sparkling low-cut black gown to the premiere of "The Perfect Couple" in September 2024.
Kidman wore a Ferragamo dress to the premiere of her latest Netflix show, "The Perfect Couple," based on the Elin Hilderbrand novel of the same name.
Kidman went back to one of her favorite silhouettes — backless and one-shouldered — at the 2025 Golden Globes.
The Balenciaga dress was perfectly complemented by a voluminous high ponytail.
Though music is her bread and butter, Swift also holds sway in the fashion world, helping small brands make massive sales simply by wearing one of their designs.
Her style has changed throughout her decade-plus in the public eye, and she has been experimenting with daring fashion more and more often in recent years.
Take a look at some of her most daring looks to date.
Taylor Swift experimented with see-through fashion at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.
The star wore an Elie Saab gown that had a semi-sheer bodice made of crisscross red designs atop see-through lace fabric.
The bright red skirt contrasted with the patterned bodice.
A few months later, the singer wore a sparkly dress with a plunging neckline.
The Kaufmanfranco minidress had quarter-length sleeves and a high collar.
A plunging neckline flowed from Swift's neck to her navel.
She wore another gown with a plunging neckline at the 2013 Grammy Awards.
The flowing J. Mendel dress had a low neckline that was accented by silver straps on the front, back, and side.
A slit in the skirt added to the look.
Swift had fun with cutouts at the 2013 Brit Awards.
The singer chose another Elie Saab dress for the 2013 awards ceremony.
The black gown had sheer cutouts on the shoulders and legs, and a gold belt broke up the column style.
She wore a form-fitting gown to the MTV Video Music Awards in 2013.
The navy Hervé Léger by Max Azria gown had a plunging neckline with a sparkly trim.
The "1989" musician wore a partially sheer dress when she met Prince William at a charity event in 2013.
The Reem Acra dress had a simple white skirt, but it was offset by an intricately designed off-the-shoulder bodice.
The elegant gold and sheer patterned top scooped into a low neckline.
And she chose a see-through dress for the 2014 Pre-Grammy Gala.
Swift sparkled in the black minidress, which was designed by Zuhair Murad.
Black gems sat atop sheer fabric, and a fringed trim completed the gown.
She made a statement in one of the gowns she wore on the 2014 "Red" tour.
The bright red dress, created by Swift's costume designer Marina Toybina, had a low neckline and a flowing cape.
Sparkly, built-in shorts gave the look a performance flare.
She then wore a daring two-piece on the streets of New York City in 2014.
The polka-dot bra top had a small cutout in the center and coordinated with the high-waisted pencil skirt.
The skirt featured a slit up the center.
That same year, the star wore a daring birdcage top.
The Sass & Bide ensemble consisted of a white skirt and a peplum birdcage top.
The neckline of the top was low-cut, and it was connected by two black strips of fabric.
She wowed in a white jumpsuit at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.
The halter neckline of the Balmain jumpsuit mirrored two cutouts in the center of the garment.
The wide-legged pants gave the ensemble a retro look.
Swift performed in a satin, pink nightgown at the 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Swift paired the low-cut nightgown with a matching, lace-trimmed robe.
Later in the evening, Swift changed into a daring black set.
Swift, pictured with her model and then-close friend Karlie Kloss, stunned in a sparkly black bra and matching high-waisted underwear.
She wore a black, lace nightgown that had a long train over the look with high heels.
Later that night, she rocked a see-through dress at the 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after-party.
The Zuhair Murad dress consisted of a white skirt and one white sleeve, while the bodice and one sleeve were made of sheer fabric with sparkly, silver patterns on it.
Jimmy Choo pumps completed the ensemble.
Swift's green gown for the 2015 Elle Style Awards had a daring slit.
A zipper ran down the lace-covered Julien Macdonald dress, creating a dramatic slit.
The neckline featured zig-zag straps.
The singer performed in a semi-sheer bodysuit at a 2015 concert.
At BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2015, Swift wore a silver bodysuit with sheer panels.
