Style Through the Years: Jennifer Hudson

Recording artist and actress Jennifer Hudson first exploded onto the entertainment scene in 2004 as a contestant on “American Idol.” Although she finished as the sixth runner-up, Hudson won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her performance in her first film, “Dreamgirls.” Her success continued with a Grammy for her debut album in 2008. That same year, Hudson became engaged to WWE wrestler David Otunga. She gave birth to their son, David Jr., in 2009. Hudson’s success in both film and music is mirrored by her personal style, which combines Hollywood glamour with the vibe of a recording artist.

Early in her “American Idol” days, Jennifer Hudson began developing the elegant edge that would become her signature style, evident in this outfit worn at an Actors Fund of America gala in October 2004. The classic lines of this pantsuit, the beaded tank and simple accessories give the look sophistication, while black velvet fabric and the untamed hairstyle amp up the ensemble.

Jennifer Hudson channeled the retro glamour of her "Dreamgirls" character, Effie White, at the December 2006 premiere of the film. Typically an unforgiving, figure-hugging fabric, the strategic draping of Hudson’s jersey gown creates definition at the waist and draws the eye to its cleavage-revealing neckline.

At the 2007 Soul Train Music Awards, Jennifer Hudson appeared in a little black dress with a figure-flattering twist. The color-blocked white bodice enhances her natural curves and keeps the focus on her face, while the black, knee-length body-skimming skirt elongates her frame.

Back in front of the cameras just two months after the birth of her son, Jennifer Hudson demonstrated at the October 2009 Angel Ballthat curvy girls can carry off ensembles with volume. This sleek, sleeveless cocktail dress features a peg-top skirt that enhances Hudson’s curves while tapering ever so slightly inward at the hem to suggest — with the assistance of her wide, patent leather belt and black tights — an hourglass shape.

While neutrals may be her go-to hues, Jennifer Hudson has no trouble embracing colors. At a Happy Hearts Fund event in November 2010, the new face of Weight Watchers showed off her freshly svelte figure. The clever draping of this crimson wrap dress, such as the asymmetrical gathering at the waist, clings to her curves in all the right places.

Jennifer Hudson had nothing to fear as she braved the red carpet in a form-fitting bodycon dress at her album release party in March 2011. Deceptively simple in its lines, this classic cocktail dress achieves a vibe worthy of Hudson’s powerful voice with its unexpected print. The zigzag pattern of the black-and-white, sequined fabric creates an edgy optical illusion.

At a signing for her first book, “I Got This,” in January 2012, Jennifer Hudson proved to be audacious even in her casual fashions. This vibrant red-orange wrap dress has an easy-going classic cut for the bodice, sleeves and waist, yet it borders on risqué with its micro hemline. Hudson’s loose, Bohemian locks and unadorned wedges balance the ensemble’s provocative elements.

Simple met seductive in the number Jennifer Hudson wore to the American Music Awards in November 2013. While the vibrant neon orange color of the simple shift dress is striking on its own, the floor-length train adds a dash of drama and the hint of hot pink in its lining lends a little mystery to the look.

Jennifer Hudson expertly exhibited the edgy elegance of her personal style through the geometric lines in this black one-shouldered gown worn at the CFDA Fashion Awards in June 2014. Dawn Smart, fashion designer for DORÉ Couture, says of Hudson’s celebrity mom’s style, “Jennifer's Mom style is a wonderful modern classy look. Color looks amazing on her and she is not afraid to be sexy and daring. Her CFDA dress, while black, is my favorite. It's anything but boring.”