Stages of Stardom: Zac Efron

Zac Efron has come a long way from his start in TV to star of both 'High School Musical' movies and 'Hairspray.' See his style evolve.

2004: Just Beachy

Zac Efron has guest-starred on so many shows you probably saw him well before he popped up on 'Summerland' in 2004. For a WB red carpet event he chose to dress in loose, casual, beach-inspired attire that looked great. From the start we noticed Zac's casual approach to style.

More on Zac

• Troy Bolton's Style
• Zac Efron's 411
• High School Musical

2004: Blaze of Glory

Real men wear pink, it's a fact! One that Zac Efron knew a lot about at this event. We loved his sleek black blazer over a pink, striped polo with destructed jeans. He looked stylish and casually cool all at the same time.

2005: One Cool Kid

So far, so good for Mr. Efron. He looked comfy and appropriately dressed at a party for his 'HSM' costar Ashley Tisdale. We liked the simple, jeans and shoes and the shirt was a great addition. He has a knack for making something simple look really cool.

2006: In the Moody

It was bound to happen, Zac Efron's style train derailed a bit at the 2006 Emmy Awards. We like that he dressed up, and the outfit probably wouldn't be so bad, if his hair hadn't been so ... so ... severe! He looks almost Emo-ish and we're a bit disturbed. When you are known for your casual style it can be hard to pull off a dressier look.

2006: Pirate Panache

For the 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' premiere Zac returned to his more comfortable roots. We liked the overall style of the jacket with jeans. His hair could have used a slight trim, we don't mean a lot, but his bangs were IN his eyes!

2007: On the One Hand

Anyone else notice that poor Zac has a problem with his hands. He doesn't know how to pose without one, or both, of them shoved in his pockets. His signature pose helped dress down his vest and tie combination at the 2007 Kids' Choice Awards. We liked the dark rinse denim and skinny tie!

2007: Idle at 'Idol'

Zac Efron attended the 'American Idol Finale' in his usual style. His jacket reminded us of the infamous Members Only jackets of the '90s and his jeans and sneakers kept everything low key.

2007: Here We Go!

We really saw Zac turn up the heat on the red carpet at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards. He looked slick and shiny in his silvery-grey suit. He really must like those skinny ties, but it worked for him and that's all that mattered.

2007: Playing Dress Up

What happened to the boy who loved jeans and sneakers? He's been replaced by a young man who knows when to turn on the style. For the 'Hairspray' premiere red carpet, Zac went with a normal, slate grey suit and it looked amazing! We were thrilled to see how nicely Zac cleaned up.

2007: Skinny Minnie

For another 'Hairspray' red carpet event, Zac opted for a more fitted pant with matching vest. We didn't dislike the look, though we thought it could have been a little looser fitting. Rumor has it that Zac's in talks to play Troy Bolton in 'HSM 3', we can't wait to see where his style takes us.

2007: Back to School

Zac Efron's 'High School Musical 2' premiere red carpet attire wasn't that great. He did look cute, as always, but the style was VERY plain! So much so that when we took our eyes off the pic we couldn't even remember what he was wearing. We know Zac keeps it cool and casual but we'd like to see him make a bigger effort next time.

You've reached the end ... See more Stages of Stardom in the archive to the left!

2007: Vested Interest

Ow! Ow! Did Zac look exceptionally good at the Teen Choice Awards or what in his dark pants, vest and tight, white tee? WE loved his 'you don't want to mess with me' look he had going on. Do you think Zac was trying to shed his good guy image? If so, we liked it!