Katy Perry's Style Evolution

Katy Perry is no ordinary woman. Well, she is, but it doesn't seem that way when you look at how far she's come in the last decade! The 27-year-old superstar, who was raised on some particularly strict Christian rules, burst onto the music scene back in 2008 with her raunchy hit, I Kissed A Girl. Fast-forward just five years and Katy has had a rollercoaster of a career; she's sold millions of albums, counts Rihanna as her best friend, has dyed her hair every colour of the rainbow, married Russell Brand, divorced Russell Brand, and has become a global phenomenon and an idol to teens across the world.

She may have been confused with Zooey Deschanel in the early years (they did look scarily similar) but there's no mistaking Katy these days. With her on-stage cartoon persona and a wardrobe that resembles a dressing up box, Katy's style can be difficult to pin, but that doesn't stop us from loving it! The chameleon singer is the queen of playing dress up (for her shows and when she hits the red carpet), which has resulted in some amazing, and horrifying, outfits. Whether you love her or loathe her, there's no denying that Miss Perry has well and truly honed her kitch look AND earned her place in the spotlight. Let's take a look at how her style has evolved over the years...

Well, what can we say? Back in 2004 Katy was relatively unknown, which is probably a good thing when you look at these outfits. The 20 year old looks older than she does now in a hideous green printed dress and knee high boots at the Clive Davies party at Esquire House. The barely there makeup and almost mullet like hair style didn't do much to enhance Katy's natural beauty, but she gave us a hint of her gorgeous figure in a white and blue printed dress at the Kid Art Benefit in LA, which was unfortunately styled with pink and silver accessories.

Before she released her album 'One For The Boys', Katy worked as an in-house singer, having previously released a Christian album under the name Katy Hudson. At the tender age of twenty, the California girl was still trying to break away from gospel singing and her good girl image, with varying levels of success. We can see what she's tried to do in the pale pink glittering gown but something about it just misses the mark. However, Katy gave us that first real glimmer of hope at the Chanel boutique opening - a black dress featuring bandage style straps, gold accessories, a floral headpiece and that perfect makeup gave us a taste of things to come!

It's 2008 and Katy Perry is the woman of the moment! Playing host for the evening at the MTV Europe Music Awards, Katy wore a number of dresses by designer Jean-Charles De Castelbajac, including this iconic green-eyed monster number, which was shown at Paris Fashion Week the previous month. With her playful dress and infamous Judith Leiber cupcake purse, Katy had found her niche style and was sticking to it. For the Brit Awards 2009, the singer wore a Hello Kitty encrusted corset by The Blonds, PVC leggings from American Apparel, and some Dolce Vita heels.

With Katy's career in full swing, her performances (and outfits) become more and more theatrical. Obviously there's only a certain amount of judgement we can pass on these ensembles, but it's interesting to note just how far Katy's look has come - she's evolved into a superhero! Her outfit for the 2010 MTV Awards was sexy yet playful as she teamed her new blue hair and acid yellow nails with a super short Zuhair Murad dress and Rock & Republic grey heels; I actually wish she had worn some vibrant shoes instead as the grey feels boring compared with the rest of her look. For the 2011 MTV EMAs, Katy's pretty in pink outfit matched her rolled fuchsia hair. This has to be one of my favourite comic book costumes - the fitted retro print dress and platform heels by fearless designer Jeremy Scott look amazing on Katy, and I love the studded bubblegum leather jacket thrown over the top.

At this years Grammy Awards, Katy wowed the crowds in an Ellie Saab blue crystal dress. We have to hand it to her, when Miss Perry wants to look glamorous, she definitely pulls it out of the bag! Matching her pastel dress with a blue up-do and accessorising with some simple, silver earrings, Katy managed to look both cool AND couture. Having achieved a truly polished red carpet look, Katy couldn't have looked more beautiful as she walked the specially made pink carpet for the premiere of her movie, Katy Perry: Part Of Me. With her now purple hair set in soft waves, the singer exuded Hollywood glitz, twirling in a stunning Dolce & Gabbana prom dress and matching court shoes. The premiere look was finished off with a Judith Leiber cake slice clutch and some quirky 3D nail art. Has Katy finally discovered the perfect balance between timeless glamour and candy-coated fun? We think so.

Comments