When it comes to choosing your favourite fashion icons, you might think about red carpet appearances [1] first. But in my mind, an icon is someone you strive to dress like [2] all around — someone whose casual outfits you think are pretty great, too. In Gwyneth Paltrow [3]'s case, there really is no major difference between fancy events and her standard street style. Sure, she wears her hair long, silky, and straight when she expects to be photographed, but her high ponytails and baggy jeans are just as striking to me.
Ever since the early 2000s, Gwyneth has remained dedicated to relaxed outfits. The actress, director, and entrepreneur even wears button-downs and shorts to swanky parties, somehow accessorising such simple basics so they look glamorous. Lately, she's been inclined to wear tailored pieces like utility jumpsuits and cargo pants, and Gwyneth also keeps a pair of Birkenstocks handy [4].
Some might compare her looks to those of Jennifer Aniston's [5]. Both women appear completely confident in effortless, neutral separates that fit them well. It's no wonder they turn to certain combinations time after time. Given the chance to shop her closet, I'd gladly take Gwyneth's laid-back pieces over her gowns any day, and I'd be happy with my choice. Although, if she wanted to throw in one '90s slip dress [6], I certainly wouldn't complain.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Striped Sweater and Shorts
Gwyneth coordinated her stripes perfectly with her Alexandre Birman bow sneakers for a book signing in London in 2019.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Green Jumpsuit
Gwyneth's legs appeared to go on for days in her utility romper and Stella McCartney platforms at the Goop Health Summit in LA in 2019.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing an Orange Top and Jeans
Gwyneth attended a Nordstrom event in 2017 wearing an orange blouse, wide-leg jeans, and floral platform sandals.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Cardigan and Cargos
At LAX in 2016, Gwyneth touched down in a colorblock cardigan, belted cargos, and studded sneakers.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Blouse and Shorts
Gwyneth stepped out in East Hampton in khaki-coloured linen shorts and printed ankle-strap sandals, finishing her look effortlessly with gold jewellery.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Gray Turtleneck and Jeans
In 2016, Gwyneth arrived at LAX in a cosy turtleneck, mom jeans, Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, and an old cobalt Céline bag, which she told us is her go-to." [7]
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Striped Sweater and Converse
Gwyneth coordinated a fitted striped top with leather skinnies and black and white Converse sneakers in LA in 2015.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a White Top and Loose Jeans
Gwyneth's low-rise denim swung on her hips, offering a supercasual touch to a modest blouse and thong sandals during a 2013 shopping trip in LA.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Gray Sweater and Red Bag
Gwyneth was spotted at LAX in 2014 carrying a Red Valentino Rockstud bag, but her tapered trousers, cosy sweater, and booties screamed "on the go."
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Blazer and Scarf
Gwyneth attended a charity event in London in 2012 wearing a charcoal blazer, skinny jeans, and suede booties.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Cable Knit Sweater
Gwyneth looked ridiculously cool in an oversize knit, skinny jeans, and Y-3 knee-high boots.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a T-Shirt and Shorts
Gwyneth's fresh rose-coloured tee and high-waist shorts were the ultimate combination for an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman [8] back in 2010.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Cream Blouse and Jeans
Gwyneth looked like a casual bohemian goddess backstage at the Coldplay concert in London in 2005. She was wearing metallic toe-loop sandals that'd are trendy today.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a White Button-Down and Black Shorts
Gwyneth somehow made a white shirt and tailored shorts look like the most glamorous outfit in the room at a 2010 event in London.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Green Jacket and Nike Sneakers
Please let us know if you've ever seen anyone else successfully pull off this combination. Gwyneth was spotted in NYC in 2010 in terry cloth pants cut into shorts, a fitted tee, and military green jacket.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Sports Jacket and Shorts
Gwyneth was probably on her way to the gym when she stepped out in NYC in this look, but bring these 2010 coordinates into 2019 and style them today, and you'll look straight out of a magazine.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Jacket and Flats
Gwyneth kept it simple for a visit to London in 2007, finishing skinny jeans with ballet slippers — a timeless look that never falters.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Tank Top and White Shorts
Bring back the Capri! In 2005, Gwyneth made hers look cool in New York with flip flops and a spaghetti strap tank top. Gold jewellery and aviators were a nice touch.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Long Scarf and Rain Boots
Gwyneth had the Glastonbury look down pat in 2005, when she styled these boho separates in England.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Jacket and Sneakers
Gwyneth's sporty sneakers and ponytail put her signature stamp on this denim and jacket combo, which she wore in 2005 in NYC's West Village.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Button-Down and Flare Jeans
Gwyneth looked unbelievably sexy in simple basics for the Calvin Klein show in 2002.
Gwyneth Paltrow Wearing a Black Zip-Up and Terry Cloth Pants
Gwyneth wore white low-rise terry cloth pants with high socks while shopping with Luke Wilson [9] in 2002, and now all we want to do is wear terry cloth pants with high socks too.