Miley Cyrus knows how to use her wardrobe to make a statement.
The pop star has been in the spotlight for most of her life; she was cast in the titular role on Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana” at just 11 years old. At the time, she was known to rock cowboy boots and colorful leggings, or sparkly dresses and a blonde wig onstage as her alter-ego.
But in the years since, the 26-year-old star has gone through numerous transformations and become known for pushing the fashion envelope.
See the ebbs and flows of Cyrus’ style evolution below, including some of her most iconic and unforgettable looks.
Amy Daire and Anjelica Oswald contributed to previous versions of this post.
Miley Cyrus’s first red carpet appearance was at a Disney Channel press event in 2006.
She wore a suit jacket and jeans. Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images
At 13 years old, Cyrus was a newly minted Disney Channel star.
She went to the 2006 Country Music Awards with her dad wearing a colorful, ribbon-striped gown.
Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus, is a renowned country musician. Peter Kramer/Getty Images
The strapless, mermaid-style dress featured every color of the rainbow.
She attended the 2006 American Music Awards in a beaded white dress.
She wore small heels. Vince Bucci/Getty Images
She presented the award for best country duo with her father.
Cyrus wore plenty of sequins while performing as her alter-ego, Hannah Montana.
She finished the outfit with white pants and a studded belt. Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
She wore a bright blue, sequined tank and color-coordinated boots to perform as Hannah Montana for the “Good Morning America” summer concert series in 2007.
She attended the 2007 Teen Choice Awards in a whimsical, sequined dress.
Cyrus has always liked her sequins. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
She took home the title of choice TV actress and choice summer music star.
Her 2007 tour outfits relied on Hannah Montana’s classic formula: A sparkly, long top with leggings and high boots.
This pink-and-white look is iconic. Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Cyrus was on the road throughout 2007 for her “Best of Both Worlds” tour.
She also wore edgier looks on the “Best of Both Worlds” tour when performing as herself.
Cyrus began to assert her own sense of style after the release of “Meet Miley Cyrus.” Kevin Mazur/WireImage
The tour followed the release of Cyrus’ double-disk album, “Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus.” It featured both “Hannah Montana’s” second season soundtrack and Cyrus’ debut studio album, “Meet Miley Cyrus.”
Cyrus debuted dark hair at the 2008 premiere of “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.”
She accessorized with a black clutch and heavy black eyeliner. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Her mini dress featured draping details and silver sequins.
She wore Valentino at the 2008 Oscars.
It was an elegant look. Vince Bucci/Getty Images
In addition to the classic red gown, she pulled her hair back to reveal fancy earrings.
She styled her hair with bangs at the City of Hope Benefit Concert in 2008.
She paired knee-high purple suede boots with a flowy yellow top. Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Cyrus and other Disney stars, including the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, performed at the benefit concert to support cancer research and treatment programs.
Cyrus wore a sequined Moschino dress to the 2008 Teen Choice Awards.
She won choice female artist and choice TV actress in a comedy. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Cyrus hosted the show at the Gibson Amphitheater in Hollywood, calling it “the biggest party of the year.”
She also gave a lively performance of her debut solo single (as in, her first single that wasn’t connected to Disney Channel), “7 Things.”
Cyrus stuck with the sequined theme when she wore a Marchesa dress to the 2008 American Music Awards.
The show took place on her 16th birthday. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
She performed the single “Fly on the Wall,” off her 2008 album “Breakout.”
She ditched the sequins for the 2009 Golden Globes. Instead, she wore a sophisticated John Varvatos white gown.
It was detailed with gold flowers. Jason Merritt/Getty Images
She walked the red carpet with her parents.
Her scalloped Neil Lane dress at the 2009 Oscars placed her on many best dressed lists.
It was a gorgeous look. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
“Miley looked grown-up, but still cute and fun in this sparkly fish-scale-style gown,” Seventeen magazine wrote at the time. “It’s a little bit ‘Mermaid,’ but hey, she is a Disney star after all!”
Cyrus wore a white tank and tutu skirt for the Madrid premiere of “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”
She attended the premiere at at Kinepolis Cinema on April 21, 2009. Fotonoticias/WireImag
She walked the red carpet with her father.
She wore a revealing mesh bodysuit onstage at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards.
Cyrus performed “Party in The USA” on June 21, 2009 in Toronto, Canada George Pimentel/WireImage
Cyrus’ song “The Climb” was nominated for best international artist video.
She paired a white tank with a black mini skirt for the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.
The 16-year-old had dyed her hair darker again and even debuted a tiny nose piercing. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Cyrus sparked controversy that evening when, while singing “Party in the USA,” she performed a dance move with a pole, which some perceived as provocative.
Cyrus embraced an ’80s rocker image during her “Wonder World” tour.
Miley Cyrus performs on November 18, 2009 in Uniondale, New York. Kevin Mazur/WireImage
