Carrie Underwood's Fashion Evolution

Perhaps one of the most notable country singers of all time, Carrie Underwood is the poster-child of modern country music, releasing hits like “Before he Cheats”, “The Champion”, and, most recently, “Cry Pretty”. Widely beloved by both country fans and non-country fans alike, she's a musical powerhouse with serious star power, but at the same time having old humble Midwest roots that sets her apart from most stars of her caliber. Since her debut album in 2005, Carrie has been the center of attention everywhere from the red carpet to the street, and today, we’re going to take you on a blast from the past to look at some of the iconic styles she's worn.

Carrie underwood exploded onto the scene in 2005, winning three Grammy’s for her debut album, “Some Hearts”. Her contest-winning performance on American Idol solidified her as a staple in the music scene, especially in the stunning sparkles she's known to have a flair for in her outfits.

As Some Hearts became the highest selling album of any genre in 2006, Carrie rode the fame with indisputable elegance and class, coming to the CMA awards in this very 2006 look. Carrie holds her trademark bling with grace and a coy smile.

As 2007 rolled around, the 24-year-old already had an impressive resume, boasting several awards and a certified-platinum debut album. Carrie then released her sophomore album, “Carnival Ride”; here she is at the CMT awards in a flirty but sweet cocktail dress.

2008 was a big year for fashion, specifically for wispy fabrics and florals, and Carrie is embracing the trend to the fullest in Zuhair Murad. Coming off her Carnival Ride tour, the artist earned another two Grammys and further positioned herself as a country powerhouse when she was inducted as an official Grand Ole Opry member.

Carrie underwood then released her third album, “Play On”, in November of 2009. Hits like “Undo It”, and “Cowboy Casanova” earned the album a 3x platinum certification and two Grammy nominations, though it never won. Carrie attended this show in true Carrie Underwood style in this shimmering Zuhair Murad gown.

In 2010, Carrie Underwood stunned crowds in this angelic Georges Chakra piece when attending the Grammys. Though she didn't release music for another two years, she certainly kept busy with a Singapore release of Play On, followed by a private concert on Good Morning America and other TV performances.

As the 2010’s roll around and fashion takes on a new decade, Carrie herself takes a new turn with her own style. The star sits pretty at the 2011 Golden Globes following her film debut in the summer drama, Soul Surfer, in this gorgeous Badgley Mischka gown.

Carrie finally released “Blown Away” in May of 2012. The album, taking a longer time to write than her previous work, opens up about more serious issues closer to the singer. Carrie attended the 2012 AMAs in this lovely Abed Mahfouz gown with plenty of sparkle to go around.

In 2013, Carrie received praise for “Blown Away”, with critics calling it her most adventurous album yet. The album received five nominations and two wins, pulling over 250,000 copies and setting Underwood as one of only three female country artists to have more than two albums debut at number one. Here is Carrie on the red carpet for the 2013 ACM awards in a floral Naeem Khan ball gown that screams princess.

2014 was an important year for the star, as she released her “Greatest Hits” album in mid-December. The album once again certified as platinum, breaking records for the genre and holding Underwood’s reputation as one of the greatest lyricists alive. For the 2014 ACM awards, Carrie opened a page from the Taylor Swift look book when she wore Oscar De La Renta.

Carrie is pretty in peach in Gauri+Nainika at the 2015 CMA awards, an atypical color for the star, who usually sticks to patterns and attention-grabbing sparkles, but still just as elegant nonetheless. She then released her fifth studio album, “Storyteller” in October, roughly seven months after becoming a first-time mom to son, Isaiah, with husband (and NHL player) Mike Fisher.

In 2016, Carrie was nominated for three CMT awards, two of which she took home, and though she didn't release music until 2017, she was met with another four awards for her music. At the 2016 Grammys, she took everyone by storm wearing a thigh-high slit in a gorgeous black gown; rather unusual for Underwood, but stunning nonetheless.

After the 2017 CMA awards, Carrie Underwood sustained a home injury, giving her a broken wrist and several facial stitches, to which she responded by staying out of the spotlight for several months. In this time, she wrote her single “Cry Pretty,” and released it on April 15 at the 2018 ACM awards. Here she is at the 2017 CMAs in a show stopping blue gown that really takes the country motto “go big or go home” to heart.

2018 saw the return of Carrie. Announcing her next album, named after its previous single, “Cry Pretty”, scheduled to be released in September of this year. Here she is at the 2018 CMT Music Awards in a sequin-encrusted, golden mini dress that goes all the way back to her 2005 roots. We can't wait to hear the new album and we’re excited for the second decade of Carrie!

Overall, Carrie Underwood is hailed as one of the most iconic stars of this generation, and it's easy to see why. An astounding vocal range, a commanding presence, and a fashion taste that says “Look at me right now!” all points to Carrie underwood as one of the greatest singers of the 21st century. Ten years in the Opry and thirteen years in the spotlight haven't dimmed her sparkle in the slightest, and her art is truly an amazing gift to the world of music, not strictly country. Music.