When you think of the early 2000s, one name immediately comes to mind: Lauren Conrad. Known to millions of fans simply as “L.C.,” Lauren has had one of the most successful transformations in Hollywood history.
From her teenage years in Orange County to becoming a fashion mogul and a mother of two, here is a look at how Lauren Conrad has changed through the years.
Lauren Conrad through the years 9
The “Laguna Beach” Era (2004–2005)
The world first met Lauren in 2004 when MTV launched the hit reality show “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.” Back then, she was just a high school student dealing with teenage drama and surf culture.
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The Look: Lauren’s early style was the definition of “California Girl”—denim skirts, flip-flops, and sideswept bangs.
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The Story: Fans fell in love with her relatable personality as she navigated high school life and her famous rivalry with Kristin Cavallari.
Lauren Conrad through the years 10
“The Hills” and High Fashion (2006–2010)
Lauren’s fame exploded when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams in fashion, leading to the spin-off show “The Hills.” * The Career: We watched Lauren work as an intern at Teen Vogue and People’s Revolution. She became a symbol for young women trying to “make it” in the big city.
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The Style Evolution: This era saw Lauren trade in her beach clothes for chic headbands, winged eyeliner, and sophisticated dresses. She officially became a global trendsetter.
Lauren Conrad through the years 7
Lauren Conrad through the years 6
Building a Business Empire (2011–2020)
After leaving reality TV, Lauren did something very few stars manage to do: she built a massive, long-lasting business.
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Fashion Design: She launched LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl’s, a line that remains popular nearly 15 years later.
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The Little Market: She co-founded a non-profit fair-trade shop that supports female artisans around the world.
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Author: Lauren became a New York Times best-selling author, writing both novels and lifestyle guides on beauty and entertaining.
Lauren Conrad through the years 3
Lauren Conrad through the years 5
Lauren in 2026: The Lifestyle Queen
Today, Lauren Conrad is 40 years old and looks more elegant than ever. She has stepped away from the cameras of reality TV to focus on her family and her growing lifestyle brands.
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Family Life: She is a devoted wife to William Tell and a busy mom to their two sons, Liam and Charlie.
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Modern Aesthetic: Her style today is “California Chic”—lots of soft colors, floral prints, and a focus on sustainable, high-quality fashion.
Lauren Conrad through the years 1
Lauren Conrad through the years 4
Why We Still Love L.C.
The photos of Lauren “through the years” show more than just a change in fashion; they show a woman who stayed true to herself. Even when she was the biggest star on television, she remained focused on her goals. She proved that you can start in reality TV and end up as a respected CEO.
Lauren Conrad through the years 2
Conclusion
Lauren Conrad’s journey is an inspiration to many. She turned her “fifteen minutes of fame” into a lifetime of success. Whether she is designing a new collection or sharing a recipe on her blog, she continues to be the ultimate “Girl Boss.”
Which Lauren Conrad era was your favorite? Are you still rocking her signature winged eyeliner?