Kim Kardashian's style has changed a lot over the years – here's every iconic look
Kim Kardashian is the first to admit that her style has majorly evolved over the years – just like the rest of us.
There's no denying that the reality star and businesswoman has spearheaded some pretty major trends during her rise to fashion icon status – from cycling shorts to blindingly-bright neon via snakeskin boots, Kim has a habit of pulling off looks the general population wouldn't contemplate wearing with aplomb. Usually, they eventually follow suit.
But she hasn't always been so trailblazing when it comes to matters of the wardrobe, and is refreshingly honest about the fact. Of one of her old looks, she once told Vogue: “I still respect it and like, laugh, and think like: ‘Oh my god, that was so cute, I was so clueless.’”
Previously favouring a far simpler (but typically noughties) aesthetic, Kim has also spoken in the past about how ex-husband Kanye West (or Ye, as he's now legally known) had a big influence on her style – though these days, she's firmly dropped the ‘West’ and is officially Kim K once more, and undoubtedly, she's standing on her own feet in the fashion world.
She's come a long way since her days of bodycon minis and cropped shirts, with many of the world's top designers vying for her attention and a handful of edgy magazine covers under her belt. As a lover of vintage, she's also worn a number of iconique archive pieces that any fashion lover would swoon over – Kardashian fan or not.
We’re seeing suffering played out in real-time, on a global stage, and there are no winners.
And having recently ended her marriage to West after a complicated public divorce, Kim has spoken candidly about what's next when it comes to her style – especially since she's become known for wearing Yeezy on repeat and crediting her ex-husband as her stylist.
She told Vogue: “I always think, what will be next? Because I always had Kanye, who knew exactly what the next fashion era would be for me. And there’s something scary about being out there on your own, but also something so liberating.
“Who knows? I might just be in Skims and be so comfy and casual and wear no makeup, and that might be what I feel like representing to the world. Maybe it’s just not that serious.”
Kim K fan or not, you've got to admire her honesty. And since the star is so embracing of her fashion journey, take a trip down memory lane below with a comprehensive look at Kim Kardashian’s captivating style evolution...
BACKGRIDKim announced her next move in fashion in February 2022, becoming the face of Balenciaga. For the label's A/W '22 show in Paris, she was wrapped head-to-toe in brand-emblazoned duct tape, documenting the process on her Instagram Stories, bien sûr.
She later revealed that she had to be cut out of the outfit, but that she'd kept it for her personal archive. Oh, to be a fly on that wall.
Rachpoot/Bauer-GriffinKim steps out for her first public event since her divorce, in full Balenciaga biker leathers. “That's hot,” as her pal Paris Hilton would say.
GothamCelebrating her brand Skims' landmark collaboration with Fendi, Kim wore a dress from the collection to the WSJ. Magazine 2021 Innovator Awards in November 2021. Bodycon leather has been a signature of Kim's for years, so it felt a little like a full circle moment.
GothamIt's giving high fashion Barbie! Naturally, Kim wore her pink Balenciaga power suit while in New York rehearsing for her epic hosting of Saturday Night Live in October 2021. Was this the ‘fit that caught boyfriend Pete Davidson’s eye?
GothamContinuing the pink theme, Kim also opted to go bold for the SNL afterparty, wearing Balenciaga again. Will we all be wearing spandex bodysuits next year?! The jury's out on that one, but for Kim, this is an extra-elevated version of her go-to leisurewear.
Mike CoppolaKim was arguably the most talked-about star on the 2021 Met Gala red carpet.
Her completely-masked Balenciaga creation, which followed Kim's previous memorable Met Ball looks (we'll never forget that Thierry Mugler moment), was particularly fitting given the coronavirus pandemic, but also played on Kim's own celebrity status.
Balenciaga creative director Demna told Vogue: "[It was] conceptually speaking, quite important. People would know instantly it was Kim because of her silhouette. They wouldn’t even need to see her face, you know? And I think that’s the whole power of her celebrity, that people wouldn’t need to see her face to know it’s her.”
Raymond HallThigh-high boots might just be Kim's ultimate wardrobe staple. Here, she teams them with simple separates and an oversized coat while pictured out and about in New York.
MEGAShe made a case for noughties-style camo in this cut-out jumpsuit in March 2021, and stepped out in a number of other looks in the print, too.
