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Style Evolution: Rui En

From pop punk princess to glamazon to girly girl, here's a look back at some of Rui En's most iconic looks over the years.

Despite her preference for anything black and edgy, Rui En, who turns 41 today (Jan 29), claims she is actually quite the “girly girl”. Don’t believe us? Take a look back at the actress’ style transformation through the years.

MTV Taiwan Christmas Concert (2002)

MTV Taiwan Christmas Concert (2002)

Oh dear, was Rui En inspired by the Juicy Couture tracksuit trend?

My Mighty In Laws (2004)

My Mighty In Laws (2004)

Rui En’s tanned complexion and matching hair colour were all the rage in the mid-2000s.

My Mighty In Laws (2004)

My Mighty In Laws (2004)

Looks like Rui En liked “The Rachel” as much as the rest of us — it’s too bad her hair couldn’t hold the hairstyle as well as Jennifer Aniston’s did (but with Rui En’s Asian hair, can you blame her?)

2005

2005

While some might balk at her unruly baby hairs but we totally dig it and her sporty tan.

Star Awards 2005 press conference

Star Awards 2005 press conference

When you compare this dress to what she’s worn over the last couple of years, it’s clear that Rui En’s sense of style has come a long way.

Reach Out for the Skies (NDP 2005 theme song) MV

Reach Out for the Skies (NDP 2005 theme song) MV

The only thing this classically 2005 look is missing is a string of butterfly hairclips.

2005

2005

Not only are we glad that the Ed Hardy aesthetic is over, but we’re relieved that nowadays, people focus more on eating right and exercising regularly than on being skinny.

Star Awards 2006

Star Awards 2006

Rui En said she was trying to channel Julia Roberts in Pretty Women, but, um, minus the hooker vibe, we’re guessing.

2007

2007

This tunic looks like something you can get at Far East Plaza.

Metamorphosis press conference (2007)

Metamorphosis press conference (2007)

It’s nice to see Rui En in non-neutral colours but Barney purple isn’t her most flattering shade.

2007

2007

Rui En’s look gives us flashbacks of our pinafore uniform wearing days.

Star Awards 2007 Show 2

Star Awards 2007 Show 2

Way before Rui En found her signature winged eyeliner look, she experimented with baffling “lightning” eye makeup.
 

2008 Punggol East Countdown

2008 Punggol East Countdown

​Back in the day, Rui En dressed less like a star and more like the girl next door, that is, if that same girl had looked a lot cooler than we did in 2008.

Photo: RBKD-online.com

2009

2009

If Pinterest had existed in 2009, this definitely would have made it onto our “prom outfits” inspiration boards.

The Dream Catchers press conference (2009)

The Dream Catchers press conference (2009)

Who knew that Rui En could pull off the androgynous look? More of this, please!

Happy Family press conference (2010)

Happy Family press conference (2010)

We honestly thought Rui En looked good here until we saw the necklace earrings. Kind of reminds us of our granny’s spectacle chain (which has become quite the trend these days).

Star Awards 2010 Show 2

Star Awards 2010 Show 2

This is proof that you don’t need to show skin to look sexy. Rui En looked sultry in her tux and extra points for the red lip and wavy hair to balance out the masculinity.

With You press conference (2010)

With You press conference (2010)

This tunic reminds us of the half-finished jacket Romeo Tan wore to the 2011 Star Awards.

Star Awards 2011 Show 1

Star Awards 2011 Show 1

After wowing in a tux the previous year, Rui En struck gold again in menswear at the 2011 Star Awards. Love the kinky leather belt around her neck.

Star Awards 2011 Show 2

Star Awards 2011 Show 2

With her serious demeanor and confident poise, Rui En and black leather are a match made in heaven.

The In-Laws press conference (2011)

The In-Laws press conference (2011)

Rui En opted for corporate chic for the press conference of The In-Laws.

Poetic Justice press conference (2012)

Poetic Justice press conference (2012)

Oh, how we love the “bad girl” look. Rui En vamped it up at the Poetic Justice press conference with bold makeup, matching red nails, and black leather.

Star Awards 2012 Show 1

Star Awards 2012 Show 1

After rocking black for the last few Star Awards, Rui En switched things up a little with this white studded leather dress from Versace.

Star Awards 2012 Show 2

Star Awards 2012 Show 2

Now here’s a look that never goes out of style: a svelte black gown paired with gleaming jewellery and an imposing stare.

Unriddle 2 press conference (2012)

Unriddle 2 press conference (2012)

While this dress is a little bit… indecipherable (are those gills?), it was a refreshingly experimental look in a string of one-note fashion choices.

The Final 1 Finale 2013

The Final 1 Finale 2013

The star channelled her inner Michael Jackson at The Final One finale in 2013 (those ill-fitting jeans were a poor choice, though.)

Star Awards 2013 Show 1

Star Awards 2013 Show 1

Rui En looked like a classic screen siren in her red gown and minimal accessories at Star Awards Show 1 in 2013.

Star Awards 2013 Show 2

Star Awards 2013 Show 2

Rui En’s gauzy Star Awards dress is Oscars red carpet-worthy (can’t you imagine Jennifer Lawrence wearing something like this?).

CLIF 3 press conference (2014)

CLIF 3 press conference (2014)

LOVE IT: Rui En’s QR Code-like dress is one of the quirkiest we’ve seen on her.