Silver tassels flowed from the trim and from her wrists.
Swift wore another transparent performance look while she was touring for her album "1989."
The top of the gold dress, designed by Jessica Jones, was made of sheer fabric. Gold sparkles sat atop it, creating a deep V that flowed all the way to Swift's navel.
The layers of gold tulle in the skirt moved as Swift danced.
On the same tour, Swift performed in a glittery bodysuit with cutouts.
The bodysuit Swift wore while she performed alongside Tove Lo had sheer cutouts on the stomach and chest.
Sparkle-covered fabric made up the rest of the garment, which was trimmed with tassels.
Swift popped in a colorful two-piece at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
The Versace two-piece consisted of a strapless orange crop top and a high-waisted, hot-pink skirt.
The skirt had a waist-high slit that revealed built-in pink underwear.
Swift wore one of her most daring looks ever at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party.
She stunned in a black Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture gown that had a plunging halter neckline and a thigh-high slit.
A gold Jimmy Choo purse, a gold choker, and gold Giuseppe Zanetti heels completed the outfit.
Swift opted for a skin-tight bodysuit at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
The black Saint Laurent jumpsuit had a halter neckline, semi-open back, and it was entirely covered in sequins.
Swift's minidress for the 2016 Met Gala had a snakeskin look.
The custom Louis Vuitton minidress was made of silver snakeskin fabric and had leather accents on the top of the dress.
The center of the dress had daring cutouts, while the trim of the skirt had tiers of ruffled fabric.
Louis Vuitton gladiator heels completed the ensemble.
At the 2016 CMA Awards, Swift presented an award in a dress that was almost entirely see-through.
The Julien MacDonald dress was almost completely transparent, with only thin stripes of sparkly, black fabric providing coverage.
A cutout in the stomach and dramatic slit in the center of the dress added to the daring look.
Swift performed in a transparent bodysuit in 2017.
The black Atelier Versace bodysuit had long sleeves and was covered in intricate, geometric patterns.
She paired the look with a black bra, high-waisted black underwear, and a fringed skirt.
The singer looked pretty in pink at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
The gown had a dramatic cape, feather detailing, and a striking thigh-high slit.
Swift opted for a sheer top in New York City in 2018.
While walking in New York City in 2018, Swift paired a sheer black top with an exposed sports bra, short printed skirt, and heels.
Swift shined in a silver minidress and boots at the 2018 American Music Awards.
The Balmain dress had a disco-ball effect, as it was made of small panels of shiny silver fabric.
Matching thigh-high boots complemented the short dress.
Swift stunned in another see-through look at the 2019 InStyle Golden Globes after-party.
The star wore an off-the-shoulder black Versace dress to celebrate the 2019 Golden Globes.
The sparkly dress was made of sheer fabric, had tie detailing on the bodice, and featured a daring thigh-high slit.
Swift performed in a form-fitting gold corset at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
While performing songs from "Lover," Swift wore a gold corset top with sparkly purple bottoms that showed off her legs.
She paired the look with gold boots.
Swift rocked another thigh-bearing look at the 2019 American Music Awards.
The sparkly green Julien Macdonald dress was asymmetrical, as one side had a skirt that flowed all the way to the floor while the other exposed a shorter layer of fabric.
Dramatic thigh-high boots completed the look.
She changed into a daring gold bodysuit to perform at the event.
The bodysuit was covered in gold sparkles and coordinating tassels flowed from Swift's waist.
She wore matching boots with the look.
Swift wore a sheer, lace catsuit to perform at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.
She paired the form-fitting look with Black Louis Vuitton boots.
At the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Swift arrived draped in diamonds.
Oscar de la Renta designed her halter minidress, which had strings of diamonds hanging loosely across her arms, and more rows of jewels swooped across her body.
She paired the look — which is one of her most daring of all time — with red lipstick and sparkling sandals.
Later that night, she changed into a midnight-blue leotard.
The sleeveless garment had a V-shaped neckline embellished with diamonds and a crystal star print across its bodice.
