From the moment Anne Hathaway made her big screen debut as the goofy yet supremely adorable Princess Mia Thermopolis, the actress has won hearts with her megawatt smile and must-have outfits. Two decades later, she still manages to project the same energy, but with a Gen Z twist. On the princess’s 42nd birthday, let’s take a look back at what makes her recent looks so iconic.

Find a good stylist

The relationship between her and her longtime stylist, Erin Walsh, is at the heart of Hathaway’s wardrobe evolution. With a client list that includes Selena Gomez and other stars, Walsh is known for creating looks that are both stylish and trendy; Hathaway herself has acknowledged Walsh’s influence, noting how her stylist “wears things in the simplest way possible.” The synergy between them allows Hathaway to blend timeless silhouettes with a contemporary twist, creating a look that is both refined and fresh.

The influence of Gen Z fashion

While most of Hathaway’s films cater to millennial nostalgia, her fashion has undeniably evolved to appeal to her Gen Z audience. In fact, the actor has publicly credited Gen Z for inspiring her to experiment more his style. As she told Vogue: “If you can see it, you can be it.” And look, I’m really excited about Gen Z. Their relationship with (fashion), the way it’s received, it’s a really, really fun dance. Hathaway’s open-mindedness about fashion has allowed her to evolve, moving beyond the traditional “mature” looks that were once associated with her public persona.

Adopt the dopaminergic dressing

One of the key trends Hathaway has adopted in recent years is the concept of dopamine dressing – using color and texture to evoke joy. “The concept of the dopamine patch is so fun! And also fashion itself right now, I feel like designers are having a lot of fun. I feel like people appreciate that. Maybe that was always the case, and maybe I was the only person around watching everyone else have fun. But just being able to enjoy it feels more accessible than ever before,” she told Vogue. Whether it was the flamboyant red Versace leather dress she wore straight off the show or from the trippy Christopher John Rogers pantsuit, Hathaway’s wardrobe reflects her newfound freedom to appreciate fashion in a more playful way; it’s the epitome of wearing what feels good instead of adhering to; what is described as “fashion”.

Be fluid with silhouettes

As she reflects on her style journey, Hathaway notes the fluidity she has found in her wardrobe choices: “You asked me what has changed for me with my style. I think for a long time I thought I could only have one. I felt really lost because I didn’t know what it was until I realized I had so many styles. And that’s part of the reason why I love being an actor and my style is fluid. And once I realized that, it felt like something had clicked. But that’s just me. It’s different. Some people say, “No, a black turtleneck every day.” » This awareness is a testament to her evolution, as she has learned to accept the idea that her fashion can be diverse, changing with her moods, her roles and, most importantly, the eras. .

As Hathaway celebrates a new year marked by incredible style and career milestones, one thing is clear: her fashion journey is far from over.