Keke Palmer’s Fashion Evolution: From The Longshots to Red Carpet Glamour at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Keke Palmer’s fashion journey is one of Hollywood’s most striking evolutions. From her early teen-star days promoting The Longshots in 2008 to her bold shaved-head debut at the 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards and her polished glamour at the 2021 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, Palmer has continually reinvented herself through color, silhouette, and fearless styling.

Below, explore three defining outfits that chart her growth from rising actress to full-fledged fashion force.

1. 2008: Sweet, Youthful Style During *The Longshots* Press Tour

In 2008, Palmer was carving out her place in Hollywood with her breakout role in The Longshots. The then-14-year-old starred opposite Ice Cube as Jasmine Plummer, the real-life Pop Warner trailblazer who became the league’s first female quarterback.

Keke Palmer and Ice Cube in a scene from The Longshots (2008), where Palmer portrays Jasmine Plummer, the first female quarterback in Pop Warner football history (Credit: The Weinstein Company / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

And while The Longshots marked an early career milestone, Palmer’s style at the time was still sweet, simple, and unmistakably youthful—far from the bold fashion statements she would become known for years later.

During the film’s press tour in 2008, she stepped out in a fresh lace-trimmed top, a pink floral skirt, and casual flip-flops for a Planet Hollywood appearance in Times Square.

Keke Palmer looks fresh and youthful in a white lace-trimmed top paired with a pink floral skirt and flip-flops while promoting The Longshots at Planet Hollywood in Times Square (Credit: PNP / WENN)

Though the film centered on a shy girl discovering her confidence, Palmer later shared that she was the opposite in real life—crediting her parents for pushing her to trust her instincts and chase her ambitions.

Preparing for the role required weeks of football training, which she approached with the same determination that would eventually define her fearless red-carpet style.

Keke Palmer promotes The Longshots at Planet Hollywood in Times Square, New York City, on July 30, 2008, looking radiant in a white lace-trimmed top (Credit: PNP / WENN)

That early blend of discipline and self-belief helped shape the performer she is today.

2. 2016: A Bold Beauty & Style Transformation at the Kids’ Choice Awards

And by the time she hit the 2016 red carpet circuit, Palmer had fully stepped into her fashion era—embracing bolder silhouettes, sharper styling, and the kind of statement looks that signaled a confident new chapter.

Keke Palmer exudes confidence in a bold orange leather top paired with a sleek gold choker at Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards at The Forum on March 12, 2016, in Inglewood, California (Credit: Apega / WENN)

It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when Keke Palmer was afraid to be herself. In March 2016, the American actress walked the orange carpet at the 2016 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards to debut her brand-new hairstyle.

All we can say is that her hairstyle is most likely not featured in hair salon magazines.

Keke Palmer stuns on the orange carpet in a sleek, bright-orange Alessandra de Tomaso dress paired with bold red JF London rope-strap sandals

Keke paired her newly-shaved head with an orange faux-leather Alessandra de Tomaso dress, which she wore underneath a denim jacket upon arrival at the event.

The actress polished her outfit with jewelry from Luv AJ and braided “Sally” sandals from British footwear label JF London.

Keke Palmer shows off her fresh blue pedicure in eye-catching red rope sandals

Keke talked about her newly shaved head, her new single, and the upcoming season of Scream Queens. The actress had recently wrapped up her one-time live television performance of “Grease” alongside Vanessa Hudgens.

Keke Palmer playfully blows a kiss while rocking a patched denim jacket over her bold orange outfit at a Nickelodeon event

By 2021, Palmer’s style evolution was unmistakable. The once-rising teen star had grown into a confident, high-fashion presence—known for looks that balance drama, polish, and a bold sense of personality.

3. 2021: High-Fashion Confidence in Etro at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

She brought that energy to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, stepping out in a striking animal-print Etro gown paired with sky-high platform heels that elongated her 5’5″ (165 cm) frame from the moment she arrived.

Keke Palmer flashes a smile while showing off her gold Perdifiato Jewelry accents at the 2021 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Keke Palmer stuns in a flowing animal print Etro maxi dress paired with a statement belt and black platform heels at the 2021 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on October 2, 2021, at the Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, California (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

Keke Palmer’s Most Iconic Shoe Moments Through the Years

From polished red-carpet gowns to playful street-style risks, Palmer’s fashion journey is filled with unforgettable shoe moments that showcase her range and confidence. Below, explore more of her standout looks—from platform heels to couture-level sandals—that highlight why she remains one of Hollywood’s most exciting dressers.