Emilia Clarke, the actress who brought to life the fierce and unforgettable Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, is celebrated not only for her exceptional acting talent but also for her effortless and distinctive sense of style. Throughout her early career, Emilia’s fashion choices stood out as a seamless blend of vintage-inspired elegance, modern sensibility, and an undeniable sense of individuality. Her wardrobe choices—often evoking the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age—have captured the attention of both fashion critics and fans alike, establishing her as a style icon in her own right. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of her best vintage fashion moments that helped shape her unique and timeless style before she became an international sensation.

1. Vintage Vibes in Her First Red Carpet Appearance

When Emilia Clarke made her debut on the red carpet, the world had yet to fully understand the magnitude of her rising star. However, her first appearance set the tone for the kind of fashion icon she would become. The young actress exuded effortless elegance in a 60s-inspired ensemble that captured the essence of retro chic. Her structured dress, which hugged her figure in all the right places, was complemented by a pair of dainty heels, a timeless accessory that added an air of sophistication to the look.

Her soft, voluminous curls—carefully styled to resemble the iconic styles of actresses like Brigitte Bardot—perfectly completed her retro aesthetic. From the moment she stepped onto the red carpet, it was evident that Emilia had an innate understanding of classic fashion. Unlike many other young actresses, she embraced a vintage-inspired style that didn’t feel forced but rather natural, as if she were paying homage to an era of fashion that was still relevant, yet increasingly rare on the red carpet.

This first red carpet appearance was a clear indication that Emilia’s style would evolve into something timeless—something that would stand the test of time. Little did we know that this was just the beginning of a career in fashion that would be defined by vintage elegance.

2. The ‘Game of Thrones’ Premiere Look

As Game of Thrones became a cultural phenomenon, Emilia’s fashion choices quickly began to draw as much attention as her acting. For the show’s premiere, she delivered one of her most memorable fashion moments to date—a stunning, floor-length gown that elegantly bridged the gap between the past and the present.

The dress itself was a masterpiece: a combination of intricate detailing that called back to the opulent styles of the 1920s flapper era, but with a contemporary twist that made it modern and relevant. The gown’s shimmering fabric reflected the light as Emilia moved, creating an ethereal effect that perfectly mirrored her on-screen character—powerful, yet graceful. The fitted bodice, paired with a soft, flowing skirt, emphasized her femininity while maintaining an air of understated glamour.

Emilia’s hair and makeup for the premiere were also a standout. Her signature red lip, which would later become a key part of her style, added a pop of boldness to her look. She paired the lip with soft, retro-inspired waves, the kind of hairstyle that instantly transported viewers to a bygone era of silver-screen actresses like Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo. This red carpet moment helped solidify Emilia as a red-carpet darling, one whose timeless, vintage-inspired style was perfectly suited to her evolving fame.

3. Effortless Street Style

Beyond the red carpet, Emilia Clarke’s street style has always been a reflection of her versatile approach to fashion. Unlike many celebrities who seem to be constantly on the hunt for attention-grabbing looks, Emilia has cultivated a laid-back yet chic street style that is both approachable and enviable.

A great example of this was when she was photographed wearing high-waisted trousers paired with a simple yet stylish vintage blouse. The trousers, with their flattering cut and timeless silhouette, were balanced by a soft, flowy blouse that evoked the femininity of 70s fashion. The entire look was effortlessly cool, as though Emilia had just thrown on a few vintage pieces that somehow complemented each other perfectly. This ability to mix and match different eras and styles made Emilia’s off-duty fashion choices just as noteworthy as her red carpet moments.

Her accessories—simple leather bags, sunglasses, and a few understated pieces of jewelry—were always chosen to enhance the overall look rather than overpower it. What made Emilia’s street style so appealing was its authenticity; her fashion choices felt lived-in and comfortable, as if they had been carefully curated from a collection of vintage treasures rather than styled for a photoshoot.

While Emilia’s red carpet looks were undoubtedly glamorous, her street style highlighted her ability to create chic, vintage-inspired outfits that were perfect for everyday wear. Whether she was running errands or casually meeting friends, her style was always polished yet approachable.

4. Iconic Vintage Dresses at Awards Shows

Throughout her career, Emilia Clarke has frequently appeared at awards shows, each time bringing a touch of old-world glamour to the red carpet. One of her most iconic moments came at the Golden Globe Awards, when she wore a retro-inspired dress that perfectly captured the essence of classic Hollywood. The dress was a stunning piece of fashion history, with its subtle floral print and flattering A-line silhouette.

The floral pattern, which was both delicate and bold, paid homage to vintage dresses of the 1940s and 50s, an era renowned for its feminine, figure-flattering designs. Emilia’s natural beauty was highlighted by the soft, romantic lines of the dress, which seemed to embody the effortless elegance of actresses like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.

What made this look even more memorable was the way Emilia styled it. Her hair was styled in soft waves, reminiscent of 40s pin-up hairstyles, and her makeup was fresh and natural, with just a hint of glamour in the form of a bold red lip. The entire look was a perfect fusion of vintage charm and contemporary sophistication, a testament to Emilia’s ability to blend the best of both worlds.

It’s clear that Emilia Clarke’s red carpet appearances at awards shows have always been a carefully curated showcase of vintage glamour. Whether she was wearing a vintage-inspired gown with intricate detailing or a simple, elegant dress with a bold statement print, Emilia’s fashion choices at these events were always a nod to the timeless beauty of the past, reimagined for a modern world.

5. The Red Lip & Retro Hairstyle Combo

If there’s one thing that has become synonymous with Emilia Clarke’s signature style, it’s her red lip and retro hairstyle combo. This combination of classic beauty elements has become a hallmark of her fashion, instantly recognizable and effortlessly chic. Whether she’s walking the red carpet or attending a press event, Emilia often pairs her striking red lips with vintage-inspired hairstyles like soft waves or elegant updos.

The red lip, of course, is a timeless beauty statement that has been worn by iconic actresses for decades. From Marilyn Monroe to Rita Hayworth, the bold red lip has long been associated with glamour and sophistication. Emilia’s choice to adopt this classic beauty staple speaks to her appreciation for vintage fashion and beauty, and it has become one of the key elements of her personal style. Her red lips are always perfectly applied, adding a touch of boldness and femininity to every look.

When paired with retro hairstyles like soft, 40s-inspired waves or elegant, updo styles, Emilia channels the timeless beauty of old Hollywood. Her soft waves, often styled with a deep side part, evoke the romantic looks of actresses like Lauren Bacall and Veronica Lake. Whether she’s wearing a glamorous gown or a casual street style ensemble, this combination of bold lips and retro hair always elevates her look, adding a sense of timelessness that is both elegant and accessible.

Conclusion

Emilia Clarke’s vintage fashion moments from the early days of her career are a testament to her effortless sense of style, timeless elegance, and deep appreciation for classic fashion. From her first red carpet appearance to her iconic looks at awards shows and in everyday life, Emilia has consistently demonstrated an ability to blend vintage-inspired elements with modern sensibilities, creating looks that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Her signature red lip and retro hairstyles have become synonymous with her style, cementing her place as a true fashion icon.

As Emilia continues to shine on the red carpet and on-screen, her vintage-inspired fashion moments will no doubt continue to inspire fans and fashion lovers around the world. With every appearance, she reminds us that true style is timeless, and that the best fashion moments are often those that draw inspiration from the past while remaining ever-relevant in the present.