The Stunning Style Transformation Of Paris Jackson

Note: This article includes mention of suicide.

Most people associate Paris Jackson with being the only daughter of legendary pop star Michael Jackson. However, the young woman has worked hard to make a name for herself over the years to gain recognition for her creative talents as a musician, actor, and model. The triple-threat star is no longer the troubled teen from the past. She has made strides with her mental health and well-being as a young celeb under the spotlight, which manifests throughout her inspiring style transformation.

Jackson has cultivated a distinctive style that took root in adolescence but fully blossomed during her 20s. The desire to express oneself through fashion is a universal experience, and her transformation shows in the collection of snapshots and red-carpet photos from her early years to the present. 

Although her typical style falls somewhere between boho and rockstar glam, Jackson denies having a signature look. "'Signature' seems like it would be relatively original, and that is not the case with my sound or my look. I just take [ideas] from a lot of the things that I like. Nothing's really mine; it's just a melting pot of my favorites, I guess," she told Allure in 2023. Today, Jackson's wardrobe communicates an open-mindedness, confidence, and creativity that only seems to improve as time goes on. As such, fans can expect to see more facets of her creative expression as she continues to grow and mature as an artist.

As the child of such an iconic figure in music history such as Michael Jackson, Paris Jackson's time often consisted of charity events, parties, and even talk shows. As part of her unusual upbringing, Jackson attended charity events with her siblings Prince and Bigi Jackson. At these Los Angeles-based events, Jackson often dressed in the typical fashion trends of the 2010s, including skinny jeans, sneakers, graphic tees, and pin-straight hair. Then, in 2012, her fashion took on an edgy feel, which was very much on brand for 2012 standards, with black leather jackets, front bangs, and denim short shorts. Not every kid could pull off 2012 style with its galaxy print sneakers and UGG boots — and honestly, Jackson's wardrobe wasn't that embarrassing, all things considered.

Photos of Jackson's street style are minimal throughout 2013 when Jackson was hospitalized following a suicide attempt. The same applies for the following year, which was spent in recovery with family. Public appearances were kept short and minimal during this rocky period of her life, but luckily she got through it.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Paris Jackson was just 17 years old in 2015, and her wardrobe reflects her angsty adolescent preferences. For instance, at the opening night of the coming-of-age rock musical "Spring Awakening," the teen showed off her pink highlights, lace-up boots, and fringe-tastic details – which, incidentally, saw a comeback in 2023. Now, keep in mind that the early to mid-2000s were not the most fashionable years in style history. However, the budding star was likely considered a style influencer among peers due to her celebrity status and effortless punk rock style.

At 17 years old, her rockstar wardrobe evolved into a lifestyle rather than a teenage trend, as evidenced by her increasingly punk rock aesthetic. Jackson's wardrobe progressed even more into more of an alternative rock style when she turned 18, with ripped denim and a bouncy soft crop making a regular appearance. Although she's adopted a softer, less angsty look today, the musician never abandoned her love for rock 'n' roll.

The year 2017 marked a time of experimentation for Paris Jackson. Every red carpet look appeared drastically different from the last and never failed to surprise fans. Her hair transformations were her most defining style feature that year, as she swapped her trademark beach waves for a textured blended bob. At one point, the celeb made the jump and dyed her hair a daring platinum blond before returning to her usual brunette-blond highlights. She even experimented with a versatile waterfall fringe.

It should come as no surprise that she rocked front bangs, seeing as that's one of her favorite hairstyles, but the same cannot be said for some of her clothing choices. Her wardrobe was all over the place in 2017, but it revealed a glimpse into Jackson's journey toward finding her personal style. That continued into 2018, which saw an increase in colorful outfits and patterns. That said, the "Running For So Long" singer seems to have retained her love for black with maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and band tees.

Following Paris Jackson's brief stint with unique clothing and hairstyles, the multi-talented young star eventually settled into her own sense of style. For instance, in 2019, Jackson stunned fans with a lovely peach-persimmon gown — similar to peach fuzz, Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year — which offered a refreshing break from her busy fabrics and dress patterns. This Vanity Fair look showcased Jackson's versatility and revealed an interest in more mature, elegant styles.

Although the model claims not to have a "signature" look, Jackson always appears to return to her California girl roots with a preference for modern boho ensembles and accessories. Her street style in 2018 consisted of a mishmash of decades, including '70s flared bell-bottom pants, tie-dye pullovers, '90s-inspired choker necklaces, and 2000s ripped denim. The eclectic combination resulted in a playful and delightfully unpredictable wardrobe. You never quite knew which look — or, more accurately, decade — she would go for. Shining through all the unpredictability, however, are her timeless brunette-blond waves, which she styled into loose beach waves or glamorous Hollywood curls.

On November 4, 2021, at the amfAR gala in Los Angeles, musician Paris Jackson posed for photos in a patterned maxi dress and an assortment of jewelry. The whimsical dress appeared straight out of Stevie Nicks's wardrobe with a ruffled train, puff sleeves, and platform heels. Her early 2000s boho obsession carried into 2022, as she often wore long ruffle-hem dresses with heaps of paisley motifs and asymmetrical drapery.

That said, remnants of Jackson's rocker chick tendencies still shine through in her accessories, such as round oversized sunglasses, dramatic eye makeup, and low-maintenance hairstyles. Her favorite rock star hair looks included messy chignon buns, updos, and tousled waves, which complemented her casual, everyday street style. Additionally, her go-to street style typically comprised a laid-back yet fashionable combination of denim, dark-colored footwear, and a loose-fitting top or jacket. You would often catch Jackson wearing some type of boot — combat or cowboy — or Converse sneakers.

"I dress for comfort when I'm not working and '90s [beauty and fashion] is pretty comfortable for me. I like to stick with the darker colors, the earth tones," Paris Jackson told Allure, and stick with neutrals she did. The "Wilted" artist clearly has an eye for soft earth tones and dark neutrals. The browns, pinks, and oranges make sense for her bohemian ensembles, while the deep colors, such as midnight black and blue, align with her rockstar lifestyle.

In 2023, she sported a number of brown dresses and slips, including during the 2023 Paris Fashion Week when she sported a classy caramel brown minidress with a nude-pink overcoat. The muted palette exuded a sophisticated European feel and gave fans a taste of her new wardrobe revamp. The singer also proved her trendsetter status at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024 when she donned a stunning black bandeau number with a large abdomen cut-out. Although somewhat simple in design compared to her usual dresses, her all-black ensemble left a memorable impression. This, along with her Fashion Week 'fit, cemented Jackson as a true style chameleon.