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

Kelly Clarkson in 2005 (left) and in 2024 (right). J. Merritt/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images 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. 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. 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, a bustier bodice, and all-over ruching. She wore it with pointed pumps and long diamond earrings. 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. The next year was defined by punk-rock outfits. Kelly Clarkson attends the 2005 KIIS-FM Wango Tango in Los Angeles, California. J. Merritt/Getty Images 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. 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. 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 throughout 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Clarkson 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 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.The outfit was likely inspired by Moxy, the pink "UglyDolls" character that Clarkson voiced for the film. In the 2020s, Clarkson has seemingly found her signature style: a mix of glamour and rock 'n' roll. 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. She's not afraid to experiment with daring looks. 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. Minidresses and metallics have become signature parts of her wardrobe. Kelly Clarkson at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images 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. So have glamorous gowns. Kelly Clarkson performs at her Las Vegas residency in 2025. Denise Truscello/Getty Images 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. Today, Clarkson's style is simple but elevated. Kelly Clarkson performs on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in 2026. Weiss Eubanks/Getty Images 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. Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Amanda Krause is a Senior Reporter at Business Insider covering a variety of lifestyle topics.Her work at BI includes profiles of beauty moguls, analyses of celebrity fashion, reviews of trending products, expert interviews across topics, features about booming small businesses and lucrative side hustles, and live coverage of award shows, pageants, and other events. Amanda has also widely covered Disney brands and theme parks, writing everything from slideshows about her experiences on Disney cruises to breaking-news stories focused on major changes and layoffs within the company. She previously appeared on CBS in 2024 to discuss the Met Gala and won an Anthem Award in 2023 for her work on Business Insider's package "Better Me."Amanda graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a degree in Communications and Journalism, and has more than seven years of experience in the lifestyle space.You can email her at akrause@businessinsider.com.ExpertiseFashion, celebrity style, beauty, lifestyle trends, and Disney theme parks. Celebrity Fashion Style More Red Carpet