Swift's outerwear — a feathered cardigan — was also daring.
Swift donned a gown with a cutout and thigh-high slit for the 2022 Nashville Songwriter Awards.
The Michael Kors dress stood out with asymmetrical detailing.
The sparkly, black gown had a high neckline, one long sleeve, and a long skirt.
A diamond-shaped cutout added dimension to the bodice, as did a daring slit on the skirt.
Sparkly Aquazzura shoes tied it all together.
Swift's David Koma dress for the MTV EMAs bared her legs.
The black ensemble consisted of a low-cut bodysuit and a high-waisted chainmail skirt.
Sparkly gems made up the chainmail pattern, and the large holes between them showed off Swift's legs.
She paired the statement gown with black open-toe Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and an updo.
In the "Bejeweled" music video, Swift wore a two-piece embellished with sparkles.
The set was custom-designed by Michael Schmidt Studios for the video, which featured Swift performing as a burlesque dancer.
A bikini-style top and high-waisted bottoms made up the bulk of the ensemble, and both were bejeweled with gems in shades of blue.
The outfit also featured sparkly arm pieces that acted as cape.
At the 2022 American Music Awards, Swift wore a jumpsuit that was entirely backless.
The gold jumpsuit from The Blonds had a plunging, halter neckline and fitted pants, as well as a belt that cinched at the waist and gave way to the eye-catching open back.
Subtle sparkles embroidered into the fabric accentuated the ensemble's red-carpet feel.
Gold Giuseppe Zanotti shoes completed the look.
Swift wore a crop top and coordinating skirt to the 2023 Grammy Awards.
Roberto Cavalli designed the deep-blue set Swift wore to the 2023 Grammy's.
The long-sleeve, high-neck top was cropped high on Swift's chest, while the high-waisted skirt hugged her figure before flowing into a train. Both the top and skirt were adorned with sparkles that shimmered as she walked the red carpet.
She's worn lots of bold fashion during her Eras Tour, including a "Reputation"-themed catsuit.
The asymmetrical piece has one mesh sleeve, one pant leg, and a sparkling red snake design from top to bottom.
One of her most revealing tour looks is a midnight-blue bodysuit that she debuted during one of her last Los Angeles shows.
The form-fitting piece is covered in sequins and beaded fringe. She wears it with fishnet tights, a matching garter, and Louboutin boots.
In September 2023, Swift attended the MTV Video Music Awards in a black gown with a thigh-high slit.
Swift's Versace dress for the VMAs had an asymmetrical, halter neckline.
A curved stripe adorned with gold hardware split the form-fitting bodice and framed a slit on the skirt, which cut all the way up her thigh.
The gown also featured an open back, and Swift paired the look with layers of necklaces and strappy black shoes.
Later that night, Swift changed into a denim minidress.
Swift donned a black corset top from Versace for the evening. It featured gold detailing on the thin straps and cut up on the sides, revealing a hint of Swift's midriff.
She paired the daring top with black trousers and a checked coat from Gant.
Later the same month, Swift wore a black polo top as a dress in New York.
Swift paired the Stella McCartney top, which had long sleeves, a white collar, and a gold patch, with knee-high boots from Prada.
Swift dressed for the occasion for the premiere of "Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé" in November 2023.
Swift attended the London premiere of Beyoncé's film alongside a slew of other celebrities. She wore a custom Balmain gown for the event.
Silver, reflective embellishments adorned the dress from head to toe, and a floral appliqué sat on the side of the bodice. A dramatic slit on the skirt completed the glamorous gown, which Swift wore with black heels.
Swift chose another shimmery dress for her birthday party in December 2023.
To celebrate turning 34, Swift wore a black minidress from Clio Peppiatt.
The entire dress had sparkles on it, and it was embroidered with the iconography of a night sky in silver thread, including a moon, clouds, and stars.
Open-toe black pumps, a faux fur jacket from Anine Bing, and a bejeweled silver bag completed the celebratory ensemble.
The back of Swift's dress for the Golden Globes in January was covered in cutouts.