In the early days of her separation from Kanye, the Destiny's Child Survivor vibes are hard to ignore. It's the ultimate empowering breakup jam, after all…
@kimkardashian / InstagramKim nodded to the noughties once again in an exposed thong look in October 2021.
Getty ImagesMaking a statement, as always, in vintage Thierry Mugler. Snake print and sequins? Yes please.
ShutterstockKim looked totally gorgeous in this ethereal white cutaway dress for a Tiffany party in New York.
Getty ImagesMalibu Barbie, we know you are jealous of this pink two piece and the clutch to match. Kim, this is totally your colour.
Getty ImagesShades and fries? This is just us on a hangover. Minus the cracking pink dress and glorious 'Glass Hair.'
ShutterstockAnother day, another latex dress. And green hair. Why does it work?
Getty ImagesKim showed off a chic new hairstyle and sartorial overhaul as she appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in July 2018. The daring ensemble consisted of figure-hugging modern pedal pushers and a racy cutaway top. Kim single-handedly made the bottom half of her outfit the season's hottest look.
Getty ImagesKim attended KKWxMario Dinner at Jean-Georges Beverly Hills wearing a sculpted black Versace dress.
Getty ImagesWe know her for her sculpted looks, but Kim has also experimented with oversized silhouettes. She wore this look to the Create & Cultivate Los Angeles conference in February 2018.
Getty ImagesThis grey cut-out dress looked stunning on Kim at the Tot holiday Pop-Up Celebration.
Splash NewsKim, the bringer-backer of cycling shorts, in head-to-toe Yeezy.
Getty ImagesKim's vintage Tom Ford for Gucci suit was given a very 'Kim' twist as she chose to forgo a top (or bra) underneath as she attended LACMA’s Art + Film Gala. She later revealed that this outfit was the inspiration for her Skims body tape.
Getty ImagesHeading out to dinner in a sheer Gucci bra in August 2017. And why not?
Rex FeaturesKim has been a lover of camouflage for a number of years, as demonstrated in this 2017 outfit.
Getty ImagesAt the 2017 opening of the Balmain store in LA, Kim dazzled in a two-piece set with a crystal-embellished skirt by the French label that showed some skin in true Kardashian style.
Rex FeaturesA decidedly different Met Gala look for Kim at the 2017 event. The reality star chose Vivienne Westwood for fashion's biggest night out.
Rex FeaturesKim Kardashian attended the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards wearing a white Givenchy dress from the autumn/winter 2011 couture collection.
Getty ImagesMaking a speech at the Family Equality Council's Impact Awards, Kim looked elegant in a strapless white fishtail gown.
Getty ImagesTo support then-husband Kanye West at his Yeezy Season 5 show, Kim wore head-to-toe plum, including lace-up heels and a puffer coat.
Getty ImagesWhile visiting sister Kylie's pop-up shop, Kim wore an off-the-shoulder striped mini dress with some white boots.
Getty ImagesAt a Balmain fashion week afterparty, wearing a glittering look from the brand's new collection. But you need to see what she wore to the show...
Getty ImagesFor Balmain's spring/summer ‘17 show, Kim wore a crochet look straight off the catwalk.
Getty ImagesRemember the perspex boots era?
Getty ImagesKim and North match their outfits - silver caped dresses - for a Kanye West gig in New York.
Rex FeaturesA quintessential Kim K look - sculpted dress, flawless skin, wet-look hair. We love.
Rex FeaturesWearing a Revolve LBD with thigh-high black boots by Yeezy to the Revolve Social Club in LA. She completed the look with a denim choker, of all things. Thoughts?
Getty ImagesKim loves herself a corset, as worm here over a T-shirt dress and a denim jacket.
Getty ImagesFor a party held at Hakkasan Las Vegas Nightclub in 2016, Kim rocked an LBD with slick back hair.
Rex FeaturesIsn't she a tad hot in this ensemble? Kim wore a knit bodycon dress and thigh-high denim boots for a Revolve party in July 2016.
Splash NewsIn one of her more daring looks, Kim sported a net midi dress and a parka (camo again) for a launch party, also in July 2016.
Wearing some serious leather for a GQ party in LA. Her dress was designed by Jitrois.
Getty ImagesWho doesn't wear bodycon dresses and heels while flying? Kim wears a peep-toe Yeezy boots and a nude-coloured dress as she flew from LA to France with Kanye West.
