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.