Katy Perry has been rocking statement looks since she first hit the music scene with “I Kissed A Girl” in 2008. Whether it’s walking the red carpet at the Met Gala or an appearance on a late-night talk show, the pop star has always brought a signature camp style, chock-full of bright colors, daring silhouettes, and bold jewelry.
While she’s been consistent with her favorite designers (like Zuhair Murad and Vivienne Westwood) over the years, the singer has ushered in a new style era of late. Perry continues to incorporate eye-catching elements in her wardrobe (after all, she is still a performer) but recently she’s shown a taste for quieter sophistication.
Perry has been open about the shift in her style, telling InStyle in 2022 that she feels like “two different people.” Though her stage persona is “over-animated” and “very larger-than-life,” the singer has come to value a more toned-down vibe for her everyday looks, opting for a pop of color rather than a mix of hues.
"I would say that in my personal life, it's becoming a little bit more sophisticated and less kooky," she said. "I save the kook for the stage. But it's still an elevated kook. There's no messiness to any of it. It's intentional camp."
Camp or sophisticated, one thing’s for sure: the singer can craft a show-stopping ensemble. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Katy Perry outfits from the red carpet and beyond.
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Katy Perry in a Vivienne Westwood gown at King Charles III’s coronation in 2023
The songstress stole the show at King Charles III’s coronation when she performed “Firework” in this custom gold ballgown from Vivienne Westwood. The fully gilded look featured a corseted bodice, a plunging neckline, and detachable long sleeves. Giant gold cherub earrings finished off this camp look.
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Katy Perry in a Dior gown at the Tiffany & Co. store opening in 2023
For the re-opening of the Tiffany & Co. store in New York City, Perry went for classic glamor in this vintage Dior gown with ruffle detailing and mesh straps. She accessorized with some jewels from the brand, including a diamond tennis necklace and a sapphire ring.
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Katy Perry in a Roberto Cavalli dress at an American Idol taping in 2023
Leave it to Perry to make a denim dress elegant! She went for a patchwork number from Roberto Cavalli, which was complete with a thin scarf, a corset bodice, and a draped skirt. Black platform heels and fringe earrings gave this look an extra edgy touch.
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Katy Perry in a zebra ensemble at Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2023
Even for her more casual appearances, Perry brings her fashion A-game. She turned heads in this zebra-print combo from The Attico, which included a blazer, a mini-skirt, and an asymmetrical crop top covered in metal chains. Black thigh-high boots from Paris Texas and matching shades finished off this statement look.
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Katy Perry in a Zimmerman two-piece at the G'Day USA Arts Gala in 2023
Ab-baring gowns aren’t typical gala fashion, but Perry made it work in this gold foil two-piece from Zimmerman. She added an elegant touch to the look with a spiral cuff bracelet and dangly gold-chain earrings.
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Katy Perry in a Marques’ Almeida denim corset and jeans at the CMA Awards in 2022
Perry took us back to the early aughts with this double denim look she wore to the 2022 CMA Awards. The Marques’ Alameida ensemble included an off-the-shoulder denim corset and baggy jeans with an oversized bow embellishment, which she accessorized with crystal-studded pointed-toe pumps and a diamond choker.
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Katy Perry in an Oscar de la Renta dress at the Met Gala in 2022
Perry was all about sleek and timeless glamor at the 2022 Met Gala, opting for a black-and-cream Oscar de la Renta gown with sheer detailing and a floral lace overlay. The finishing touches — sheer opera gloves and diamond-drop earrings — are what brought this romantic look together.
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Katy Perry in a Marni sweater set in New York City in 2022
Not only did Perry look extremely cozy in this Marni two-piece sweater set, but she elevated the winter look with her bold accessories. The red trench coat, matching knee-high boots, and tortoise sunglasses gave this a cool-girl edge.
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Katy Perry in a Vivienne Westwood dress at the CMA Awards in 2021
Perry might not be a country singer, but she sure knows how to walk the CMA Awards red carpet. In 2021, she stunned in this caramel-colored dress by Vivienne Westwood, a layered pearl necklace, and a sleek topknot.
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Katy Perry in a Schiaparelli gown at the Variety Power of Women event in 2021
The singer delivered at Variety’s Power of Women event in this lavender Schiaparelli gown. The design featured a corset bodice, oversized balloon sleeves, and a sweeping train. She styled the voluminous dress with gemstone drop earrings, which were just as eye-catching.
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Katy Perry in a Pierre Cardin gown at the LuisaViaRoma for Unicef event in 2021
Flared white sleeves topped with black bows added drama to Perry’s vintage black-and-cream gown by Pierre Cardin. She accessorized the chic look with diamond-and-pearl drop earrings from Buccellati.
