From the original The X-Files series to The Crown, Gillian Anderson has enjoyed a long career in the spotlight. And for just about the entire time that the television star has been a household name, Anderson’s sense of style has remained classic and chic. From sultry gowns to simple menswear moments, Anderson’s red carpet looks never disappoint, and whether she’s playing a British Prime Minister or a sex positive therapist, her sense of humor remains in tact as well. In honor of her 53rd birthday, here are her best looks from 1996 to today.
At the New York Film Festival in 1995, newcomer Gillian Anderson seemed to intuit that someday orange would be the new black.
In 1996, Anderson—still a freshman on the red carpet— was nominated for her first Emmy award.
In 1996, the actress also attended what was just the second annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, wearing a black velvet gown.
Anderson’s airport style was just as chic (albeit much more casual) as her red carpet looks in 1997.
At the Golden Globe Awards in 1997, Anderson hit the carpet in a plunging nude number accessorized with arm-candy and boyfriend David Duchovny. The combo was as winning as her performance—she left with her first Golden Globe.
Later that year, Anderson swept her second win at the Emmy Awards—her train growing with her star status.
Anderson went for a fuzzy casual sweater—a very ‘90s look—paired with pearls for a celebration of the 100th episode of The X-Files.
Anderson vamped it up in 1998—hoping to snatch her second win in a row at the Golden Globes. While she didn’t go home with the prize, her pointed neckline left a lasting impression.
When The X-Files received a film treatment, Anderson arrived at the premiere’s red carpet in a bright red gown.
Her structured neckline made a comeback at the 1999 Screen Actors Guild Awards—where the actress hoped to pick up an award for The X-Files. Her matching jewelry was a refined addition to the look.
At the 56th Annual Golden Globes, Anderson arrived in a lilac gown.
Anderson kept it glam in a dark green gown for the 1999 SAG Awards.
Some very Aughts shades made their way to Anderson’s red carpet look at the Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in 2000.
After almost a decade on the air, Anderson switched up her hair 2003—opting for a golden hue. In this chocolate turtleneck she looked decidedly more Annie Hall than Rita Hayworth.
By 2008, the red head was back to her natural color. A mother-to-be, Anderson sheathed her baby bump in a capped navy dress that set off her fiery locks.
Refining her style with age—Anderson opted for some show-stopping earrings when dressing up a simple black gown in 2011.
Anderson returned to center stage as a platinum bombshell—arriving at the 2015 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in a caped gown.
Before she would be cast as Margaret Thatcher, Anderson attended the world premiere of The Crown in 2016 wearing a burgundy gown.
A menswear moment at the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival/
Anderson shimmered in silver as she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
At the Golden Globes, Anderson wore a simple yet chic white gown with an off-the-shoulder draping.
Gillian Anderson wore a metallic gown with puffed sleeves to the premiere of season 2 of Sex Education in 2020.
Wearing a sleeveless black gown, Anderson attends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2020 at Royal Albert Hall on February 02, 2020 in London, England.