Star Awards 2014 Show 2

Star Awards 2014 Show 2

Rui En brought the glamour when she showed up at the Star Awards in this show-stopping fire engine-red Romona Keveza ball gown.

Life Is Beautiful press conference (2015)

Life Is Beautiful press conference (2015)

Red hot alert! This figure-hugging dress is sleek and accentuates all the right places.

The Journey: Our Homeland press conference (2015)

The Journey: Our Homeland press conference (2015)

At The Journey: Our Homeland press conference, Rui En managed to look gorgeous in a dress that otherwise resembles a sofa cover.

The Dream Makers 2 press conference (2015)

The Dream Makers 2 press conference (2015)

Never mind that velvet adds bulk, Rui En embraces her curvier body by showing it off in a figure hugging H&M x Balmain dress.

Star Awards 2016

Star Awards 2016

Rui En looked every bit the belle of the ball in this one-shoulder gown from Romona Keveza.

If Only I Could press conference (2016)

If Only I Could press conference (2016)

Doesn't Rui En look like Khaleesi from Game of Thrones in this cute caped white minidress?

Have A Little Faith (2017)

Have A Little Faith (2017)

We're so used to seeing Rui En in black that this colourful floral dress is a breath of fresh air.

The Road to Star Awards 2017 Show 1

The Road to Star Awards 2017 Show 1

Who says you need to wear a sparkly gown to the Star Awards? Rui En looks chic (and very comfortable) in her all-black Zara emsemble.

Star Awards 2017

Star Awards 2017

Rui En is a picture of sophistication in her Paule Ka gown don't you think? We can't get enough of the sash and flattering wrap detail that hugs her curves at all the right places.

 Star Awards photo shoot (2018)

Star Awards photo shoot (2018)

Rui En's totally kicking ass in her new no-nonsense red tresses and tough-girl leather jacket at the Star Awards hologram shoot.

Hello From The Other Side (2018)

Hello From The Other Side (2018)

This grim reaper costume looks like a cross between a traffic police uniform and Judge Dredd uniform.

Cartier opening (2018)

Cartier opening (2018)

Rui En made her first public appearance after a long absence at the Cartier boutique opening at ION Orchard, looking absolutely radiant and timeless in a black gown and red lip.

Photo: Hype Records, RBKD

Hello From The Other Side press conference (2019)

Hello From The Other Side press conference (2019)

Yay to Rui En looking chic in the white suit, nay to the suit looking literally effortless. Did she spend so much time on her hair and makeup that she forgot to iron her outfit?

Old Is Gold press conference (2019)

Old Is Gold press conference (2019)

Rui En looked every inch the #girlboss in this tuxedo mini.

Old Is Gold roadshow (2019)

Old Is Gold roadshow (2019)

Never in a million years would we expect to see Rui En in something so saccharine, dainty and feminine. Little did we know this was the start of her girly phase.

New York trip (2019)

New York trip (2019)

See what we meant about the girly phase?

Old Is Gold roadshow (2019)

Old Is Gold roadshow (2019)

Even when donning leather, Rui En opted for something more feminine.

2019

2019

Florals aren’t all pretty and sweet. For the press conference of the Old is Gold telemovie, Rui En paired her dark floral babydoll dress with knee-high boots for a grunge take on boho chic.

Clash de Cartier Studio opening party (2019)

Clash de Cartier Studio opening party (2019)

Rui En showed up the Cartier party looking sexy and ultra-confident in a blazer dress, knee-high leather boots, and her signature "don't mess with me" look.

Denim shorts

Denim shorts

How can we forget Rui En's beloved denim shorts. They are so "worn-in and super soft and comfortable" that the actress practically lives in them when off-duty.

2020

2020

Rui En's a picture of youthfulness in this getup of a grey blazer, graphic T-shirt and Prince of Wales check mini skirt.

Mister Flower press conference (2020)

Mister Flower press conference (2020)

We would describe this look is "punk lolita".

Mister Flower (2020)

Mister Flower (2020)

We're not feeling this dated and matronly gown (and looks like neither is Rui En) that's more suited for the mother of the bride than the bride.

Star Awards 2021

Star Awards 2021

Rui En said her look was inspired by what Meghan Markle wore to her wedding. Well, she definitely looked like royalty in the Solace London number.

Instagram debut (2021)

Instagram debut (2021)

We love how cheery (and Christmassy) Rui En looks in this pic she posted for her Instagram debut.

National Day (2021)

National Day (2021)

Was Rui En's National Day look inspired by the dancing lady emoji. She’s even got the pose down pat.

2021

2021

Who says black and white outfits are dull? Rui En’s mini, which reminds us a bit of the yin-yang symbol, has structured shoulders and an abstract pattern that add a cool edge to her look.

2021

2021

As much as it looks very comfortable and fashun, we don't think we have the courage to wear our silk PJs out in public.

Christmas (2021)

Christmas (2021)

It wouldn't be Christmas without sequins. Rui En dazzled her way into the festive period with this blindingly beautiful striped piece that screams, “Partay!”

2022

2022

Rui En oozed femme fatale vibes in a patent black dress from Rotate Birger Christensen. The curve-hugging number perfectly fused elegance and sex appeal.

  • 2021

    2021

    When we saw Rui En in this red and white checked mini, all we could think of was the Croatia football jersey.

Related topics

Rui En style evolution

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