In January, Swift attended the Golden Globes in a form-fitting green dress made of a metallic fabric. Gucci designed the piece.
The gown's subtle sweetheart neckline added a hint of drama, while the back was open aside from thin strips of fabric connecting the two sides of the bodice.
She wore another dress with a dramatic slit at the Grammy Awards.
Swift became the first artist to win album of the year at the Grammys four times at the 2024 ceremony, and she did it wearing a custom Schiaparelli dress.
The white dress had a strapless, straight neckline. Ruching on the bodice gathered on Swift's hip, contrasting with the thigh-high slit just below it.
A sweeping train flowed out behind her, and Swift accessorized the look with black shoes and gloves.
Swift embraced sheer fabric and cutouts for her more casual look for the Super Bowl in February.
Swift donned a Dion Lee corset top to support Kelce at the Super Bowl. The top was crocheted, and it had an open weave on the lower portion of the top, creating a see-through pattern.
She paired the semi-sheer top with black jeans from Area, which had a slit on each leg encrusted with gems.
Swift debuted new sparkly two-pieces during the "The Tortured Poets Department" section of her Eras Tour performance in May.
Swift kicked off the Europe leg of her Eras Tour on Thursday in Paris.
She updated her setlist to incorporate songs from "The Tortured Poets Department" and revealed new designer outfits for most of the show.
Swift completed "The Tortured Poets Department" section with a performance of "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" in a custom, two-piece set designed by Vivienne Westwood.
On Sunday, Swift wore a sparkly bra top, which Vivienne Westwood said was "gunmetal"-colored on Instagram, with matching high-waisted briefs. Swift paired the set with a shiny tuxedo jacket with tails and custom Christian Louboutin shoes that she changed into onstage.
Swift also wore black, white, and silver versions of the set during her Paris shows.
She attended the 2024-2025 NFL season opener in an all-denim look.
She attended the game in another Versace Medusa corset top, donning a denim version of the look she first wore in the fall of 2023 that scalloped on the sides to reveal a panel of Swift's skin.
Swift paired the corset with Grlfrnd's denim shorts, thigh-high maroon boots designed by Giuseppe Zanotti, and Louis Vuitton's Side Trunk bag.
Over $60,000 in jewelry elevated Swift's glamorous WAG look, including the TNT bracelet she has often been spotted wearing in recent months.
Swift kept up her streak of daring dresses at the VMAs for the September 2024 awards show, wearing a gown with a low neckline.
Swift arrived at the VMAs in a Dior dress, which featured a form-fitting bodice and open skirt in a yellow and black plaid pattern.
The bodice's straight neckline was accented by black straps and a zipper that cut down the center of the garment. A choker made of the same patterned fabric complemented the ensemble.
The skirt belted at Swift's waist was open, revealing black shorts.
She also opted for black accessories, pairing the dress with over-the-knee boots from Stuart Weitzman and open-finger gloves that flowed past her elbows and featured crisscrossed cutouts.
She wore another bold, plaid ensemble to a Chiefs game in October.
Vivienne Westwood designed the Sunday corset and Meghan kilt Swift wore to the Chiefs game on October 7.
The corset top had off-the-shoulder sleeves, while the ruched mini-skirt featured a slit on one thigh.
Swift paired the maroon and gray set with Vivienne Westwood's Grace boots, which were black and hit just below her knee.
She also wore $46,000 worth of jewelry with the look and carried a Belle Heart-Frame Jacquard bag from Vivienne Westwood. Faux, sparkly freckles from Fazit tied the glamorous look together.
Swift wore another corset top for a casual date night with Kelce in New York City the same month.
Swift chose a $1,700 lace corset top from Gucci for her date night with Kelce. The top featured a sweetheart neckline and a tan base.
The corset's black detailing coordinated with her $195 RTA mini-skirt and her $1,720 Louis Vuitton ankle boots.
A $2,498 Ralph Lauren trench coat and a $4,400 Dior Saddle bag completed her daring but elegant ensemble.