Serena Williams's beauty transformation over the years has been almost as impressive to watch as her dominance on the tennis courts [1]. Although she's always been full of style and personality (both on and off the court), her style has evolved [2] as popular culture has, too.
Looking back at her hair and makeup looks is like going through old photos of your very own '00s if you came of age around the same time: there's the bold but not exactly timeless coloured makeup, some excessive but extremely fun glitter, and, eventually, a settled, neutral palette. Get inspired by Williams's beauty looks [3] over the years with our gallery of her most memorable beauty choices so far.
Serena Williams at the Teen Choice Awards in 2000
Williams's early looks were pretty easygoing, although she wasn't immune to some of the early-'00s trends [5], as seen here with some (surprisingly subtle) lilac glitter eyeliner.
Serena Williams at the ESPY Awards in 2002
She subtly colour-coordinated with this summery, girlie look: a swipe of lavender eye shadow to match her floral dress. She also veered into a new hair colour with some beachy blond waves [6].
Serena Williams at the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation Dinner in 2003
Serena (left, with sister Venus) went for total simplicity with this neutral look [7] in the early years of her fame.
Serena Williams at the Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony in 2003
Williams's eye shadow was as bright as her award, while the rest of her makeup look was fairly subtle and natural-toned.
Serena Williams at the Louis Vuitton United Cancer Front Gala in 2004
A bold, berry-pink lip [8] added a colourful touch to Williams's otherwise neutral, timeless style, complete with subtly highlighted hair in a chic bun.
Serena Williams at the Met Gala in 2004
Williams let her eyes do the talking at this Dangerous Liaisons-themed event, with a smoky eye [9] and a neutral palette everywhere else.
Serena Williams at the Ocean's Twelve World Premiere in 2004
Just a hint of golden-green eye shadow made Williams's makeup really pop, especially in contrast with her sleek, pin-straight hair.
Serena Williams at The Bourne Supremacy's World Premiere in 2004
Pretty in pink indeed! Williams matched her soft pink eye shadow [10] with the rosy tie of her outfit to walk the red carpet.
Serena Williams at the Friday Night Lights Premiere in 2004
Williams leaned into the pinks for this look, with pink-hued eye shadow, shimmery blush, and a bright, glossy berry lip. And, as a bonus, she rocked some cute, choppy full bangs.
Serena Williams at the Night Before Party in 2006
Williams (right) went with a bold coppery eye shadow for this 2006 charity event, which highlighted her eyes without being super attention-grabbing.
Serena Williams at the Gucci Spring 2006 Fashion Show in 2006
The mid-2000s were a time of embracing the sparkle [11], and that's just what Williams did for her look at this event. Plus, her coral-tinted lips added a pop of unexpected but coordinating colour.
Serena Williams at Jennifer Hudson's Oscar Nominee Party in 2007
Bold brows were the name of the game for Williams here, joining the mid-2000s beauty trend. [12]
Serena Williams at the ESPY Awards in 2007
With this shimmery ice-blue eye shadow (paired with her elegant updo), Williams went full-on Cinderella for the 2007 ESPYs.
Serena Williams at New York Fashion Week in 2007
Williams's winged eyeliner was an eye-catching addition to a fairly standard smoky eye. Paired with her new short haircut [13], it was the perfect look for the year's most stylish week.
Serena Williams at a Klipsch Audio Event in 2008
The smoky grey eyeliner was one thing, and we love her glossy, straightened bob, but what made this look stand out was the pretty pop of glossy pink that Williams chose for her lips.
Serena Williams at a Post-Oscars Party in 2009
The very fact that this look was unassuming [14] was what made it so lovely: there were just neutral eyes and pretty pink lips to keep things simple.
Serena Williams at the New Yorkers For Children Spring Dinner Dance in 2009
A little lip sparkle isn't out of place at this glam event, and Williams went for it with a shimmery, warm lip gloss.
Serena Williams at the Glamour Magazine Women of the Year Honours in 2009
Williams's deep smoky eye brought plenty of drama along with her sleek hairdo [15].
Serena Williams at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in 2010
The silver-encrusted eye shadow (and golden-hued chin-length bob with bangs) at the centrepiece of Williams's Oscars look was certainly fit for the biggest stars on the red carpet.
Serena Williams at Fashion's Night Out: The Show in 2010
Williams was the picture of sophistication with a hint of gold shimmer on her eyes, a pale pink lip, and long, perfectly curled dark hair.
Serena Williams at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in 2011
Hot pink lipstick [16] was the focal point for this sleek and fabulous beauty look from 2011, set off with equally bold bangs and totally straight, shiny hair.
Serena Williams at the Pre-Wimbledon Party in 2013
This time, it wasn't Williams's makeup that put her beauty skills on display, but her nails, which gave a pop of hot pink and white with intricate details [17] and showed off her fun personality.
Serena Williams at the Australian Open in 2014
Even on the tennis court, Williams serves up stunning looks, like this bold swoop of eyeliner [18] midmatch.
Serena Williams at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in 2014
A warm, neutral palette made this look perfect for a touch of Old Hollywood elegance and timeless glamour, just like her honey-toned loose curls [19].
Serena Williams at the Wimbledon Champions Dinner in 2015
Williams brought a soft metallic look to this celebratory dinner, coordinating perfectly with her pale pink and silver gown.
Serena Williams at the Audemars Piguet Opening in 2015
Copper eye shadow and berry lips [20] were the name of the game for this warm, gorgeous look, playing perfectly off her midlength, casually curly hair [21].
Serena Williams at the Baseline Sessions Event in 2016
A punch of purple lipstick reminded us of how bold Williams's style can be when she chooses to take risks.
Serena Williams at Milan Fashion Week in 2017
Williams coordinated her black and red ensemble and her side-swept hairdo with bold, bright red lipstick.
Serena Williams at the Sports Illustrated Fashionable 50 in 2019
Over the years, Williams has leaned more into timeless neutral palettes [22], which she embraced here with pink and taupe tones, positively radiant skin, and a rich, lighter hairstyle and waves.