Lana Del Rey Has Always Stayed True to Herself on the Red Carpet

Since her breakout year in 2011, Lana Del Rey has been always been something of a contradiction, in both subversive musical influences and contrasting sartorial choices. The singer, who was born Lizzy Grant, used to identify as a “Gangsta Nancy Sinatra,” but she’s more of a cross between sultry, glamorous Priscilla Presley and casual California cool girl. That combination of retro-chic and present-day typically manifests in ‘60-style bouffants, flesh-toned lips, cat eyes, and furs, or a plain ol’ white tee and jeans worn bare-faced. Much like her homemade music videos that first made waves, Del Rey ensembles riff on classic Americana and excess. Deeply glamorous, thoroughly heartfelt, and just a little bit pouty—that’s Lana Del Rey.

And while some artists will invest an immense amount of time, money, and energy into their red carpet moments, that’s never really been Del Rey’s “thing.” The singer is unapologetically herself, and if that means buying a dress at the mall for the Grammys red carpet—so be it. You never know with Del Rey, she may step out at an event in custom Gucci or an $18 dress she bought online. And now, with her new album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, releasing next week, we are sure to have a lot more unexpected Del Rey style moments in store. In the meantime, let’s take a look back at some of her looks throughout the last decade.

2023: Billboard Women in Music

While Del Rey usually goes for simpler looks, she wasn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone a little and wear a pale yellow, paisley Zimmerman resort 2023 dress with floral fringe adorning the hem and sleeves.

2021: Variety Hitmakers Brunch

It wasn’t long after Del Rey wore this green patterned dress to the Variety Hitmakers brunch that fans found it online, retailing for just $18.

2020: Grammy Awards

Del Rey bought this silver, beaded Aidan Mattox dress while shopping at the mall ahead of the ceremony. “I had another dress, and then my boyfriend and I were getting a belt for him at the mall and I saw this and I loved it, so this is a last-minute dress,” the singer told Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet. “I tailored it right there.”

2020: Pre-Grammy Gala

The singer’s dress for the pre-Grammy gala, however, was most definitely not a mall purchase, but a custom gown by Redemption.

2018: The Fashion Awards

Del Rey smartly kept the accessories to a minimum when she wore this Gucci gown with an intricate bodice and attached cape to The Fashion Awards in 2018.

2018: LACMA Art + Film Gala

Again in Gucci, Del Rey channeled a bit of Madonna at the 2018 LACMA Art + Film Gala.

2018: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Met Gala

Del Rey walked the red carpet with Jared Leto and then-Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele in a Gucci dress inspired by Our Lady of Sorrows.

2018: Grammy Awards

Once again, Del Rey wore Gucci, pairing an embellished ivory gown with a star-adorned headpiece.

2017: Europe Music Awards

Del Rey entered her Gucci era at the Europe Music Awards with a floral gown from the brand’s fall 2017 collection.

2016: Vanity Fair Oscar Party

The singer wore a silver Vivienne Westwood dress to the Vanity Fair Oscar party in 2016.

2016: BRIT Awards

Del Rey was sure to show off the slit of her floral Monique Lhuillier caftan at the 2016 BRIT Awards.

2015: Breakthrough Prize Ceremony

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Clearly, Del Rey has a thing for florals. In 2015, she wore a tiered black and red dress to the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.

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Del Rey channeled a mermaid in a pleated turquoise gown by Decades at the 2015 Golden Globes.

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The singer attended the 2014 British Fashion Awards in a deep turqiouse slip dress with a matcing shawl.

2013: Cannes Film Festival

Del Rey took a break from big brands to rep the designer Lena Hoschek at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of The Great Gatsby.

2013: BRIT Awards

Opting for a more casual look, Del Rey arrived at the red carpet for the BRIT Awards in a belted Chanel shirt dress.

2013: Golden Globes Party

Del Rey was a decade ahead of the trends when she attended a Golden Globes party in 2013 wearing a white suit featuring oversized trousers.

2012: Europe Music Awards

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Wearing a satin, navy blue wrap dress, Del Rey attended the Europe Music Awards in Frankfurt in 2012.

2012: Cannes Film Festival

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Del Rey went simple in a black Alberta Ferretti fall 2012 dress with a tulle bustle at the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.

2012: Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations Met Gala

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For her first Met Gala, Del Rey wore a silver, hand-embroidered Altuzarra gown, which she paired with a black silk cape.

2012: Echo Awards

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Del Rey’s styling will always catch you by surprise. For example: she opted to pair this icy blue Giorgio Armani spring 2012 dress with ballet flats and a cell phone in hand.

2012: BRIT Awards

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