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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.