The Evolution Of Amy Schumer, From Stand-Up Comedy To Feeling Comfortable In Her Own Skin

In the spectacular world of showbiz, Amy Schumer stands out not just for her comedic brilliance but also for her unapologetic approach to life, fashion, and the ever-evolving beauty standards. From her early days as a breakthrough comedian with a girl-next-door charm to her recent candid revelations about health and beauty procedures, there's only one word that can describe Schumer's journey in the spotlight: authenticity. 

The comedian has never been one to conform, and that spirit extends beyond the stage. "I am very into making up my own rules. Like, I don't want to play the game and succeed at it," Schumer declared in 2014 (via People). "I want to redefine it. That's the only way I can deal with it. Maybe that's naïve." As the years rolled on, Schumer's fashion, beauty, and health journey unfolded like a candid conversation with a close friend, full of highs, lows, and unfiltered revelations. In a world often defined by unrealistic standards — particularly for women — Schumer has a refreshing take on self-discovery and resilience.

In 2011, Amy Schumer was all about embracing confidence, a trait that would become a hallmark of her evolution in the spotlight. As a comedian on the rise, Schumer made it clear that confidence was key in every aspect of her life, be it in her comedic performances, her fashion choices, or her approach to dating. In a piece for Cosmopolitan, Schumer opened up about her confidence. "There will always be people who don't like my stand-up, just like there will always be men who don't want to date me. People have different tastes," the comedian said. "But everyone is drawn to confidence if it's real. So in the same fashion I deliver my jokes, I introduce myself to a guy. I am unapologetic and confident. If it doesn't work out? Next! Why judge yourself?"

This commitment to confidence not only set her apart but also became an integral part of her identity. It was during this time that Schumer began to navigate the entertainment industry with a self-assured attitude, laying the foundation for the bold and unapologetic personality that fans would come to know and love. Whether on stage, on the red carpet, or in her personal life, the comedian's dedication to owning her self-confidence became a guiding principle that helped shape her journey in the years to come.

In 2014, Amy Schumer candidly shared the challenges of a busy year filled with plenty of stress. Despite the hectic schedule, she recognized the importance of allowing herself to relax, slow down, and prioritize self-care. "This year was crazy!" the comedian told Variety in 2014. "I felt like if I wasn't running on stress, then I would be f***ing up. But in the last few months, I've started to just chill out and enjoy things. I feel good about the work I'm generating." With the confidence she was consistently exuding, Schumer quickly became one of the most successful female comedians of her generation.

Schumer also delved into her non-judgemental perspective on plastic surgery in a 2014 interview with Cosmopolitan. "I don't judge anybody for having plastic surgery at all," she said. However, she acknowledged that the industry is often driven by insecurities and that — especially in the world of glitz and glam — getting work done seems to be a never-ending journey. "I think the industry surrounding it and the drive to do it and how it seems like usually it's never enough — I think that's bad. I don't think it's great for people," Schumer admitted. "It's an industry that preys on insecurities and quick fixes ... and then you do something, and then it's too late." The comedian's candid approach to discussing plastic surgery showcased her understanding of the industry's complexities, helping her connect with her audience on a relatable level even more.

In 2016, Amy Schumer made history as the first woman on Forbes' Highest-Paid Comedians list, paving the way for the new generation. Despite her financial success, Schumer remained candid about the difficulties she experienced with fashion, admitting that "Trainwreck" stylist Leesa Evans helped the comedian understand fashion better. "My sister and I, we both have always dressed badly," Schumer revealed (via The Wrap). "Leesa had given me this gift of showing me how to dress and feel good. And she didn't have to do this, she just did." The two continued working together after the movie, and Evans revealed to The New York Times how they pick looks. "We make decisions in a simple way," Evans said. "We don't talk about what's current season or next season. We don't even care. We just choose the dress she looks and feels the best in. She is definitely comfortable in her skin, and that's something we try to embrace."

Despite attending the Met Gala — the fashion event of the year — the comedian expressed her discomfort with the event, labeling it a "farce" and confessing her disinterest in the spectacle (via People). Even encounters with stars like Beyoncé couldn't sway her, as Schumer declared, "It's my last [Met Gala]" when speaking to Howard Stern. However, the star seemingly changed her mind, as she attended the event again. 

Amy Schumer continued to actively challenge beauty standards, notably through her film "I Feel Pretty." However, the movie received mixed reviews with The New York Times calling it out on not going deep enough in its attempt to discuss self-esteem. Addressing the backlash, Schumer clarified the movie's message, stating, "It's not about an ugly troll becoming beautiful; it's about a woman who has low self-esteem finding some" (via Vulture). The comedian emphasized that everyone has the right to struggle with their confidence. "We all struggle with self-esteem. ... Your friends, who you think are so beautiful, they could be struggling too. You want them to see themselves the way you see them, but it's not our place to say who should be allowed to have low self-esteem."

In 2018, she exited her long-time agency, saying, "I loved those guys, but I just didn't feel support for, like, 'This is who Amy is, and she's not going to be this other thing. I felt like I was disappointing my team by not being Barbie" (via The Hollywood Reporter). Also in 2018, Schumer ventured into the fashion realm when she launched Le Cloud, a collection created with stylist Leesa Evans. The 23-piece collection aimed to provide a cloud-like comfort. Sharing insights into Schumer's approach with Today, Evans quoted the star's repeated question, "Now, does this feel like a cloud?" The collection, initially available at Saks Off Fifth, showcased the star's desire for comfort.

Once vaccines against COVID-19 became available, Amy Schumer made a bold health statement by using fashion as a medium to showcase her commitment to getting vaccinated. The star, known for her humorous and unconventional approach, donned a sparkly red carpet dress for the occasion, cleverly incorporating a cutout to facilitate the vaccination process. In a video shared on her Instagram, Schumer lightheartedly remarked, "I just wanted to maybe entertain some of the workers here during our 15 minutes" (via Business Insider). This unique and playful gesture not only highlighted Schumer's distinctive sense of humor but also emphasized the importance of promoting vaccination and health awareness.

In the caption, the star urged her followers to follow in her footsteps and not only get vaccinated but to do so in style. "Take a pic of yourself getting the vaccine in your best suit or nicest dress," she wrote. "Nice way to show respect to the people working there who understand the enormity of what it is they are doing," she added. By combining a health-related moment with some fashion and a touch of comedy, Schumer succeeded in creating a memorable and impactful statement that resonated with her audience, reinforcing the idea that fashion can also serve as a powerful platform for advocacy.

Amy Schumer continues to navigate her journey in the spotlight with total openness. In fact, during an interview on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," Schumer candidly shared her experience with Ozempic, a weight loss medication that has recently become popular amongst the rich and famous. "Like a year ago, I tried it," she said (via People). "I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn't play with my son. I was so skinny, and he's throwing a ball at me, and [I couldn't]." Schumer's straightforward acknowledgment of the challenges she faced once again showcases her commitment to being real with those who look up to her.

Expressing her frustration with societal expectations as well as the fact that not everyone is as transparent as the star, Schumer boldly stated, "Everyone has been lying saying, 'Oh smaller portions.' Like shut the f*** up. You are on Ozempic or one of those things, or you got work done. Just stop. Be real with the people. When I got lipo, I said I got lipo." This refusal to conform to societal pressures and her insistence on authenticity contribute to Schumer's relatability and resonate with a broader audience. Through her journey, the comedian continues to showcase honesty and self-acceptance, and with that, she clearly urges everyone else to do so as well.