5 Katy Perry Outfits That Completely Missed The Mark

Katy Perry isn't one to shy away from a fashion risk. Ever since she shot to fame with the earworm "I Kissed A Girl" in 2008, her bold outfits on and off the stage have caught the world's attention. But while those risks often pay off (her rose petal-inspired Marchesa gown for the 2016 amfAR Cannes Gala, for example, was a major hit), sometimes, she misses the mark. And, you know what? She acknowledges that. And she's okay with it.

"I've worn a lot of weird ass things, but they've always brought me joy," Perry explained to W in 2022, denying she has any fashion regrets. "Has everything been A+? Well, I guess that's subjective. Some people love it, some people are like, 'What the f**k?' and that's fine," she shared. And, well, we can't lie, there are a few ensembles from Perry's past that have us asking that exact question.

Katy Perry stepped out in London in 2020 in an out-there shiny pink outfit that was just as confusing as it was unflattering. Was it a dress? Was it a coat? We can't work it out. Either way, the tiered panels completely swamped her figure and the bright color wasn't complimentary with her light locks and skin tone. We appreciate that she wanted to do something different and wasn't afraid to wear a bold shade, but with her sparkly drop earrings and patent pink heels in the mix too, unfortunately, the ensemble served little other than gaudy.

There must be something about London that throws Katy Perry off her fashion game. In July 2024, Perry tried the controversial no-pants trend in the British capital wearing a light gray bodysuit and a sheer, black lace skirt. However, the color and material of the one-piece did not correlate with her bottom half, and the see-through garment didn't fit properly at the waist. She accessorized with a black bag, square boots, and sunglasses, which may have worked had she swapped her top. Monochromatic looks are easy and chic, and pairing the lace skirt with a satin black bodysuit could have achieved the sexy gothic-esque aesthetic she seemingly aimed for but missed.

Another day in London, another confused (and busy) outfit from Katy Perry. In 2008, the "Lifetimes" hitmaker wore a rose and airplane print bodycon midi dress, bright purple tights, black knee-high boots, and an oddly structured light gray cardigan. All accessorized with glitzy sunglasses. But despite the individual pieces being on trend at the time — body-hugging dresses and colored tights were particularly hot — they just didn't work together. The purple didn't compliment the white, red, and green dress, or any other part of the ensemble for that matter, while the boots and cardigan belonged to a whole other season.

While at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in 2009, Katy Perry gave the term statement necklace a whole new meaning. The star wore an unusual oversized rope necklace adorned with knots and multiple colored shapes, but she didn't get the memo that bold jewelry goes best with understated clothing. Perry paired it with a loud, loose-fitting zebra-print jumpsuit with pockets, plus electric blue shoes. She added a chunky black statement belt (which made a comeback for spring 2024) and a pink cocktail ring. Individually, these pieces were on-trend, but together it was too much thrown into one look, making the star's outfit appear overwhelming and cheap.

Katy Perry appeared at Mencap's Little Noise Sessions in 2008 in a getup that completely washed her out. Though she still looked beautiful, of course, the loose garment looked more like a nature poster wrapped around her body than a dress fit for music's biggest breakthrough star that year. It featured a faded forest theme (complete with deer and rabbits), a gold trim, and was belted at the hips to give her more shape — though it still buried her figure. She paired it with brown-gray slouchy boots and shiny, sheer pale pantyhose that did nothing to compliment her skin tone. If we'd styled her, we'd have ditched the hosiery and added a gold heel to bring warmth. But we do respect that she tried something different. After all, it's Katy Perry's world, and we're lucky to be living in it.