scorecard14 photos that show how Kelly Clarkson's style has changed since her 'American Idol' days
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14 photos that show how Kelly Clarkson's style has changed since her 'American Idol' days

Amanda Krause   

14 photos that show how Kelly Clarkson's style has changed since her 'American Idol' days
Kelly Clarkson's fashion has changed drastically over the past two decades.Robert Mora/Steve Thorne/Getty Images
  • Kelly Clarkson has been a popular musician since winning "American Idol" in 2002.
  • She's also had a drastic fashion evolution throughout her lengthy career.

Kelly Clarkson is an American icon.

After winning "American Idol" in 2002, she's remained a household name through her music, children's books, and TV roles.

She's also stood out onstage and across red carpets with her ever-evolving style. Here's a look at how her fashion has changed over the years.

Kelly Clarkson was the ultimate girl next door when she became a household name in 2002.

Kelly Clarkson was the ultimate girl next door when she became a household name in 2002.
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2002 premiere of "Swimfan" in Westwood, California.      Robert Mora/Getty Images

After winning "American Idol," she wore one of her most memorable looks to date at the "Swimfan" premiere.

It included a strapless tie-dye dress over bootcut jeans and platform sandals. Clarkson also sported a statement pendant and a red newsboy cap.

She embraced little black dresses throughout 2003.

She embraced little black dresses throughout 2003.
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2003 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada.      Carlo Allegri/Getty Images

Clarkson wore various versions of the fashion staple that year, including at the Billboard Music Awards.

Her strapless dress that night had a knee-length skirt, bustier bodice, and all-over ruching. She wore it with pointed pumps and long diamond earrings.

And she showed her feminine side in 2004.

And she showed her feminine side in 2004.
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2004 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California.      Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

At the 2004 American Music Awards, Clarkson walked the red carpet wearing a floor-length gown with satin detailing.

She accessorized the red ensemble with gold sandals and matching earrings, and completed the look with an updo hairstyle.

2005 was Clarkson's year of punk-rock outfits.

2005 was Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2005 KIIS-FM Wango Tango in Los Angeles, California.      J. Merritt/Getty Images

For most of her performances that year, Clarkson appeared onstage in torn band T-shirts, low-rise jeans, and either sandals or sneakers.

She wore a version of that exact outfit — a Rolling Stones top, low-rise pants, and a studded belt — to perform at the 2005 Wango Tango concert.

She mixed her edgy and glamorous styles in 2006.

She mixed her edgy and glamorous styles in 2006.
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2006 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California.      Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

For the 2006 Grammy Awards, Clarkson stunned in a black Max Azria gown.

The strapless piece had a form-fitting bodice and full, ruffled skirt, which added unique texture and mirrored the wavy style of her hair.

Normally a fan of gowns, Clarkson began experimenting with minidresses in 2007.

Normally a fan of gowns, Clarkson began experimenting with minidresses in 2007.
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2007 ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles, California.      Jeffrey Mayer/Getty Images

She attended the ASCAP Pop Music Awards that year in an olive-toned shift dress with a beaded neckline and bubble skirt.

Clarkson also debuted a new bob hairstyle that night and accessorized with a silver bracelet and sandals.

The musician sparkled her way through 2009 and the early 2010s.

The musician sparkled her way through 2009 and the early 2010s.
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2009 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

At the 2009 American Music Awards, Clarkson walked the red carpet in a sleeveless CD Greene design.

The knee-length dress had clusters of silver sequins up top and more of the embellishments cascading down its bodice and skirt.

She wore the garment with fishnet tights, black pumps, and a crimped red hairstyle.

Clarkson returned to her rock roots in 2012.

Clarkson returned to her rock roots in 2012.
Kelly Clarkson performs a 2012 show in Birmingham, United Kingdom.      Steve Thorne/Getty Images

At concerts that year, Clarkson performed while wearing band T-shirts and skinny jeans.

For a show in Birmingham, for example, she hit the stage in black denim, a ripped UFO concert tee, and a sparkling vest.

She wore a ton of red throughout 2013.

She wore a ton of red throughout 2013.
Kelly Clarkson visits the SiriusXM Studios in New York City.      Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Clarkson especially seemed to favor the color while promoting her Christmas album "Wrapped in Red."

She wore it during a visit to the SiriusXM Studios via a plaid dress with zipper detailing, a cropped sweater, and studded sandal heels.

By 2015, Clarkson's fashion was full of bold prints.

By 2015, Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson visits the SiriusXM Studios in New York City.      Cindy Ord/Getty Images

During another visit to the SiriusXM Studios, she wore a music-inspired outfit that included a knee-length skirt printed with images of vinyl records.

She also wore gold sandals and a yellow T-shirt that said New York City.

The TV show host opted for chic looks in 2016.

The TV show host opted for chic looks in 2016.
Kelly Clarkson makes a 2016 appearance on "Extra" in New York City.      Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Her office-ready style included black minidresses, sheer tights, and pointed pumps — just like she wore to appear on "Extra" that year.

Clarkson was also sporting blonde hair in loose waves at that point.

By 2019, Clarkson was having even more fun with her red-carpet outfits.

By 2019, Clarkson was having even more fun with her red-carpet outfits.
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2019 "UglyDolls" premiere in Los Angeles, California.      Steve Granitz/Getty Images

At the "UglyDolls" premiere, Clarkson walked the orange carpet in a hot-pink gown designed by Christian Siriano. It had a floor-length skirt with a short train and giant puffy sleeves across her arms.

The outfit was likely inspired by Moxy, the pink "UglyDolls" character that Clarkson voiced for the film.

In recent years, Clarkson has seemingly found her signature style: a mix of glamour and rock 'n' roll.

In recent years, Clarkson has seemingly found her signature style: a mix of glamour and rock
Kelly Clarkson attends the 2020 Billboard Music Awards in Los Angeles, California.      Amy Sussman/Getty Images

She attended the 2020 Billboard Music Awards in an outfit that perfectly embodied that style.

Balmain designed her silver gown, which had large shoulder pads and fringe hanging from its skirt and sleeves.

And she's not afraid to experiment with daring looks.

And she
Kelly Clarkson performs at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.      Rich Polk/Stringer/Getty Images

In 2023, Clarkson performed in a series of bold outfits — including the lace jumpsuit she sported at the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

She wore the see-through garment under a blazer styled as a dress, and thigh-high leather boots.

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