Never misses: Why Zendaya is a style icon
The actress and her stylist Law Roach know how to pack a punch on the red carpet
Zendaya has come a long way from her Disney-era outfits. (Sukhmani Sandhu)
When it comes to fashion, there is no shortage of celebrities with access to designer wardrobes, couture gowns, and stylists who work around the clock to make them shine.
But despite this, not every star stands out for their personal style. Most of them actually fail to deliver in everyday ensembles.
And then there’s Zendaya.
The 29-year-old actress truly stands out — and not only on the red carpet. She has carved out an identity with her casual street wear choices.
She has proven time and again that fashion is not about wearing expensive clothes or sticking to a specific signature look, but, instead, it’s about variety, confidence, and storytelling. Be it arriving at an award show in a custom gown, running errands in an oversized hoodie, or sitting front row at Paris Fashion Week, Zendaya consistently delivers style moments that feel authentic, bold, and uniquely hers.
However, her sense of style didn’t form overnight. Early in her career, when she starred on Disney’s Shake It Up, her wardrobe often leaned into colourful, youthful, over-the-top outfits that reflected her teenage persona. She experimented with lots of layers, bold prints, and accessories. It was all fun, but not necessarily polished.
This era during the 2010s is also when she first began collaborating with versatile stylist Law Roach, who she still works with to this day.
There is nothing Miss Z won’t try when it comes to fashion, which makes her a fashion chameleon.
For her everyday fashion, she showcases comfort, individuality, and effortlessness by frequently gravitating towards oversized hoodies, baggy jeans, and sneakers. At times, she embraces sleek silhouettes, like high trouser pants with fitted turtle necks or blazers, radiating sophistication while remaining practical.
On the red carpet, there are a few standout moments for me that demonstrate she is not one to play it safe or stick to a predictable gown, opting to instead push boundaries and do so incredibly.
2015 Academy Awards
For her Oscars red carpet debut at 18-years-old, she sported a sleek ivory gown paired with long dreadlocks. The iconic ensemble was one of the earliest defining moments in her fashion journey.
T.V. personality Giuliana Rancic critiqued her look, saying her hair looked like they smelled of “patchouli oil and weed,” to which Z hit back, condemning her “outrageously offensive” remarks.
2019 Met Gala
For the big ball, Zendaya arrived in a light-up Cinderella gown by Tommy Hilfiger, completely embracing a fairy godmother. Roach waved a wand to illuminate her dress. It was theatrical and unforgettable — and the perfect embodiment of the Met Gala’s playful theme for the evening: “Camp: Notes on Fashion.”
2023 NAACP Image Awards
Zendaya’s choice to wear vintage Versace from 2002 showed her love for archival fashion. By donning a strapless black gown that was two decades old, she not only honoured fashion history, but also set the tone for the current revival of Y2K and vintage-inspired looks.
Zendaya’s fashion choices have had a ripple effect beyond Hollywood. She’s inspired countless fans, especially younger generations, to experiment with style and take risks with their clothing.
At the heart of it all, she reminds us that true style lies not in what you wear, but in how you wear it. And that’s why, whether at the airport or Met Gala, Zendaya continues to reign as one of the best fashionistas.
