There’s surely more to Anne Hathaway’s recent uptick in popularity than the series of next-level looks she’s served over the past few months—but the fact that her latest style choices have generated an onslaught of buzz certainly isn’t hurting her reputation.
Of course, Hathaway’s two-plus decades in the spotlight have included some one-off standout looks, including her red taffeta Valentino Haute Couture gown at the 2018 Met Gala. And she’s always looked lovely in the way that thin, conventionally attractive women who employ professional glam squads do. But no one’s made much noise about Hathaway’s overall personal style until precisely right now. (Just this week Vogue.) Part of the credit likely goes to her new stylist, Erin Walsh, but I’m guessing at least some of Hathaway’s newfound moxie has to do with her impending 40th birthday.
And that fashion audacity isn’t just for forty-something suburban moms who’ve decided that they can, in fact, wear a tailored romper to the office: It’s frequently on display across the over-40 red carpet set—which Anne Hathaway is about to join—women like the five below were regular stars for decades, but didn’t become bona fide style stars until their 40s.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union’s had solid fashion game since taking her star turn Bring It On, but she’s truly come into her own just shy of her 50th birthday. (Yes, you read that right. She was 28 (28!) when she played the East Compton Clovers’ head cheerleader.) Union, who’s worked with stylist Thomas Christos since 2015, has made style a family affair of late, and the fun she’s having with her fashion-forward crew makes every look all the more appealing.