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17 photos that show how Kelly Clarkson's style has changed since her 'American Idol' days
J. Merritt/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
- Kelly Clarkson made history when she won "American Idol" in 2002.
- Since then, America has watched her fashion journey unfold on red carpets and TV shows.
- She's worn punk-rock looks, glamorous red-carpet gowns, and fun minidresses.
Kelly Clarkson is a national icon.
After winning "American Idol" in 2002, she's remained a household name through her music, children's books, and TV roles. She was also involved in public drama this year when she started feuding with a Brooklyn toy store.
No matter the occasion, though, Clarkson has 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.
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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.
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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, a bustier bodice, and all-over ruching. She wore it with pointed pumps and long diamond earrings.
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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.
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For most of her performances in 2005, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 at the top and more embellishments cascading down its bodice and skirt.
She wore the garment with fishnet tights, black pumps, and a crimped red hairstyle.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The outfit was likely inspired by Moxy, the pink "UglyDolls" character that Clarkson voiced for the film.
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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.
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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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Clarkson attended the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in a Rebecca Vallance minidress.
The long-sleeve piece was black with a sheer waist panel and metallic sequin embellishments all over.
She wore it with black sandal heels and her new wavy hairstyle with bangs.
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When Clarkson performed her Las Vegas residency in 2025, she wore a tan gown covered in sparkles and feathers.
It hugged her body from her shoulders to her knees, where the gown was made of mesh and embellished with silver sequins.
Its sleeves and skirt were more dramatic. They puffed out and were covered in rows of feathers, which added texture and shape to the look.
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Before "The Kelly Clarkson Show" ended in August 2026, Clarkson appeared in a multitude of chic outfits.
One of them was a sheer black gown with a plaid pattern. It revealed the bralette and miniskirt she wore beneath the floor-length piece.
She completed the outfit with neutral makeup and a wavy hairstyle.
