Clinton Kelly was born in Panama City, Panama, while his father was stationed there, and grew up in Port Jefferson Station on Long Island, New York. He attended Boston College and later earned a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School. Kelly began his career as a freelance writer and editor for fashion publications, including Mademoiselle and GQ, before breaking into television.

His television breakthrough came in 2003, when he joined TLC’s What Not to Wear as co-host alongside Stacy London. The show ran for ten seasons and over 300 episodes, turning Kelly into one of fashion television’s most recognizable faces. In 2011, he transitioned to co-hosting ABC’s The Chew alongside Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, and Daphne Oz. 

After The Chew ended in 2018, Kelly hosted Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship and Haunted Gingerbread Showdown. He also co-hosted the Spotify-featured digital show Chewed Up alongside Carla Hall and Michael Symon. In 2025, he and Stacy London reunited for the Amazon Prime Video series Wear Whatever the F You Want. In March 2026, the duo also launched Why’d They Wear That?, a fashion rewatch series and podcast on Simple Alien.