Ciara's Style Has Evolved Tremendously Since 2004

I will always have a soft spot for Ciara's first hit single, "1, 2 Step," because it was the hip-hop choice in my seventh grade dance recital. Despite the fact that my braces/frizzy hair/red fringed jumpsuit combo was incredibly tragic, that song (and the choreographed dance to go with it) have stuck with me since its 2004 release. As hard as it is the believe that song was released more than a decade ago, Ciara's career since then has only taken off. She's had numerous hit songs, and her sense of style has totally evolved. Here are 16 of Ciara's most memorable fashion looks that prove she's only going up from here!

Although Ciara's style initially started out bold and costume-y, she's definitely developed a more polished, streamlined look in the years since she first started releasing music videos. Her plunging leather jacket in "1, 2 Step" is totally iconic, but now she favors gorgeous sparkly red carpet gowns and designer threads. I mean, did you see how amazing she looked at the College Football Championship? Even when she was pregnant with her son, she made dressing a bump look easy and chic. See Ciara's style evolution and the best looks of her career below.

1. "1, 2 Step" Video

How could I not include this? Ciara looked incredible in the "1, 2 Step" video. The leather jacket? The bikini top? The dancing? I can't get over it.

2. Teen Choice Awards 2005

In 2005, Ciara won two awards — one for Best R&B/Hip Hop Track for "1, 2 Step," and one for Best Make-Out Song for "Oh." Is it just me, or is that category not hilarious? And how 2005 is Ciara's look? The light-wash jeans? Wide leather belt? Pink shrug? It may not be her chicest look, but it's perfectly appropriate for the occasion.

3. 2006 Grammys

This was the year Ciara won a Grammy for her collaboration with Missy Elliot on "Lose Control," and her white dress is totally gorge. I love how happy she looks to be holding that award, too.

4. "Get Up" Video

This 2006 release was one of the anthems of my middle school years, so this video is another personal favorite. With the gloves and sports bra, Ciara kind of looks like a badass boxer, and I'm totally obsessed.

5. 2007 VH1 Hip Hop Honors

Ciara looked like a shiny disco ball at this awards show, and I kind of love it.

6. 2008 Fashion Rocks

Ciara attended the fifth anniversary of the Fashion Rocks event in this gorgeous black and white Elie Saab dress, and I love how chic she looks.

7. 2009 NY Fashion Week

Ciara has always rocked formfitting dresses, but this ladylike blue dress she wore to NYFW in 2009 is so chic.

8. 2010 VMAs

As if this feathery gown Ciara wore to the 2010 VMAs wasn't cute enough, she also happened to be on the red carpet when it was super windy. I love to see how a dress moves, and this one looks like it's totally floating.

9. 2010 BET Awards

Ciara loves a good LBD, but this structured long-sleeved minidress is totally reminiscent of something the Kardashians would be all over today.

10. "Love Sex Magic" Video

There are so many amazing looks in this video that it's hard to narrow it down to one. Ciara looks amazing, Justin Timberlake looks dapper, and the song is one of the catchiest ones of 2010.

11. 2011 Pre-Grammy Gala

You know those deep V-neck lace-up dresses that are 100 percent in style right now? Looks like Ciara was about five years ahead of the trend.

12. 2011 Grammys

This floaty blue and white dress Ciara wore to the 2011 Grammys was a departure from her usual bodycon dresses, and I love how romantic it looks.

13. 2012 VH1 Divas

Back to the bodycon black dress, and Ciara has never looked better than at this VH1 event.

14. 2014 Brides Cover

2014 brought big changes for Ciara, including an engagement to rapper Future (they're now separated) and her first pregnancy. She looks beautiful and natural on this Brides cover.

15. 2014 Grammys

I mean, have you ever seen a more adorable pregnant person than Ciara? Her gorgeous rose gold gown couldn't compete with how much she was glowing. So cute.

16. 2015 American Music Awards

Ciara's black lace naked dress was one of her most iconic looks from last year, and she looks totally incredible.

17. 2016 National College Championship

This just happened, but it's definitely going down as one of her most memorable looks of all time.

Seeing Ciara's style evolution over the years is so much fun. She went from a teenager to a woman right before our eyes, but she's still managed to keep an amazing sense of style the whole time.

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