How Princess Charlene of Monaco's style has evolved, from her days as an Olympic athlete to a European princess

Princess Charlene at the 20th Anniversary Gala Of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images Princess Charlene of Monaco hasn't always been as fashionable as she is now.

Before marrying Prince Albert, Charlene was an Olympic swimmer representing South Africa.

Finding her "fashion feet" was a challenge, Charlene said — but now she's embraced daring looks.

When Princess Charlene married Prince Albert of Monaco in 2011, her life changed.

Once best known as an Olympic swimmer representing South Africa, she was reintroduced to the world as a princess.

The official Monaco royal website says she was born Charlene Lynette Wittstock on January 25, 1978, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

At age 12, she moved to South Africa with her parents and her younger brothers.

There, she began forging a career as a swimmer, taking home several awards at the 1997 South African championship , including the coveted title of best female swimmer.

Charlene went on to represent South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

As fate would have it, her future husband, Albert, was there as a spectator — though the pair wouldn't officially cross paths until she visited Monaco for a swimming competition later that year.

They eventually married and later had twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

However, marrying into a royal family came with certain lifestyle adjustments, including Charlene's sense of style .

From her days as an Olympic athlete to being one of the most recognized princesses around the world, here's a closer look at how Charlene's fashion has evolved.