Keke Palmer’s Fashion Evolution: From The Longshots to Red Carpet Glamour at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

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Keke Palmer stepped out for the 2021 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, held at the Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, California, wearing an animal-print Etro maxi dress.

Keke Palmer stuns in a flowing animal print Etro maxi dress paired with a statement belt and black platform heels at the 2021 Veuve Clicquot Polo ClassicKeke Palmer stuns in a flowing animal print Etro maxi dress paired with a statement belt and black platform heels at the 2021 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on October 2, 2021, at the Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, California (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

As Keke Palmer continues to captivate audiences with her bold fashion choices, her red carpet appearances reflect her evolution from a young actress to a fashion icon. This transformation is a testament to her confidence and ability to redefine style norms, much like her earlier roles on screen.

Reflecting on Keke Palmer’s Career: From ‘The Longshots’ to Red Carpet Glamour

Thirteen years earlier, she starred with Ice Cube in the 2008 American comedy-drama sports film The Longshots, their second film after the 2004 American comedy film Barbershop 2: Back in Business.

Keke Palmer and Ice Cube in a scene from The Longshots (2008), where Palmer portrays Jasmine Plummer, the first female quarterback in Pop Warner football historyKeke Palmer and Ice Cube in a scene from The Longshots (2008), where Palmer portrays Jasmine Plummer, the first female quarterback in Pop Warner football history (Credit: The Weinstein Company / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Keke Palmer, who portrayed Jasmine Plummer, the niece of Ice Cube’s character Curtis Plummer, was 14 when The Longshots was filmed and still 14 when the movie was released on August 22, 2008. She turned 15 just a few days later, on August 26, 2008.

Born on August 26, 1993, in Harvey, a city south of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, she celebrated her 15th birthday four days after the movie’s release. O’Shea Jackson Sr., known professionally as Ice Cube, turned 39 on June 15, 2008.

Keke Palmer promotes The Longshots at Planet Hollywood in Times Square, New York City, on July 30, 2008, looking radiant in a white lace-trimmed topKeke Palmer promotes The Longshots at Planet Hollywood in Times Square, New York City, on July 30, 2008, looking radiant in a white lace-trimmed top (Credit: PNP / WENN)

Based on a true story, the film is inspired by the life of Jasmine Plummer, the first-ever female quarterback for a Pop Warner football team. Dimension Films and Cube Vision produced the movie; Disney was not involved.

Keke Palmer told ACED magazine that, unlike her character, she’s always been confident and unafraid to pursue her goals. She credits her parents for instilling self-belief and a drive to challenge norms.

“I am not as shy as her. My parents always made sure I believed in myself and I have never been afraid to go out for things. I have always been out to redefine ordinary and showing people that I can do anything,” Keke said.

Keke Palmer looks fresh and youthful in a white lace-trimmed top paired with a pink floral skirt and flip-flops while promoting The Longshots at Planet Hollywood in Times SquareKeke Palmer looks fresh and youthful in a white lace-trimmed top paired with a pink floral skirt and flip-flops while promoting The Longshots at Planet Hollywood in Times Square (Credit: PNP / WENN)

“Football training was fun. I love my coach. He’s a real nice guy. I had so much learning it because I really didn’t understand what football was, so it was all refreshing to me,” she told Black Film about preparing for the movie by spending 6 weeks learning how to play football.

“I didn’t know how to play or anything at all and then when I went to Louisiana, I was in training for about a month. I was learning the mechanics and learning what the game was about. I still don’t watch it, but I love playing it,” she added about her previous experience.

Keke’s determination and willingness to take on new challenges, whether on the football field or the red carpet, have shaped her journey. This journey from an ambitious teenager in The Longshots to a confident adult making daring fashion statements is one of continuous growth and reinvention.

Keke Palmer’s Transformation: From Teenage Star to Fashion Icon

Keke Palmer exudes confidence in a bold orange leather top paired with a sleek gold chokerKeke Palmer exudes confidence in a bold orange leather top paired with a sleek gold choker at Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards at The Forum on March 12, 2016, in Inglewood, California (Credit: Apega / WENN)

It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when Keke Palmer was afraid to be herself. In March 2016, the then 22-year-old took to the orange carpet of the 2016 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards to debut her brand-new hairstyle.

All we can say is that her hairstyle is most likely not featured in hair salon magazines.

Keke Palmer wears a bright orange Alessandra de Tomaso dress on the orange carpetKeke Palmer wears a bright orange Alessandra de Tomaso dress on the orange carpet (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Apega)

Keke Palmer Embraces Bold Fashion Choices at Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards

Keke paired her newly-shaved head with an orange faux leather Alessandra de Tomaso dress, which she wore underneath a denim jacket when arriving at the event.

The actress polished her outfit with jewelry from Luv AJ and braided “Sally” sandals from British footwear label JF London.

Keke Palmer shows off her fresh blue pedicure in eye-catching red rope sandalsKeke Palmer shows off her fresh blue pedicure in eye-catching red rope sandals (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Keke talked about her newly shaved head, her new single, and the upcoming season of Scream Queens.

The actress had recently wrapped up her one-time live television performance of “Grease” alongside Vanessa Hudgens.

Keke Palmer playfully blows a kiss while rocking a patched denim jacket over her bold orange outfit at a Nickelodeon eventKeke Palmer playfully blows a kiss while rocking a patched denim jacket over her bold orange outfit at a Nickelodeon event (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Keke Palmer’s Red Carpet Footwear: The Braided ‘Sally’ Sandals from JF London

The “Sally” sandals from JF London aren’t available online, but if you’re itching to try the braided rope sandal trend, grab an alternative pair at Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus.

Joie 'Tonni' Suede Strappy Sandal in Whiskey

Joie 'Tonni' Suede Strappy Sandal in Whiskey

Joie 'Tonni' Suede Strappy Sandal in WhiskeyJoie ‘Tonni’ Suede Strappy Sandal in Whiskey, $325

Joie 'Tonni' Suede Strappy Sandal in Black SuedeJoie ‘Tonni’ Suede Strappy Sandal in Black Suede, $325

Joie 'Tonni' Suede Strappy Sandal in Buff Kid SuedeJoie ‘Tonni’ Suede Strappy Sandal in Buff Kid Suede, $325