Oh, how times have changed! Michelle Duggar‘s style has transformed quite a bit over the years. From ’80s hair to (gasp) pants, the Counting On alum has slowly but surely become more modern.
Back in 2013, the Duggar family matriarch — who shares 19 kids with husband Jim Bob Duggar — explained the reasoning behind her modest dress code.
So Much for That Dress Code! Almost All the Duggar Girls Have Worn Pants
“After I was born again and became a Christian, I really began to cover up,” she said during a TLC Q&A. “I felt like the Lord was saying to me, ‘You know what, you probably shouldn’t be wearing that. It’s a little bit low cut, or a little bit too high, you know?’ I just really felt like I needed to obey what God was saying to me first and understand later. And then I saw in the scriptures a lot of things that helped me understand why I was feeling uncomfortable with my previous clothing choices.”
After this revelation, this reality TV mama said she cleaned out her closet and started fresh, picking up skirts and dresses from local thrift shops. And her children followed her lead.
From Bathing Suits to Skirts, the Duggars Rock Some Strange Swimwear
“As we studied as a family, we found we could come up with our idea of what we thought modesty was, but we really wanted to see what the scriptures said about it,” she told fans. “Our interpretation was that from the neck down to the knee should be covered. By keeping those private areas covered, there’s not any ‘defrauding’ going on.”
If you’re wondering what “defrauding” means, she elaborated further. “My kids are taught the definition of defrauding as stirring up desires that cannot be righteously fulfilled. We don’t believe in defrauding others by the way we dress.”
Nowadays, Michelle has been known to rock denim jeans, plaid shirts and her staple locket with her fashion choices in snaps shared to the Duggar family’s Instagram account.
Keep scrolling through the gallery below to see Michelle’s complete transformation!
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Michelle received a surprise makeover in the same clip but seemed unsure about her new look. \”It’s definitely different,\” she said at the time. \”I’ll learn to love it.\” Spoiler alert, this hairstyle didn’t last long.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-6-\u2014-2013.jpeg?resize=1200%2C1200&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”In the Duggar girls’ book, Growing Up Duggar, Jessa, Jill, Jinger and Jana\u00a0described their style.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-November-2014.jpg?resize=640%2C640&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”\”We do not dress modestly because we are ashamed of the body God has given us; quite the contrary,\” the girls said. \”We realize that our body is a special gift from God and that He intends for it to be shared only with our future husband … We avoid low-cut, cleavage-showing, gaping or bare-shouldered tops; and when needed, we wear an undershirt. We try to make it a habit to always cover the top of our shirt with our hands when we bend over. We don’t want to play the peekaboo game with our neckline.\””,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-October-2016.jpg?resize=1080%2C1200&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”It looks like Michelle kinda-sorta attempted her salon-style locks in this selfie with her kiddos.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-December-2017.jpg?resize=1080%2C805&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”@michelleduggar what skin products do you use??”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-February-2019.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”Michelle posed next to a then-pregnant daughter Jill in 2017.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-May-2017.jpg?resize=521%2C651&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”Her gorgeous daughters inherited their mama’s long locks.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-October-2016-2.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”Smile, Israel! Michelle kept the bangs but opted for a smoother look.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-April-2019.jpg?resize=1080%2C809&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”One thing Michelle may never give up? Her beloved denim skirt.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-August-2019.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”While posting with Jinger and Josie, Michelle put her hair in a braid.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-October-2019.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”She did the same at James’ birthday.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-July-2020.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2020-09-11T14:12:21-04:00″,”caption”:”There’s that skirt (and shirt!) again. No matter what the reality babe is wearing, though, she’s always rockin’ her same signature smile.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Michelle-Duggar-Style-Transformation-August-2020.jpg?resize=1080%2C1080&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2021-08-16T15:40:35-04:00″,”caption”:”In this Discovery+ promo shared on the Duggar Family Instagram, Michelle seemingly sported a darker ‘do with bangs.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Ow-Ow-See-Counting-On-Star-Michelle-Duggars-Style-Evolution-From-80s-Hair-to-Modern-Mama.jpeg?resize=652%2C656&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2021-08-16T15:40:35-04:00″,”caption”:”The proud mama’s locket is front and center in this photo.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Ow-Ow-See-Counting-On-Star-Michelle-Duggars-Style-Evolution-From-80s-Hair-to-Modern-Mama2.jpeg?resize=649%2C628&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2021-08-16T15:40:35-04:00″,”caption”:”Michelle seems to love wearing plaid shirts over a T-shirt, which she pairs with her locket, a staple of her fashion.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Ow-Ow-See-Counting-On-Star-Michelle-Duggars-Style-Evolution-From-80s-Hair-to-Modern-Mama3.jpeg?resize=650%2C654&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2021-08-16T15:40:36-04:00″,”caption”:”In this photo, Michelle paired her plaid button-down with a hat, something she is rarely seen wearing on social media.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Ow-Ow-See-Counting-On-Star-Michelle-Duggars-Style-Evolution-From-80s-Hair-to-Modern-Mama4.jpeg?resize=618%2C610&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2021-08-16T15:40:36-04:00″,”caption”:”Michelle loves matching her jean vest with her denim skirt.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Ow-Ow-See-Counting-On-Star-Michelle-Duggars-Style-Evolution-From-80s-Hair-to-Modern-Mama5.jpeg?resize=652%2C654&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2022-08-23T14:10:31-04:00″,”caption”:”Michelle wore a blank love sleeve shirt while\u00a0hosting Thanksgiving\u00a0in 2021.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Michelle-Hosting.jpg?resize=1080%2C1200&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2022-08-23T14:10:32-04:00″,”caption”:”The proud mom wore her trademark side braid while\u00a0out to lunch\u00a0with some of her daughters in January 2022.”,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Family-Time.jpg?resize=1080%2C810&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″},{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”datePublished”:”2023-04-05T18:21:02-04:00″,”caption”:”Michelle was spotted in a rare family photo shared by Jessa in April 2023 rocking tight black leggings, a rarity for the former reality star.\n\n “,”url”:”https:\/\/www.intouchweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Duggars-Pants.jpg?resize=1080%2C1200&quality=86&strip=all”,”width”:”1200″,”height”:”1200″}]}
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Courtesy of TLC
Ah, Young Love
We barely recognize her! Prior to marrying Jim Bob, her name was Michelle Annette Ruark.