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Katy Perry in a Louis Vuitton dress at the Louis Vuitton Parfum Dinner in 2021
Perry attended the Louis Vuitton Parfum dinner in Paris wearing a colorful dress from the brand that featured a sparkling chain-link bodice and a tulle skirt. She complemented the metallic color palette with black mules and a silver purse.
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Katy Perry in a Mara Hoffman dress at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup event in 2020
Just days after announcing her pregnancy, Perry showed off her baby bump in this color-blocked dress by Mara Hoffman at an ICC Women's T20 World Cup event. Orange Rejina Pyo sandals and statement drop earrings by Rachel Comey rounded out this fun look.
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Katy Perry in a Prada dress at the Baby2Baby Gala in 2019
Perry posed for photos at the 2019 Baby2Baby Gala in this dazzling Prada gown. The sleek black skirt with an empire waistline was offset by a silver chainmail bodice with draped sleeves and gemstone embellishments.
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Katy Perry in a Moschino mini dress at the Met Gala in 2019
The Met Gala’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme was tailor-made for Perry, and she quite literally lit up the carpet in this chandelier-inspired ensemble by Moschino, which included a mini dress covered in Swarovski crystals and a working light fixture.
“There is a built-in corset consisting of 18 steel bones and two hidden battery packs to illuminate the lights. I mean, who wants to wear a chandelier that doesn't light up,” designer Jeremy Scott told Vogue. “Working with Katy is always fun, because she really gets my humor and can play with it like nobody else and even amp it up a few notches.”
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Katy Perry in Sally LaPointe at Good Morning America in 2019
Perry served an impeccable monochromatic outfit at Good Morning America in this bright blue Sally LaPointe ensemble. She paired high-waisted sequin pants with a turtleneck sweater, a faux fur coat, and pointed-toe heels.
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Katy Perry in a Balmain Couture gown at the Grammys in 2019
For the 2019 Grammys, Perry channeled Barbie in this bubblegum-pink Balmain Couture gown. The strapless number featured a silver-accented bodice and a structured pleated skirt, which called for a simple pair of diamond earrings to finish off the look.
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Katy Perry in a Galia Lahav jumpsuit at the QVC x FFANY Shoes on Sale Gala in 2018
At the QVC x FFANY Shoes on Sale Gala, Perry nailed another monochromatic look in this pink sequined jumpsuit from Galia Lahav with a strapless neckline and an attached train. She styled the pastel look with sheer opera gloves, a bow headband, and pointed-toe pumps from her own shoe collection.
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Katy Perry in a Maison Margiela gown at the Met Gala in 2017
As a co-host for the 2017 Met Gala, the pressure was on Perry to deliver a standout look. She did not disappoint. The singer wore a red tulle gown from Maison Margiela, a matching veil, diamond rings by Lorraine Schwartz, and red Tabi boots.
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Katy Perry in a Jean Paul Gaultier dress at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2017
For the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, Perry masterfully blended her two styles in this bronze Jean Paul Gaultier dress for a bold yet sophisticated look. She kept her accessories simple with black ankle-strap heels and a matching clutch.
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Katy Perry in an Adam Selman trench dress at the Universal Music BRIT Awards Afterparty in 2017
Perry gave the trench coat a modern update in this Adam Selman dress with red rose embroidery and a sheer finish. Her red ankle-strap heels and gold choker further emphasized the vibrant pattern.
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Katy Perry in a Marchesa gown at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball in 2016
For the UNICEF Snowflake Ball, Perry embraced the event’s name in this ethereal Marchesa gown with floral appliqués and an iridescent pleated skirt. She finished off the look with a pearlescent Edie Parker clutch and floral earrings by Neil Lane.
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Katy Perry in a Marchesa gown at the amfAR Cannes Gala in 2016
The singer stood out at the 2016 amfAR Cannes Gala in this red Marchesa gown with lace detailing and dramatic petal sleeves. Diamond drop earrings, a sleek bun, and a classic red lip completed this bold look.
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Katy Perry in a Prada gown at the Met Gala in 2016
Perry completely transformed for the 2016 Met Gala, where she donned a black-and-green gown by Prada with gold detailing. Black leather gloves, bleached eyebrows, and a Tamagotchi are the little details that made this goth-glam look a hit.
“She was a guest of Miuccia Prada, so we wanted to make sure the look was very Prada,” stylist Leslie Fremar told Vogue. “But in true Katy Perry fashion, the addition of a Tamagotchi was a cheeky nod to the theme of the gala.”
