Now part of popular music's 21st-century mainstream, country music has evolved far beyond its rural folk roots. That evolution extends to the look as well as the sound, as these generations of stars show.

Carrie Underwood: As befits the required versatility of an "American Idol" alumna, Carrie Underwood cleans up nicely indeed — embraced by country audiences, she reflects modern country's ease with sophisticated fashion.

(Sara De Boer/Retna Ltd.)