Kelly Clarkson's Best Fashion Moments During Her Marriage To Brandon Blackstock

Like many celebrities, Kelly Clarkson's style eras could be easily linked to her relationships.
Throughout her marriage to Brandon Blackstock, who died from complications related to cancer at 48, the singer evolved from sporting youthful y2k early aughts looks into mature sophistication. During the 2010s, it was a look that made complete sense; featuring heavy metallics and sequins. 

After finalizing her 2022 divorce from Blackstock, Clarkson moved to New York City, got a new stylist, and underwent a massive personal transformation. "New York. New Look. New Kelly," summarized her new stylist Micaela Erlanger in an interview with WWD in 2024. Clarkson's new style is more elegant and sharply tailored than in the past, while staying true to her rock star roots. The new ensembles feel like a sophisticated expression of who Clarkson is at heart, and the star seems to be glowing in this new era — perhaps proof that breaking free from your ex may be healthier than holding on.

Still, it's hard not to appreciate Clarkson's previous style during her marriage to Blackstock, which was consistently as bold and fearless as the singer herself. "The vibe is soulful, sexy, strong, and a bit of rock 'n' roll," said then-stylist Candice Lambert, who helped create Clarkson's look for her 2017 album "Meaning of Life," in a 2017 interview with People. Clarkson has never been one to back away from a bold color, a flashy metallic, or a bodacious silhouette, and her high glam style choices are a masterclass of self-expression.

For the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, Kelly Clarkson wore several metallic looks, including this elaborately draped soft gold gown from Balmain. The wraps of fabric, which combined statement volume with subtle waist emphasis, highlighted the songstress's curves. The flowing style was a great choice for Clarkson, who can sometimes look stuffy and uncomfortable in more structured looks that contradict her natural essence. Finally, it was the right choice to pair the dress with minimal jewelry and a slicked back hairstyle, since the silhouette and color of this gown were memorable on their own.

Kelly Clarkson looked stunning when she appeared in a sparkly black wrap dress for the 2017 Billboard Women in Music event — proof again that she looks best in flowing, less structured shapes. The dress was a custom design by Nashville-based Hillary Adcock, and paired perfectly with towering black Saint Laurent heels and tousled curls. Though the years, Clarkson has spoken about her weight loss and gain, acknowledging that while it fluctuated over the years, it didn't stop her from dressing with confidence. On this look, the cinched waist and bold pattern delivered a showstopper look on the pop star, who consistently stuns in bombshell silhouettes that flaunt her curves. "It was the perfect amount of glam for this event, and when she performed it gleamed just right," said stylist Candice Lambert in a 2017 interview with People. "This cut and style of dress is one of our favorites to wear. My number one goal is for her to feel beautiful, sexy and empowered through her clothes."

This sumptuous Alessandra Rich gown, featuring luxe velvet and silk-organza, is channeling major Stevie Nicks vibes. Kelly Clarkson wore the floor-length, body-skimming dress for the 2020 Critics Choice Awards. Over the years, Clarkson has paid tribute to the Fleetwood Mac singer, covering her songs and even dressing as Nicks for Halloween, so it's not far-fetched to assume this visual homage is intentional — and evidence that velvet isn't just for the holidays anymore. The bold look flatters Clarkson, who tends to stun in dramatic piece that would overwhelm other stars, and offers a visual bridge between the rock-inflected music of her early career and the more bohemian feel of her more recent albums.

At a promo event for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards, Kelly Clarkson hit the red carpet in a monochromatic black look. The singer looked particularly va-va-voom in a patterned shirt paired with a leather pencil skirt. The toughness of the skirt offers a fun contrast to the feminine shape and texture of the blouse, and the unified color palette — including the black tights with dark shoes — extends Clarkson's vertical line. This look was a home run, in part because it worked with Clarkson's natural silhouette."I think the best way to dress her is to show off her body type, show off her curves and accentuate her body type," stylist Candice Lambert told People in 2018. "She has a beautiful figure and a small waist. I try to put her in outfits that fit her well; fit is the most important part, especially for curvy women." With the studded shoes and sexy skirt, this outfit blends rock with glam, and that's exactly Clarkson's target vibe.

Another perfect merging of edgy and sexy, Kelly Clarkson nailed the fashion game with this lace-trimmed black gown at the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards. The column skirt and jet black color elongated her silhouette, making her appear taller than her 5'3" height. The lace-covered cutouts added visual interest and depth — making this so much more than a typical LBD — while the plunging neckline brought a sense of structure that suited Clarkson's glamorous sensibility.

Kelly Clarkson revealed a little bit of leg at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards in a knockout black gown — one of eight different looks she wore for the award show. This memorable frock was a custom creation by Christian Siriano, and it's immediately obvious it was created for her. The fit is impeccabe, and accommodates the natural broadness of the singer's shoulders. Where a more narrow framed star might easily look overwhelmed and lost by the sculptural shoulders and asymmetrical volume, Clarkson owned the bold shape completely.