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Courtesy of TLC
Who’s That Girl?
Hubba-hubba! The young couple shared a passionate smooch while rockin’ form-fitting pants.
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Courtesy of TLC
OK, PDA!
At the time, Michelle was a cheerleader.
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Courtesy of TLC
So Smitten
Just look at those smiles!
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Courtesy of TLC
That Hair, Though
In this 19 Kids and Counting confessional from 2013, Michelle showed off her bangs and tight curls as well as a full face of makeup.
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Courtesy of TLC
A New Woman!
Voila! Michelle received a surprise makeover in the same clip but seemed unsure about her new look. “It’s definitely different,” she said at the time. “I’ll learn to love it.” Spoiler alert, this hairstyle didn’t last long.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Fall Vibes
In the Duggar girls’ book, Growing Up Duggar, Jessa, Jill, Jinger and Jana described their style.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Red Hot
“We do not dress modestly because we are ashamed of the body God has given us; quite the contrary,” the girls said. “We realize that our body is a special gift from God and that He intends for it to be shared only with our future husband … We avoid low-cut, cleavage-showing, gaping or bare-shouldered tops; and when needed, we wear an undershirt. We try to make it a habit to always cover the top of our shirt with our hands when we bend over. We don’t want to play the peekaboo game with our neckline.”
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Sleek and Straight
It looks like Michelle kinda-sorta attempted her salon-style locks in this selfie with her kiddos.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Pulled Back
@michelleduggar what skin products do you use??
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Proud Mama
Michelle posed next to a then-pregnant daughter Jill in 2017.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Orange You Glad?
Her gorgeous daughters inherited their mama’s long locks.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Buh-Bye, Crunchy Curls
Smile, Israel! Michelle kept the bangs but opted for a smoother look.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Closet Staples
One thing Michelle may never give up? Her beloved denim skirt.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Modern Hairstyle
While posting with Jinger and Josie, Michelle put her hair in a braid.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
Braided Queen
She did the same at James’ birthday.
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The Duggar Family/Instagram
She’s Glowing
There’s that skirt (and shirt!) again. No matter what the reality babe is wearing, though, she’s always rockin’ her same signature smile.
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Courtesy of the Duggar Family/Instagram
Bang, Bang
In this Discovery+ promo shared on the Duggar Family Instagram, Michelle seemingly sported a darker ‘do with bangs.
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Courtesy of the Duggar Family/Instagram
Bling-Bling
The proud mama’s locket is front and center in this photo.
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Courtesy of the Duggar Family/Instagram
Casual Chic
Michelle seems to love wearing plaid shirts over a T-shirt, which she pairs with her locket, a staple of her fashion.
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Courtesy of the Duggar Family/Instagram
Hats Off to Her
In this photo, Michelle paired her plaid button-down with a hat, something she is rarely seen wearing on social media.
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Courtesy of the Duggar Family/Instagram
Jean on Jean
Michelle loves matching her jean vest with her denim skirt.
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Courtesy of Duggar Family/Instagram
Hosting Style
Michelle wore a blank love sleeve shirt while hosting Thanksgiving in 2021.
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Courtesy of Jana Duggar/Instagram
Family Time
The proud mom wore her trademark side braid while out to lunch with some of her daughters in January 2022.
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Courtesy of Jessa Duggar/Instagram
Skin-Tight Pants!
Michelle was spotted in a rare family photo shared by Jessa in April 2023 rocking tight black leggings, a rarity for the former reality star.
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Gasp!
Watch Jana Duggar break the family’s strict dress code.