Kelly Clarkson's Most Outdated Looks

Ever since Kelly Clarkson entered the spotlight thanks to winning Season 1 of "American Idol" in 2002, it was clear that fashion didn't play an incredibly important role in her career. While some stars like Lady Gaga and Rihanna have used fashion as a significant part of their self-expression, the "Since U Been Gone" singer's style was always cute but mostly bland. Sure, the stunning style transformation of Kelly Clarkson does have plenty of fashionable moments, but most know the singer for her incredible vocals, not the clothes she wears. In fact, some of Clarkson's inappropriate outfits have caused a stir, showcasing that the musician is no stranger to bad fashion.

And while inappropriate looks have been a part of Clarkson's style evolution, so has outdated fashion. Over more than two decades in the music industry, the "American Idol" winner has worn trends that have gone out of style, from chunky waist belts to layered tank tops. But hey, this just goes to prove that Clarkson is simply like the rest of us, which makes us love her even more.

Slogan tees were a huge part of Y2K fashion, even though they've had a recent resurgence. The way that Kelly Clarkson styled her New York City tee in 2015 for an appearance at SiriusXM Studios was definitely outdated. The piece would have worked much better with a pair of denim jeans and a casual jacket. Instead, Clarkson paired it with a colorful midi skirt and gold sandals in an attempt to dress up the piece. All in all, the entire look was past its prime.

Belts over dresses were a huge trend of both the 2000s and early 2010s, but over the years, the aesthetic has fizzled out. In fact, the sight of a belt over a dress instantly makes us think of the fashion era that has long passed, but Kelly Clarkson clearly got the memo late. In 2017, the "Because of You" singer attended the iHeartRadio Canada Jingle Ball in a black dress with cutouts on the sleeves and a statement belt around her waist.

Some of the looks Kelly Clarkson rocked weren't outdated at the time, but are fashion relics today. And one of them is layering tank tops. In 2024, we talked about how Y2K fashion is back and how styling it is easy, but while some trends from the era have returned, layered tank tops aren't among them. So while Clarkson's punk-rock attire for the Live Earth show in 2007 was cool at the time, it wouldn't pass as stylish today.

While Kelly Clarkson's previously mentioned dress-and-belt moment could be forgiven, as she wore it in the late 2010s, the same does not apply to her outfit at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" singer walked the red carpet at the event in a black gown with a blazer-like silk top and a statement belt around her waist. The silhouette of the dress, paired with the accessories, definitely seemed like something we'd see in 2013 and not a decade later.

When it comes to dramatic embellishments on dresses, there was no era like the mid-2010s. Stars like the Kardashians and brands like Balmain were at the forefront of the edgy trend that usually combined mini dresses, studs, and metallic materials. However, the trend left the chat a few years later, so when we spot a celebrity rocking it today, it definitely feels a tad outdated. In 2023, Kelly Clarkson attended the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in a black mini dress with metallic embellishment and sheer midriff paneling — both were essential in a 2016 closet.

In 2014, Kelly Clarkson performed at the American Music Awards in a bodycon leather dress with feathers, mesh, and colorful embellishments. The "Behind These Hazel Eyes" singer paired the piece with platform boots — an accessory that was essential at the time. In fact, if you didn't own a pair of chunky Jeffrey Campbell boots, you definitely weren't fashionable. Clarkson's entire look is a fashion time capsule for the mid 2010s, one that is yet to have its comeback.

Kelly Clarkson was photographed in New York City in September 2024 in a denim jumpsuit that had a very distinct '70s vibe to it. Now, while '70s fashion is vintage by now and thereby also kind of timeless, Clarkson's casual running errands look seemed more like a costume. Of course, some of our favorite '70s fashion trends have had a resurgence, but light denim jumpsuits weren't among them.

Lace fashion played a major role in the 2010s, and while most remember the edgy black pieces, the truth is that white lace fashion was also popular. Kelly Clarkson showed up to the 2015 Capital FM Summertime Ball in a long-sleeved white lace mini dress with a gold skinny belt around her waist. The platform heels added more glamour to the bohemian piece, showcasing how fashion a decade ago was all about mixing and matching. Unfortunately, the "My Life Would Suck Without You" singer's trendy mid-2010s attire is very outdated today.

The noughties were an era of wild fashion, and seeing someone rock a colorful animal print wasn't rare. However, by the mid to late 2010s, colorful animal prints went out of style, which is why it's so surprising that Kelly Clarkson decided to bring them back in 2022. The pop star showed up to a filming of "American Song Contest" in a tiger and cheetah print mini dress in muted pink, yellow, and orange colors. Sounds awful? It kind of was.

In 2016, Kelly Clarkson arrived at SiriusXM Studios in a classic mid-2010s look. A black mini dress with chunky moto boots, a bright red blazer, and a dramatic black choker around her neck were all pinnacle fashion pieces of the time, and seeing them all together like this definitely shows just how much fashion has changed since. While many elements of the "Breakaway" singer's outfit could be worn today, the choker is a '90s-into-2010s revival that puts a timestamp on her look.