How Amandla Stenberg Went from Adorable Child Actress to Major Style Star

She made the switch from pretty party dresses to grown-up glam.

By Sue Williamson

January 16, 2016

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From her impressive film career to her fearless activism, Teen Vogue February cover star Amandla Stenberg never ceases to amaze us. Entering the biz at just four years old, Amandla started out as a model for Disney before landing commercial and film spots, and, of course, the coveted role of Rue in The Hunger Games.
But let’s not forget her amazing personal style! Whether rocking super bright skirts and sweet printed frocks in her early red carpet days, or the chic black-and-white ensembles and chic mid-length dresses she’s been seen in recently, Amandla’s style has always been inspiringly unique.
Click through to see her transformation from 2011 to present — and prepare yourself for some major outfit inspo.
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
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October 2011
Could Amandla’s early looks be any more adorable? Fresh off her role in Columbiana, she hit the red carpet in a hot pink skirt and black sandals worthy of an actress on the verge — and a young fashion plate.

Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
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October 2011
The Nickelodeon TeenNick HALO Awards gave Amandla the perfect opportunity to switch things up with a one-shoulder dress and low black heels.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
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November 2011
A sweet mini dress? Coordinating Mary Janes? We’d wear this outfit in a heartbeat.

Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images For BAFTA Los Angeles
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November 2011
With a sweetheart neckline and a long tulle skirt, Amandla seemed to channel a fairytale princess for this pretty look.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage
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January 2012
You can never go wrong with a little black dress. Amandla adds a bit of fun with these perfect purple sandals.

Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
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February 2013
She takes a classic black suit to the next level with a knotted button-up-shirt and platform hi-top sneakers — can you say #outfitgoals?
Photo: Albert L. Ortega/WireImage
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March 2012
The Hunger Games was no doubt Amandla’s big breakthrough — so it’s no surprise she brought out her best look yet for the film’s premiere.

Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Allied-THA
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March 2012
This sequin top (with a cleverly coordinating skirt and sandals) was the perfect choice for a Hunger Games cast visit to a Florida mall.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage
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March 2012
Later that month at the Kids’ Choice Awards, Amandla positively glowed in a sequined black dress and golden brogues.

Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
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November 2012
Amandla turned heads at the premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 — and gave us major '90s nostalgia — in this funky printed dress and clear jelly sandals.
Photo: Donato Sardella/WireImage
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June 2012
Bright flared skirts? Classic LBDs? Chic white dresses? Amandla can wear it all.

Photo: Jason Kempin/WireImage
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February 2013
Delicate gold sandals and a pretty sparkling headband were the perfect accessories for this frothy ivory frock.
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
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March 2013
Later that month, Amandla showed off another pretty dress at the Kids’ Choice Awards, pairing it with a sleek ponytail and peep-toe sandals.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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May 2013
By 2013, Amandla was a bonafide film star. But with this tied shirt, high-waist pant look, she proved herself a fashion force as well.
Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
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February 2014
That bold style Amandla has today? That all started in 2014. For the Costume Designers Guild Awards, the star seriously showed off with dark metallic lipstick, an oversized turtleneck, and classic-cool Mary Jane shoes.

Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Jimmy Choo
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April 2014
But that doesn’t mean she totally gave up on princess skirts — only now, she styles them with chic black crop tops and statement shoes.
Photo: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for MaxMara
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June 2014
This checked dress (worn with the coolest fluorescent heels) was enough to turn heads, but Amandla’s awesome tiny buns were the real star of this look.

Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Variety
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August 2014
A red lip goes a long way — as Amandla proves with this all-black outfit.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
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September 2014
Amandla exuded power in this polka dot blouse and black tie at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party. Looking for alternative outfit ideas for prom? Look no further than this.

Photo: Michael Tran/FilmMagic
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April 2015
Talk about flower power! This floral blouse looks perfect poking out of high-waist shorts.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
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June 2015
Who could forget Amandla’s cool grey hair? She accessorized it perfectly at the Women in Film Awards with a dark grey dress that worked without taking the focus away from her amazing new ‘do.

Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
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November 2015
The launch of Amandla’s book “Niobe: She Is Life” was a major turning point. Naturally, she celebrated in style with a red and black dress and bright red sneaks.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
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November 2015
Could she be any chicer? Amandla kept things fun and festive at The Hunger Games: Mockingly Part 2 premiere in a shiny blue dress and metallic silver heels.

Courtesy of Vera Bradley
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