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Katy Perry in a Prada dress at the Golden Globe Awards in 2016
At the 2016 Golden Globes, Perry opted for a ‘60s-inspired look that embodied Old Hollywood elegance. She wore a light pink Prada dress with a plunging neckline and a bow-detailed back and complemented it with diamond jewelry and a voluminous updo.
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Katy Perry in a Moschino dress at the Met Gala in 2015
Perry plucked a look straight off the runway for the 2015 Met Gala, wearing this black graffitied gown by Moschino. She paired the punk-inspired dress with graffiti gloves, a spray-paint-bottle purse, and a sleek pixie cut.
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Katy Perry in a Zuhair Murad dress at the Grammys in 2015
Music’s biggest night calls for something fun, and Perry definitely served a festive look in this sheer Zuhair Murad dress covered in crystal fringe and beading. She added even more sparkle to the look with a silver belt, diamond chandelier earrings, and pearl-adorned heels by Sophia Webster.
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Katy Perry in a Versace dress at the VMAs in 2014
Perry’s denim Versace dress from the 2014 VMAs would’ve been iconic on its own, but as a nod to Britney Spears’ 2001 AMAs look? That’s even better. She replicated the ensemble right down to the diamond choker and matching denim clutch.
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Katy Perry in a Vivienne Westwood dress at the Elle Style Awards in 2014
Perry was the picture of modern elegance in this cream-colored Vivienne Westwood dress, complete with a romantic rose pattern. She finished the look with crystal-studded heels by Christian Louboutin, red nail polish, and a curly bob.
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Katy Perry in a Valentino gown at the Grammys in 2014
While Perry is known for her bold style, she does quieter sophistication just as well, and this tulle Valentino gown she wore to the 2014 Grammys proves it. She styled the look with a sleek updo and silver drop earrings.
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Katy Perry in an Emanuel Ungaro dress at the VMAs in 2013
The pop star was just embarking on her “Roar” era when she wore this cheetah-print dress by Emanuel Ungaro to the 2013 VMAs. She paired the statement look with a high ponytail and black Celine sandals with gold toe straps.
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Katy Perry in a Gucci gown at the Grammys in 2013
A restrictive fashion memo encouraging attendees to be modest in their choices didn’t stop Perry from serving an attention-grabbing look at the 2013 Grammys. She donned a mint-green Gucci gown on the red carpet, which included a keyhole cut-out accented with floral embellishments.
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Katy Perry in a Blumarine dress at the Billboard Music Awards in 2012
It was all-purple everything for Perry’s appearance at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. She emphasized her dark purple locks by pairing the hairdo with a purple iridescent gown by Blumarine and silver bangles.
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Katy Perry in an Elie Saab dress at the Grammys in 2012
Perry dyed her hair often in the 2010s, and she was all about blue for the 2012 Grammys. She contrasted her ‘do with a light blue Elie Saab gown, which featured floral appliqués, three-quarter sleeves, and a bow belt.
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Katy Perry in a Giorgio Armani gown at the Grammys in 2011
The 2011 Grammys was the first time Perry sported angel wings on the red carpet. Her custom Giorgio Armani gown included a silk organza skirt and a crystal-encrusted bodice, which she combined with silver Casadei heels to complete the ethereal look.
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Katy Perry in a Zuhair Murad mini-dress at the MTV Movie Awards in 2010
Before hitting the stage to perform “California Gurls,” Perry walked the red carpet in a sheer, sequined mini-dress from Zuhair Murad. Rock & Republic gray heels and a royal blue wig rounded out this daring look.
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Katy Perry in a CuteCircuit dress at the Met Gala in 2010
Perry turned up at the 2010 Met Gala in a light-up gown designed by CuteCircuit. The pastel number was covered in 3,000 LED lights that glowed in a rainbow of colors, which she paired with silver peep-toe heels and a pink statement necklace.
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Katy Perry in a Zuhair Murad gown at the Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty in 2010
At the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, Perry mastered edgy glamor in this red-and-beige Zuhair Murad gown in a chevron print. She played on the bright color palette by adding gold bangles and a red sequin clutch.
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Katy Perry in a chainmail dress at the VMAs in 2009
Perry looked especially fierce at the 2009 VMAs in this chainmail minidress with a bustier and studded skirt details. She accessorized with silver pumps and a red lip to add a pop of color to the metallic look.
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Katy Perry in a purple cocktail dress at the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons event in 2009
Perry was already showing her fashion prowess in 2009 when she wore this purple cocktail dress adorned with rhinestones. She took the sparkle up another notch by adding silver pumps and a matching clutch.