A lot has changed since 19 Kids and Counting first premiered on TLC — and yes, we're talking about the Duggar ladies' wardrobes. Gone are the days when they used to wear matching homemade dresses; they're far more stylish now. But more than that, they've actually started leaving some of their strict, ultra-conservative dress code rules behind in favor of wearing leggings, jeans, and even sleeveless tops. Who possibly could have guessed this would have happened?
In 2008, when the show first began (and even during most of Counting On), the Duggar ladies would only wear skirts and dresses and make sure their shoulders and necklines were always covered, even to the point of altering their wedding dresses to be more modest, if necessary. Don't get us wrong — many of them still managed to look cute and dress on trend, but it was still obvious that their outfits were a lot different from what other women and girls their age would be wearing.
Now? There's been a total style evolution, and it's been so much fun to see. Here's how the Duggars' style has changed.
The Early Days
In the very earliest days of the Duggars' fame, the girls were known for wearing matching dresses that seemed to have been made by mom Michelle Duggar. There used to be a lot of plaid and lace involved, y'all — and they definitely looked as '90s as possible. Such a throwback!
Growing Up
As young adults, Jinger, Jessa, Jana, and Jill dressed pretty similarly — and they did seem to share clothes quite often. Long skirts, cardigans, and of course, curled hair were all the name of the game, and they put a lot of emphasis on looking their best.
Michelle Duggar — Then
For as long as we've "known" Michelle Duggar, she's always had a specific look — bangs and curly hair are a part of who she is. But while that aspect of her look hasn't changed over the years, her appearance and her style definitely have.
Michelle Duggar — Now
Though Michelle is still sporting her signature 'do, her look has changed quite a bit. In fact, fans have often pointed out that Michelle seems to have lost weight recently, and her style has evolved with the times. This mama stays trendy while still following the Duggar dress code.
Jana Duggar — Then
Jana has always kept her wardrobe relatively basic — she doesn't seem quite as fussed with fashion as her sisters are. Going back about a decade, Jana mostly dressed in lengthy denim skirts and solid and simple patterned tops, with a scarf sometimes added for some extra flair.
Jana Duggar — Now
Jana's style has definitely evolved for the better. In fact, even though she doesn't post often, Jana's Instagram account basically looks like any influencer's would (and that's a compliment). Not only have her outfits become super stylish while still being modest, but we've even seen Jim Bob and Michelle's oldest daughter wearing pants a time or two.
Anna Duggar — Then
When we first met Josh's wife, Anna, on 19 Kids and Counting, she looked similar to the way the Duggar sisters once did — after all, she'd grown up with the same restrictive rules. She didn't seem much for fashion and was all about a denim skirt and a basic top, much like Jana's former go-to outfits.
Anna Duggar — Now
Anna is practically a different person these days. Not only has she been spotted wearing jeans very recently, but it also seems like she regularly gets her hair highlighted, too. We love to see her taking the time for self-care, which can't be easy with seven little ones running around.
Jill Duggar — Then
It might be Jill whose style has transformed the most. She dressed modestly as a teen and young adult, falling in line with her parents' wishes, though she did tend to be on the trendier side. And we can't forget the phase when she wore headbands with big flowers in her hair.
Jill Duggar — Now
This mama is breaking all the rules, and she looks good doing it! There seems to be nothing off-limits in Jill's wardrobe anymore. She'll wear shorts, swimsuits, tank tops — basically everything that would have been forbidden while living under her parents' roof. And honestly, she seems happier than ever.
Jessa Duggar — Then
When she was younger, Jessa's outfits were a lot like her sisters' at that time — basic, conservative, and following that Duggar dress code. She wore her hair curled and often sported makeup. Even then, it was clear that Jessa was gorgeous.
Jessa Duggar — Now
As an adult, Jessa has been seen wearing pants a couple of times, but it's not the norm — and for the most part, she still follows her family's fashion rules to a T. Now that she has four young kids, though, she seems to spend less time primping, and often goes with her natural wavy hair and no makeup.
Jinger Duggar — Then
Boy, has Jinger ever made a transformation! As a teenager, she was always a bit trendy but modest, and her makeup usually consisted of super heavy eyeliner. Her long brown hair was always curled, and Jinger's always been known as the sister with the most spunk. At least that part hasn't changed.
Jinger Duggar — Now
As an adult, Jinger has totally made her own rules about what she does and doesn't want to wear. That means we've seen her in spaghetti strap dresses, short shorts, and basically anything someone in her 20s would keep in her closet. Her makeup has gotten more natural, and Jinger has gone blonder — and, like Jill, she seems a lot happier.
Joy-Anna Duggar — Then
Growing up, Joy-Anna was always known as more of a tomboy, and her style reflected that. She could definitely dress up when the situation called for it, but most of the time, her wardrobe was pretty laid-back. As she got older, though, that began to change.
Joy-Anna Duggar — Now
Joy-Anna has really come into her own. Though she does tend to stick to modesty most of the time, we've spotted her in both pants and sleeveless shirts. She's also gotten a bit more into fashion (though we suspect her BFF Carlin Bates has something to do with that).
