Country Music’s Biggest Style Transformations Over the Years

During this Sunday’s CMT Music Awards, we’ll surely see countless red-carpet looks we love. From Kelsea Ballerini to Shania Twain, some country stars really know how to command a red carpet. 

But, while most of them (and their stylists) know how to pick and style a fashionable outfit, a quick trip down memory lane proves that wasn’t always the case. Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and even Taylor Swift have all worn outfits that might leave us raising eyebrows.

“I still feel like the same person, but sometimes I’ll look back at pictures of myself in college or in high school and I’ll say, ‘Oh my gosh, what was I thinking?'” Underwood once told People, per Sounds Like Nashville. “But I’m sure 10 to 15 years from now I’ll look back to now and say ‘Why would I wear that?'”

In fact, while some of their choices might’ve been questionable, there’s nothing like time (and perhaps money) for someone to find their true fashionable selves. To check out all the country celebs we think have changed their style the most over the years, scroll below!

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Shania Twain

While Shania Twain has always been a fashion risk taker, seen here in her leopard-print coat at the 1999 Country Music Awards, she’s learned how to elevate her style into more chic yet equally head-turning looks. This gold textured two-piece she wore at the 2024 Pre-GRAMMY Gala, for example, looked so cool and stylish.

Kelly Clarkson

While Kelly Clarkson won over the world with her singing when she won American Idol in 2002, her style sense was far from head-turning.

But, as this photo from the 2024 Grammy Awards indicates, she now rocks elegant gowns on the red carpet as well as a casual and cool style in The Kelly Clarkson Show. The blonde highlights are another major win!

Carrie Underwood

Looking at these two pictures, it’s clear to see that Carrie Underwood has always had a great sense of style.

With time, however, the singer has become more open to fashion risks and grown more confident in showing some skin and looking sexy. This purple mini-dress at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, for example, was an absolute knockout.

Taylor Swift

While she may have drifted from the country genre over the years, Taylor Swift was absolutely a country darling when she started.

As for her fashion, it’s drastically changed over the years. Unlike this black dress and striped stocking combo from 2007, Swift elevated her style, commanding every carpet she walks in.

Faith Hill

While Faith Hill’s beauty has always made her one to watch on the carpet, she’s elevated her style over the years to pick more elegant and timeless pieces.

This dress she wore to the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards, for example, is as timeless as it gets.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s sense of style has always made her stand out on the red carpet. Since her very first years in the business, she’s opted for bold colorful looks that are figure-flattering and command every room she’s in.

Over the years, she’s continued to follow that sense of style but has chosen pieces that are more sophisticated and, of course, have a bigger price tag!

Miranda Lambert

It’s clear to see in this collage that Miranda Lambert has not only transformed her style over the years, but her confidence too.

From looking like the girl next door in this non-figure-flattering look to this bold blue dress at the 2023 ACM Awards, she’s undergone quite a noticeable transformation.

Maren Morris

While Maren Morris is still relatively new to the industry, she’s already undergone a significant red carpet upgrade.

In this 2017 navy look at the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party, for example, the cutouts and uneven hem don’t flatter her petite figure. With that said, this cream-colored dress she wore to the Billboard Women in Music event earlier this year looked so sophisticated and chic.