Jennifer Aniston was in the news this week after she admitted to experiencing an 'awkward' phase during her 30s, a period that coincided with her marriage to Brad Pitt. 'That all started in my 30s, my awkward phase,' the 44-year-old told Parade. 'I’m a little bit of a late bloomer! But it doesn’t matter to me because it just gets better.' 

Usually one's 30s represent an era of stability, the more calamitous and variable 20s are behind you and you are more secure in your career, your relationship, your finances, your personal style, your body than ever before. And yet there is a band of celebrities who, like Aniston, experienced something of an awkward 30s. Men and women who didn't quite have it together in their 30s but have undergone stealth makeovers to emerge stylish, composed and totally hot in their 40s and 50s.   

Jennifer Aniston in her 30s: Going through what she describes as an 'awkward phase' she wears fake dreadlocks on the red carpet. Her then-husband Brad Pitt wears mirrored shades. 

Jennifer Aniston now: Aged 44, she looks just as good as she did in her 30s but seems happier, more confident, less inclined to bad relationships and bad hair.

Winona Ryder in her 30s: She was a famous beauty in her teens, starring in the best indie movies of the late 1980s and becoming engaged to Johnny Deppy, but Winona Ryder's 30s were pretty darn awkward. Her career floundered, she struggled personally and her style was, well it was pretty erratic.

Winona Ryder now: She's back at the top her game, a vision of refined sophistication, a beauty aged 42, an accomplished talented actress who looks amazing on screen and on the red carpet.  

Tina Fey in her 30s: She was just as brilliantly hilarious, as wonderfully insightful, as completely badass, but Tina Fey hadn't quite refined her red-carpet style in her 30s. 

Tina Fey now: Now aged 43, Fey has appeared on the cover of American Vogue and knows exactly how to do red-carpet posing (one hand on one hip, not two). 

Emma Thompson in her 30s: This photo, taken on the occasion of her wedding to Kenneth Brannagh, shows bad decisions in action. 

Emma Thompson now: Fifty-four-year-old Thompson is a national treasure, fully mended from her divorce from Brannagh, a red carpet vision of smiles and poise. And there isn't a hint of colourful millinery in sight.  

Steve Carell in his 30s: Steve Carell was so awkward in his 30s that he wasn't actually famous. His awkward phase – all baggy suits and corporate middle-management ties – extended into his 40s.  

Steve Carell now: Fifty-one-year-old Carell is hot. It's happened recently, due in no small part to the glasses and the beard, and it's undeniable. 

Sandra Bullock in her 30s: She was still America's Sweetheart but her shoes were, well yes, awkward.  

Sandra Bullock now: 2013 has been a stellar year for 49-year-old Bullock with Gravity, The Heat  and a brilliant promotional tour wardrobe reinforcing her position as one of the most bankable, loveable and beautiful actresses in Hollywood. 

Awkward 30s happen to the best of them and are a glorious reminder that ageing can mean looking better than ever before. Actors who were unstylish pupa can emerge – a couple of divorces or haircuts later – from the chrysalis as chic, accomplished and completely fabulous Hollywood stars. 

Hurrah!