Aging Backwards: Karen Huger’s Style Transformation

To say Karen Huger has experienced a glow-up since her first season on The Real Housewives of Potomac would be an understatement. The entrepreneur—who used to get called out for her shifted wig—is now arguably one of the best-dressed on the series.

Sure, that is in part thanks to the new wigs she dons, most of which are from her own line that she launched in collaboration with her creative director, Steven Thomas (a.k.a. the Hair Doc) in 2020. But it’s also her style itself. These days, Karen is all about paring elegant classics with bits of couture, and her fans are totally there for it.

“The couture addition took my fashion to the next level,” she said last year. “Mixing and matching is key to personal style, it’s fun and brings out your unique style which for me would be timeless. I am someone who is stylish and may or may not follow a fashion trend but I always stay true to my own aesthetic.”

Let’s take a look at that evolution in pictures, shall we?

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Promoting the new show

In 2016 to help promote the launch of RHOP, Huger stepped onto the red carpet at the Television Critics Association Press Tour. Her form-hugging blue dress and nude sandals definitely trended towards the classic side, however her curls aren’t exactly the same hair fans know her for today.

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Getting intimate with Andy

During an appearance of Watch What Happens Live a few weeks later, Huger switched to blonde locks with a looser curl. She’s still wearing that signature blue, only this time it’s in the form of a tight top that’s paired with wide-legged pants and a short-sleeved blazer with a statement zipper.

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Entering the gala zone

Later that summer Huger traded in her blue for another signature colour, red. Once again she opted for a form-fitting dress, which she paired with statement jewels, heavier eye makeup and a more neutral lip. Considering she was on the red carpet at the Champagne for Change Gala at The Ritz Carlton in Washington, DC, the look seems appropriate, no?

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Putting on the polish

A year later, at the 2017 NBCUniversal summer press day at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Huger made a polished yet relaxed entrance. Her easy waves and trendier jumpsuit resulted in a more elegant look, especially when paired with her neutral makeup.

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Experimenting with bangs

When you’re switching your hair so often, why not have fun with it? In the fall of 2017 Huger attended the 47th Annual Legislative Conference at Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where she sported sleek bangs.

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Blonde or bust

In March 2018, Huger went platinum. Here she is with a classic red pantsuit (complete with white embellishments) and a simple grey tank that further stands out next to her shorter, blonde ‘do and smoky eye.

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Getting glam for the premiere

Fast forward to the RHOP Premiere Party at Washington’s The Hecht Warehouse at Ivy City in April 2019, and Huger is full-on embracing those platinum locks. Here she’s straightened them and paired them with another jumpsuit—this one with lots of extra sparkle. Because if you can’t get glam for your own TV show season premiere, when can you glam out?

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Going for classic

In the summer of 2019 Huger proved that she can pull off long or short locks with this show-stopping look on an episode of Watch What Happens Live. On the episode she showed off a pretty bob and a simple white ensemble complete with gold statement jewels.

Karen Huger poses in her yellow reunion show dress

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Sleek and elegant

At the end of 2020 Huger blew fans’ minds yet again with this sleek and elegant look for the reunion show. The asymmetrical canary gown is a statement on its own, but paired with those snaking sandals and the long sleek blonde hair, and this is definitely one of Huger’s most memorable looks.

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Pretty in Pink

What a difference six seasons make. Here’s Huger at the RHOP Premiere Screening Event. Her long blonde hair is in loose waves and her pink satin shirt dress is simple, but polished and sleek. Add in matching nails, those favoured strappy sandals and a pretty pink lip and lids, and Huger is the epitome of a Housewives glow-up.