Keira Knightley’s Style Evolution

12003

Um, wow, just wow. Back in 2003, Knightley had abs of steel, and wasn’t afraid to use them. However, we’re guessing she didn’t get them from sit-ups (and here’s why: Sit-ups aren’t the best ab workout).

COLUMN: Sit-Ups Can Do More Harm Than Good

22004

As opposed to hard-to-pull off blunt bangs, Knightley’s stylist clearly got the memo that a messy, more layered look lends a sexy softness and especially flatters round, heart-shaped, and ahem, rounded heart shape faces like hers.

MORE:  Haircuts for Rounded Heart Face Shape

32004

It seems like every Jackie dreams of being a Marilyn now and then, but the key to pulling it off depends on not straying too far from your natural color, which kind of explains why this buttery shade—with a little too much red in it—isn’t quite right with her pale skin.

MORE: Hair Color for Your Skintone

42005

Aha! And here we have the problem corrected thanks to more subtle caramel, gold highlights and a softer, more natural shaggy cut.

MORE: When Beauty Treatments Attack

52005

Of course, showing up on the “Pride and Prejudice” red carpet the same year with long hair can only point to extensions. But why are hers more believable than say, Britney Spears’? When it comes to fake hair, err on the side of caution: Less is more, kids.

MORE: 15 Worst Beauty Trends Over Time

62006

Of all the body shapes in Hollywood, we’re going to guess Knightley is a “ruler,” which also may very well be the only type that can pull off a dress that’s cut clear down to the bathing suit parts.

QUIZ: What’s Your Body Type?

72008

Since shiny hair is an indicator of youth (strands lose sheen as cuticles get roughed up over the years), thanks to this ultra slick side part, Knightley appears to be aging in reverse.

QUIZ: How Healthy Are Your Locks?

82010

Want to make your (beauty) stress-level a gazillion times lower? Take a cue from Knightley and other celebs who’ve adopted a flattering chin-length bob and natural texture, which means you can kind of tousle it, sail out the door and hit the red carpet and/or grocery store.

MORE: Haircuts for Wavy Hair

92012

We’re so inspired by this perfectly romantic way to spruce up yet another effortless hair style—the messy, textured updo—which is both ridiculously flattering for her face shape and just so happens to be the major beauty trend of the season.

MORE: Accessories for Rounded Heart Face Shapes

102012

Even if the film takes place in the late 19th-century, decadent lace and a full-length gown make Knightley, always fashion-forward, vs. “Fall 2012” at the Anna Karenina premiere in Canada.

MORE: Fall 2012 Fashion Trends for a Ruler Body Shape