Fashion

Kaley Cuoco's Red Carpet Transformation From California Girl To Glamour Maven

It is uncommon to find an actress who doesn't take herself — or her style — too seriously on the red carpet, but Kaley Cuoco is one of those rare individuals. The Big Bang Theory actress's chic red carpet gowns are unparalleled in their creativity, and her more casual ensembles share an insouciant individuality, even if they don't adhere to every style dictum. But most significantly, Cuoco rarely appears in public without a true, ear-to-ear smile and a playful attitude that makes everyone want to join in on the fun. Join me in looking back at Cuoco's red carpet transformation from a little-know teen queen to an internationally recognized sitcom star.

by Tyler Atwood

In Red On The Red Carpet, 2002

Cuoco rocked a laid-back vibe in a fringed peekaboo top, bootcut jeans, and swept-back hair in 2002. Though her current stylist is probably cringing, at least Cuoco kept it sweet and demure during her “Young Hollywood” years.

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In A Shearling Coat And Crop Top, 2002

Though pairing a long shearling coat and a crop top is ill-advised for 2014, Cuoco deserves props for attempting such a daring combination on the red carpet 12 years ago.

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In Pastel Pink At Gap Kids, 2003

Cuoco’s oft-displayed midriff was exhibited yet again in this early aughts pastel skirt and tank set. Between the color coordination and the fabric, this ensemble is a sartorial trip… back in time.

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In Pink And Black, 2003

You can be sure Cuoco’s stylist — and the actress herself — has no comment on this ripped, patterned, pink sweater and mismatched capris; after all, if one has nothing nice to say, it is best to keep mum.

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In A Pink Ruffled Slip Dress, 2004

Cuoco threw the paparazzi a glowing grin when she hit the red carpet in this wispy silk gown and tufty coiffure in 2004.

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In A Pink Patterned Bandana And Faded Jeans, 2004

We each have moments we’d rather forget, and this bandana-and-denim-clad red carpet appearance may be one of Cuoco’s. However, matching one’s eyeshadow and lipstick to a bandana is sheer, albeit quirky, genius on Cuoco’s part.

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In A Floral Mini, Crop Top, And Curls, 2004

When you’re a youthful Southern California native with a penchant for days spent beachside, it only makes sense that a bright, ruffled, floral miniskirt would reside in your closet. However, it’s a trend best left to the 17-and-under set.

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In A Classic LBD, 2005

Cuoco had a swing and a hit in this elegant lace-embellished bustier dress. The ultra-pointy heels, however, were another story.

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In A Black And Red Strapless Dress, 2007

Cuoco’s lively spirit and spunky personality were mirrored in this pattern-popped strapless dress.

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In A Floral Floor-Length Gown, 2008

Conventional sartorial wisdom would call this floral gown a bit busy for the red carpet, but Cuoco looked absolutely lovely clad in its gathered silk pleats.

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In A Tribal-Patterned Mini Dress, 2009

Though this tribal-patterned mini is admittedly bright and busy, it somehow blends perfectly with Cuoco’s sense of style.

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In A Gilded Gown, 2009

The Big Bang Theory actress took a golden turn on the red carpet in this sequined show-stopper of a gown.

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In A Plunging Black Gown At The 2010 Grammys

The actress test-drove a sultry, plunging black gown and sleek, straightened locks for the 2010 Grammys.

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In Draped Grey Chiffon At The 2010 American Country Awards

The star demonstrated her newly sophisticated style yet again in this modern classic of a grey gown at the 2010 American Country Awards.

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In Head-To-Toe Black At A Race To Erase MS Event In 2010

Urban edge were the watchwords when Cuoco appeared on the red carpet in strappy black heeled sandals, a velvet tuxedo jacket, and tousled curls for a Race To Erase MS Event in 2010.

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In A Nude Mini, 2011

Cuoco choose a simple but stunning nude mini dress and platform peep toe heels for a David Yurman and Audi-sponsored event in 2011.

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At The 2011 Emmys In A Black Midi Gown

Cuoco let her crimson satin pumps, vibrant clutch, and glowing complexion do the talking at the 2011 Emmys.

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In A Single-Shoulder Rose-Colored Gown For The 2011 People's Choice Awards

Cuoco glowed in this rosy, goddess-inspired gown, which she wore with a simple braided updo and minimal makeup to the 2011 People’s Choice Awards.

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In A Red Mini Dress, 2012

An artfully ruches red mini dress gave the star vintage Hollywood allure in 2012.

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In A Yellow Strapless Gown At The 2012 Emmys

The Emmy-nominated actress added luminosity to the Emmys red carpet in 2012 when she sported this sunshine-colored strapless gown.

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In A Blue Ruffled Silk Dress At The 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Did anyone call for a Cinderella gown? It appears Ms. Cuoco did, as this whipped confection of a Tiffany blue gown has “regal” written all over it.

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In Burgundy Vera Wang At The 2013 Emmy Awards

They say confidence is the best accessory, and sure enough, Kaley Cuoco served up maximum style in this burgundy Vera Wang gown for the 2013 Emmy Awards. Perhaps it was the company of then-boyfriend Ryan Sweeting that gave her the extra edge?

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In An Illusion-Paneled Pink Dress At The 2013 People's Choice Awards

The People’s Choice Awards has a long relationship history with Kaley Cuoco, and perhaps it’s because the blond beauty always brings a bit of quirk with her style to the notoriously casual show.

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In An Embellished Tulle Gown For The 2013 Golden Globes

Cuoco chose a standout, illusion neckline sequined tulle gown for her appearance at the 2013 Golden Globes.

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In A Red Strapless Gown And Bangs For The 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Though Cuoco’s faux-bangs caused quite a media kerfuffle at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards, the actress deserves some slack. In a post-awards interview with Jimmy Kimmel, the actress admitted her hairpiece was donned in order to disguise a black eye. Plus, her lace-embellished strapless gown was a sartorial win, even if it was a skosh long.

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In Scarlet and Fuchsia Lace For The 2014 Emmys

A newly pixie-haired Cuoco strutted down the Emmys red carpet in a bright, lacy Monique Lhuillier confection.

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In A Floral Ball Gown At The 2014 Golden Globes

Th star wore a transfixing gown of faded florals by Rani Zakhem to the 2014 Golden Globes.

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