All of Cat Deeley's Best Looks From 1999 to, Literally, Last Month

by Elinor Block

Before there was Instagram and Pernille Teisbaek to find outfit inspiration, there was TV and Cat Deeley. Since the late ’90s, the model turned presenter’s style has been on my mood board of people I want to dress like. Here’s the thing about Deeley’s wardrobe: It’s consistently great and rarely has a wobble. Since the days of Chums, CD:UK and Ant and Dec to presenting So You Think You Can Dance in L.A., where she now lives, Deeley’s outfits are the kind of clothes I can imagine wearing. Her wardrobe isn’t full of avant-garde fashion or boundary-pushing looks but classic pieces that last. Sometimes they’re more cool-girl outfits, but Deeley wears them in such a way that it seems anyone can wear them. They’re not terrifying to try out; they’re approachable, even when she’s in one of her trademark minidresses.

Off the red carpet, she’s all about tailored coats, great pairs of skinny jeans and T-shirts, but on it, she loves a knockout mini or a minimal gown, which is always accessorised with her favourite strappy sandals. While she’s definitely more private than other celebrities, she’s still a fashion favourite, as over the years she’s regularly appeared on the front row of Burberry and is long-time friends with designer Matthew Williamson. Her other go-to labels are Isabel Marant and Anine Bing⁠—brands that offer classics with a twist. Unlike other TV stars, she hasn't suddenly become grown-up with her fashion choices; she's developed her personal style over time. So from the ’90s through to the early ’00s up until literally last month, you’ll see pieces in Deeley’s wardrobe that work from then until now.

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Getty 1999

Style Notes: Look back at vintage pictures of Deeley, and you'll find this shot from 1999. While the dress is definitely of the time, the strappy sandals and the beaded bag could be from 2019.

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Style Notes: The belt and the jean silhouette might give the decade away (very early '00s if you couldn't guess), but the strappy sandals are ones we'd wear today.

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Style Notes: This might be from 2001, but this strapless red dress is a total classic and could have been from 1999 or 2009.

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Style notes: I remember seeing this dress the first time and thinking how much I loved it. It still looks just as good now as it did in 2003.

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Style Notes: The early '00s gave us the beginning of Cat's love of minidresses. Her trick is to always make them appear fun and never overly vampish. This blue dress looks particularly incredible against her skin tone and platinum highlights.

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Style Notes: Before Cat stuck to minidresses and skinny jeans, she experimented with pretty looks such as this flowing slip dress.

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Style Notes: There's no messing around here. Cat goes for full-on Hollywood glamour with this dress she wore to the Emmy Awards in 2006.

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Style Notes: Since 2006, Deeley has been presenting over in Los Angeles, and this outfit from 2007 definitely shows that West Coast style was rubbing off on the TV presenter.

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Style Notes: During the late '00s, specifically 2007 and 2008, body-con dresses were a big deal thanks to the rise of Hervé Léger's designs. Cat tapped into the trend with this one-shoulder style which she paired with gold heels.

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Style Notes: A dose of fabulousness with a nude-coloured dress and matching fluffy coat.

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Style Notes: For the Burberry show in 2010 during September London Fashion Week, Cat opted for skinny jeans and a chic belted military-style jacket.

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Style Notes: Another winning Hollywood look for 2011's Emmy Awards.

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Style Notes: By now, this is trademark Deeley. Minidress, killer heels and swishy hair.

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Style Notes: While this is a departure from her beloved short hemlines, this long frilly dress is just as stunning and still paired with her trusty strappy heels.

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Style Notes: Proof that Cat is a dedicated fashion fan? Her red Hermès Birkin bag. Her black jeans, blue coat and black ankle boots make this the ultimate dressed-down ensemble.

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Style Notes: Leather trousers and a red blouse while shoulder-robing a suede jacket? Chic.

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Style Notes: A truly knockout black dress for the Emmy Awards in 2015.

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Style Notes: More dressed-down sophistication from Deeley. This time it's a jumpsuit paired with a pair of black sandals, a blue blazer and a crossbody bag.

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Style Notes: Oddly enough, this is one of the biggest departures from her usual personal style. No skinny trousers or minidresses here but instead a pretty black lace midi dress.

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Style Notes: The heavy eye makeup, mini shift dress, and white pumps make this a brilliantly modern take on '60s-style dressing.

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Style Notes: When not on a red carpet or presenting, Cat is most likely wearing skinny jeans with a T-shirt or button-down.

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@catdeeley 2018

Style Notes: For presenting duties, Cat's YSL green dress is ideal.

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Style Notes: In 2019, Cat has her personal look nailed. This dress epitomises her more L.A. take on style—a fabulous sequin maxi dress with long, flowing hair.