Kaitlan Collins' Most Outdated Outfits

Kaitlan Collins made her CNN debut as a political reporter in 2017 and has continued to make waves with her wit and determination. In 2019, she was listed in the media category on Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 and was named on the TIME100 Next List in 2024. Collins has made headlines for her tense interactions with President Donald Trump, including one controversial encounter that ended with the president criticizing her for not smiling.

While she has built a strong reputation by interviewing some of the world's most powerful leaders, the reporter's wardrobe has also garnered attention throughout her career. Like everyone, Collins has undergone a fashion transformation that included some fashion missteps — including that inappropriate interview outfit that will always haunt her. However, unlike the rest of us, celebrities can't pretend their outdated outfits never happened, and these well-documented moments will stay with them forever.

From neon ensembles and metallic dresses to long puffer coats and mermaid-core aesthetics, it's no secret that Collins has had a stunning style evolution. Rather than bash Collins for her wardrobe mistakes, there are some things we can learn from her outdated looks.

In 2025, Kaitlan Collins posted a photo on Instagram that showed her sitting next to Elie Honig, CNN's senior legal analyst. While engrossed in conversation with her colleague, Collins donned a white turtleneck that was topped by a black pantsuit. She concluded her monochrome look with black slingbacks. 

Despite wearing minimal accessories, at the focal point of the ensemble was a glossy black belt. Since decorative belts are considered outdated, and as Collins' belt failed to have any particularly practical meaning, it made the look feel passé.

In 2020, Kaitlan Collins posted a photo of her posing at a Trump campaign rally on Instagram. On what must have been a brisk winter night, the correspondent wore a layered look that featured a neutral dress and a suede pair of knee-high brown boots. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Collins accessorized with a mask. 

She layered her beige dress with a long navy-blue puffer coat that extended below her waistline. Long puffer coats may still be beloved by many, but if Vogue has declared the style outdated, it's hard to argue otherwise.

In 2025, Kaitlan Collins shared a heartfelt Instagram post. The reporter posed in a vibrant pantsuit and credited her pink ensemble to honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While she undoubtedly donned the look for a great cause, according to fashion experts, neon color-blocking has lost its charm. 

"While bold color has its place, the bright blocking that was popular years ago does not have the same appeal," Cynthia Kennedy, a San Diego-based personal stylist and image consultant, and the creator of Your Style Transformation Academy exclusively told Glam.

At the Kennedy Center Honors in 2022, Kaitlan Collins walked the red carpet wearing a metallic gown. Her silver gown featured a strapless neckline that was folded and revealed a contrasting white panel. Collins' waist was cinched by a glossy silver sash that extended into a glamorous train. 

While there are certain dresses that everyone should own, a long gown complete with a metallic finish is not one of them. "All-over metallic finishes have declined in popularity this season," fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz exclusively told Glam.

Kaitlan Collins traveled to Asia in 2025, so of course she posted on Instagram about it. On one occasion, Collins posed wearing a bold ensemble that embraced both businesswear and balletcore aesthetics. She paired her blush satin skirt and beige ballet flats with a dark neckerchief and a striped shirt. 

While stripes did have a major moment in 2024, the pattern made a comeback as a vibrant and emotionally charged addition to any look. Breton stripes, however, which describe the classic blue-and-white sailor-inspired stripes, are considered an outdated summer fashion trend.

Kaitlan Collins clearly missed the fact that animal prints are the new neutrals in fashion. During her Alabama vacation, Collins showcased one of her more casual looks on Instagram. The correspondent posed next to horses wearing dark wash, high-waisted denim jeans and sunglasses. She finished her look with a white T-shirt and a beige cardigan. A belt fastened at her waist completed her otherwise minimalist look. 

As fashion shifts toward bolder colors and prints, an outdated love for neutrals has been replaced by vibrant blue hues and pops of color.

In 2025, Kaitlan Collins dazzled her way onto an episode of NBC's "Late Night with Seth Meyers." The correspondent discussed her work while wearing a glistening black jumpsuit. Her shimmering ensemble was decorated with silver glitter and featured a square neckline, in addition to a wide-leg finish. 

Unfortunately, Collins' look embraced an outdated fashion trend. Nobody wants to look a decade older than they are — especially someone whose success came so young.

Kaitlan Collins embraced mermaidcore aesthetics at the 2026 Grammy Awards. In a photo posted on Instagram, the correspondent posed wearing a shimmering purple dress that featured scale-style sequins. As the large sequins mirrored the texture of a mermaid's tail, the bodycon silhouette only enhanced her aesthetic. She finished her glossy look with open-toe heels and dainty silver jewelry. 

Despite the aesthetic popularizing mermaid-inspired fashion trends in recent years, mermaidcore is considered outdated as a new siren style takes over.