Nicole Richie’s style evolution through the eras, from her wild and tacky The Simple Life days with Paris Hilton, to her designer House of Harlow 1960 and Saint Laurent siren looks

Nov 8 , 2024

Nicole Richie’s style has undergone quite the transformation over the years. Photo: Getty Images

Richie burst onto our screens as a ditsy, privileged blonde in The Simple Life, going for wild, tacky and revealing looks – but through the years, she’s refined her style from boho chic to designer

The 2000s were quite a time in fashion. They were a prolonged moment of handkerchief tops (or dresses) and low-rise skinny jeans, Juicy Couture velour tracksuits and Ugg boots, Louis Vuitton Pochette bags and Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. Amid this backdrop, a fashion icon was born. Reality TV star turned designer Nicole Richie captivated Hollywood – and fashionistas the world over – with her sometimes questionable but always bold boho-grunge aesthetic as she made sarcastic quips on The Simple Life, then began her designer era with her House of Harlow 1960 brand.

Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton visit The Lounge Club in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, in 2001. Photo: Getty Images

Richie eventually coupled up with Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden and when their children – daughter Sparrow and son Harlow – arrived, she chose to step back from the spotlight to focus on family life. Recently though, Richie has re-emerged with a vengeance and at the age of 43, singer Lionel Richie’s eldest daughter is dazzling with her sartorial choices.

Nicole Richie wears pieces from the House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve collaboration in March. Photo: @houseofharlow1960/Instagram

We delve into Nicole Richie’s fashion journey, following her from 2000s TV personality to a trailblazing fashion icon with a distinct, unconventional style.

Early 2000s: wild, tacky and bold choices

Nicole Richie at the launch of the True Crime: Streets of LA video game in California, in 2003. Photo: Getty Images

Richie burst onto the public scene with her role in the reality show The Simple Life alongside Paris Hilton. During this period, her style was characterised by revealing, often tacky choices, from short skirts and wild prints to heavy eye make-up and bold accessories – and often uncoordinated looks.

Nicole Richie, wearing a sheer black catsuit, attends the Los Angeles Fashion Week – Frederick’s of Hollywood fall 2002 collection show. Photo: Getty Images

Signature outfits included low-rise jeans paired with crop tops, oversized sunglasses and lots of bling. Richie was also ahead of the curve, embracing the sheer trend that’s now everywhere.

Mid-to-late 2000s: the rise of boho chic

Nicole Richie wears a Missoni print dress at the PlayStation 3 launch in 2006. Photo: Getty Images