FlynetWearing a sheer Ermanno Scervino little white dress for Scott Disick's birthday dinner at Nobu in LA, 2016.
Getty ImagesShe scored a fashion hit in this Vivienne Westwood one-shoulder, thigh-split gown as she attended the premiere of Sofia Coppola's debut opera, La Traviata. We're also majorly impressed by how she managed to walk in those platform shoes (also Vivienne Westwood).
Getty ImagesFor her talk at the Vogue Festival, Kim opted for this chain mail, glittery Talbot Runhof gown in dusty pink.
PA PhotosFor the 2016 Met Gala, Kim went all out in custom-made Balmain. Talking about her dress - and her bleached eyebrows - she said she was going for a “blingy sexy robot” look. Into it.\
Getty ImagesFor Kanye's 2016 fashion show, Kim donned a white-blonde wig, along with a plunging-neckline and an ultra fluffy jacket.
Getty ImagesKim continued to wear her signature bodycon looks throughout her pregnancies – here, while carrying son Saint in August 2015, she looked beautiful in neutral tones.
GettyShe joined her sisters at the 2015 ESPYS in a chic one-shoulder gown.
Getty ImagesAttending Variety's Power of Women event in New York, both Kim and Lena Dunham pulled out the sartorial stops.
RexOne of Kim's early latex looks, worn back in November 2014, shortly after her infamous ‘Break The Internet’ Paper magazine cover shoot.
Rex FeaturesWe don't often see casual Kim, these days. She did an 'I'm with the band' look as she headed out in LA, repping her Kanye's 2014 tour in a Yeezus T-shirt and obligatory leather jacket and ripped jeans.
Rex FeaturesAs a close personal friend of Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteng, it’s little surprise that KK regularly steps out in designs from the French fashion house. This leopard meets military look was a bold one, that's for sure.
Rex FeaturesMore from her Balmain era. For an event in Cannes in June 2014, the newlywed chose a structured gown, complete with embellished rope detail. How she managed to sit down in it, we have no idea.
Rex FeaturesJust hours later though, and the reality TV star had swapped out the black for a cream and light blue beaded confection by Balmain as she and her gal pals painted Paris red for her hen 'do.
Rex FeaturesAn early example of Kim's penchant for sheer, cutout looks, at the Vienna Opera Ball. We're not sure she'd opt for that ballgown skirt, these days though…
Rex FeaturesPetition to see Kim in more yellow, please?
Rex FeaturesIn her first foray into sheer separates, Kim teamed a perforated Veronique Leroy polo neck with a figure-hugging Donna Karen maxi skirt, Tom Ford chain-detail heels, a low pony and a red wine lip for an outing with step-sister Kendall to an exhibition for high fashion photographer Mario Testino. Just your average Monday night attire, then...
Rex FeaturesAdding her twist to demure Dolce & Gabbana lace with visible black underwear.
Rex FeaturesAnd it was white D&G lace again for her 33rd birthday party in Las Vegas.
Rex FeaturesThe off-duty Kim look we had totally forgotten about. We hardly recognise her.
Rex FeaturesThere she is! Kim made a big fashion comeback at (where else?) Paris Fashion Week after having daughter North, wearing this cut-out Givenchy creation.
Getty ImagesOkay, we're firmly into the throwbacks now. Back in 2007, Kim was rocking cropped, tie-front shirts and flared wide-leg jeans.
Getty ImagesPosing in purple for a Keeping Up With The Kardashians viewing party.
Working a babydoll dress in 2006.
Kim chose a very demure wrap dress for the premiere of Entourage in 2006. This is giving us Kate Middleton, not Kim K…
Getty ImagesFull marks for the seamless black/cream colour coordination running throughout this look.
Getty ImagesAdmit it: we all wanted a faux fur bolero in the noughties.
Getty ImagesKim has previously said she thinks this is one of her worst looks ever, but we think it's kind of adorable.
“I was able to afford a Fendi belt and matching Fendi boots,” she said, before candidly adding of that time in her life: “Anytime I could go to an event, I would, because I just wanted my picture taken. That's all that mattered to me.”
Getty ImagesWhile Kim is pretty unlikely to ever plump for this dress again, the strappy sandals would totally still work with her wardrobe today.
