Keke Palmer is a star we’ve seen evolve since childhood. From starring in Akeela and the Bee at just 11 years old to her most recent film, I Love Boosters, Palmer is an entertainer we’ve watched develop as a woman. Her moniker, Keke “Keep-A-Job” Palmer, is cheekily accurate. She’s someone who has it all: A bright personality, and of course, the style and beauty to match.
Over the years, the once Nickelodeon star swapped printed layers, leggings, and high-top sneakers for the designer gowns and chic ensembles defining her adulthood. She started off with a shaved head, undercut, and dramatic looks reminiscent of Rihanna’s style. Her 2016 American Music Awards look, for example, was similar to Rih’s Swarovski crystal sheer gown that she wore at the 2014 CFDA Awards. Then, there was her 2017 iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards look that displayed even more edge with her purple-shaven head paired with a simple black dress.
Since then, she’s developed a more pulled-back, old Hollywood style, largely due to the influence of creative director, Sergio Hudson, whose looks she frequents. At the 2023 Met Gala, celebrating the theme of Karl Lagerfeld, her pearl dress was a dream that spoke to that old Hollywood aesthetic. Then, the following year, she took it up a notch with a one foot tall ponytail and sequins wrapped around her body.
Last year, she solidified her beauty influence when she cut her hair into a viral pixie and, at the same time, declared ginger summer’s hottest hair color. Now, in her latest style moment, she paired a half-up braided French curled bob with a bright yellow dress for the 2026 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.
Ahead, see how Keke Palmer’s beauty and style has evolved over the years in honor of her 33rd birthday.
2010
Actress Keke Palmer arrives at Nickelodeon’s 23rd annual Kid’s Choice Awards at Pauley Pavilion on March 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)
2011
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JUNE 26: Actress Keke Palmer attends the 5th anniversary “Creme of the Crop” post BET Awards Dinner Celebration at Mr Chow on June 26, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
2012
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 31: Actress/singer Keke Palmer arrives at Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards held at Galen Center on March 31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for KCA)
2013
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 21: Actress Keke Palmer attends the Sixth Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 21, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
2014
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Keke Palmer attends Milly By Michelle Smith during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2015 at on September 8, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage)
2015
HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 10: Keke Palmer arrives at Ui Culture App Launch Party at TCL Chinese Theatre on December 10, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
2016
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 20: Actress Keke Palmer arrives at the 2016 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
2017
TORONTO, ON – JUNE 18: Keke Palmer arrives at the 2017 iHeartRADIO MuchMusic Video Awards at MuchMusic HQ on June 18, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)
2018
2019
2021
2022
2023
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Keke Palmer attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)
2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Keke Palmer attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)
2025
2026
Keke Palmer at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on March 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
2026
MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 15: Keke Palmer attends 2026 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 15, 2026 in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for MVAAFF)
Author: Kerane Marcellus
Read the original article on Essence.
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