The Enduring Style of Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s style has evolved significantly since her days as a member of Destiny’s Child.

Queen Bey quickly became one of the most in-demand women worldwide after bursting onto the scene as one-third of one of the world’s most popular musical groups; and, with her fiery feminist attitude, inspiring lyrics, and activism, we’re inclined to agree.

She’s never backed away from experimenting with outfits since she was a youngster straight out of Houston, Texas. Beyoncé has since used her clothing and style to express who she is.

Her mother, Tina Knowles, typically designed matching, we’re-in-it-together costumes (mini dresses, cargo trousers, crop tops, and overalls) for the Destiny’s Child days, which were in the heart of 90s girl-group fashion (check out the profile of Spice Girl’s member, Victoria Beckham here!).

Destiny Child’s popularity grew, and so did their approaches. Beyoncé wore a combination of urban, sultry street style and athleisure, with a dash of OTT sparkle thrown in for good measure.

When Beyoncé became a solo artist, her style evolved even further, and she began seeking out designers that shared her appreciation of bold, sexual outfits. Remember the olive-toned Versace gown she wore to the MTV Movie Awards in 2003, with ribbons crisscrossing the bodice?

How about that strapless black velvet Versace gown from the 2005 Academy Awards? One of Queen Bey’s all-time favorite red-carpet ensembles. Beyoncé proved to everybody that she could do demure glamour as well.

She now leverages her celebrity to promote newer labels in addition to her favorites (Balmain, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana). Who can forget her stunning gold Peter Dundas gown from the 2017 Grammy Awards, which she wore while very pregnant? It was a piece from the designer’s debut collection that catapulted him to international prominence.

Her social media has also become a showroom for off-the-beaten-path designers, with frequent sell-outs.

Take a look at how Beyoncé’s style has changed over the years. Queen Bey’s style has been consistent from her days as a member of Destiny’s Child to flaunting her baby belly at the Grammys.

Appearance in Destiny’s Child for the First Time

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Destiny’s Child (@destinyschild)

Beyoncé wasn’t always the stylish woman she is now. A young, bare-faced stunner plays to fans at London’s HMV store in 1998, during one of her first UK visits in Destiny’s Child. It might not be to everyone’s satisfaction, but for the 18-year-old Texan girl who still had to pay her bills, it wasn’t a bad start.

Austine Powers in Goldmember Special Screening

Beyoncé’s style mojo seemed to be ignited by her appearance as Foxxy Cleopatra in the Austin Powers in Goldmember. This is when the metamorphosis begins, as seen at a special screening in 2002, replete with 70s supersize-me Afro.

2003 Golden Globes

In 2003, the R&B singer was getting ready to embark on a life-changing journey. Beyoncé’s solo career rocketed into the award-winning stratosphere after leaving Destiny’s Child the previous year, despite her wardrobe continuing to peak and dip. This Golden Globes gown was a little less leading woman, a little more pantomime dame, but Beyoncé was finally on the right track.

Super Bowl XXXVIII Performance

Beyoncé wore a white brocade skirt suit to the hottest sporting event in town, Super Bowl XXXVIII. She oozed grown-up elegance in the sophisticated gown, which was a far cry from her gaudy performance ensembles.

The Bustier Dress Look From 2005

The early 2000s were a messy time for Beyoncé, but she handled it gracefully. She astonished everyone when she donned the yellow bustier dress in 2005. We don’t want to say she predicted the bustier top’s resurgence, but she certainly did.

Oscars Red Carpet Look

Beyoncé has come close to getting an Oscar on many occasions but has yet to do so. Her red carpet outfits, on the other hand, are usually on point! Her black and gold gown at the 2009 Academy Awards is a real classic.

2010 Grammy Awards

Beyoncé looked stunning in her blush satin gown by Stephane Rolland at the Grammy Awards in 2010. She was the epitome of the Grammy goddess, wearing gold shoulder-grazers, matching nails, and no fringe.

NBA All-Star Game 2010

Beyoncé wore a cowl neck blouse and ankle-grazer pants to an NBA All-Star game in 2010 with her hip hop legend hubby Jay-Z, and she accessorized with a pair of glitter platforms.

2011 MTV Video Music Awards

The gorgeous tangerine Lanvin gown Beyoncé wore at the MTV Music Awards 2011 had everyone swooning. The bold color complemented her bronzed figure, and the faint glimmer from her diamond jewelry completed the polished look. The diva confirmed she was having her first child with Jay-Z, turning the victorious fashion moment into front-page news.

Beyonce’s Met Gala Gown from 2012

There are no sufficient English words to describe Beyoncé’s Met Gala ensemble from 2012 adequately. She resembles a phoenix emerging from the ashes in the most stylish way conceivable.

Another, Completely Different Grammys

Beyoncé’s appearance at the Grammy Awards in 2013 was not her first (she graced the red carpet for the first time with Destiny’s Child in 2000! ), but her black and white outfit deserves special mention. It’s not what you’d expect to see at the Grammys—sleek, minimalist, and sophisticated—but everyone’s into it.

The Look That Won the Met Gala in 2013

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Every single one of Beyoncé’s Met Gala costumes is stunning, but her 2013 ensemble is too good to be grouped with the others. Folks, this is what royalty looks like.

Beyoncé Celebrates the Release of Her Autobiographical Film

You had better look great when you walk the red carpet for the opening of your autobiographical film, and Beyoncé did just that in 2013. The champagne gown will never go out of style.

Her Black And White Ensemble From 2014

We’re drawn to this style because of Beyoncé’s bangs, but we’re also impressed by how she’s mastered the art of pattern blending. It just looks so seamless in a black and white ensemble.

2017 Grammys Gown with Sequins

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BEY LOVE (@bey_loove)

When you’re pregnant and wearing a fully sequined red gown while also clutching two Grammy trophies, you’re in a great mood. Nobody does it quite like Beyoncé, and she’s probably the only one who could pull it off.

Every Outfit She Wore During Her Coachella 2018 Performances

Beyoncé’s whole Coachella 2018 performance looks are incredibly fantastic from both sets. What makes a pair of denim cut-offs, a hot pink jersey, and fluorescent boots seem so good together? You’d have to inquire of Beyoncé.

Lion King Premiere Look

Beyoncé at The Lion King premiere

There is nothing more iconic than her appearance in the Lion King? No way, which is why it had to be on the list. This is the outfit to which anyone should refer when they claim they’re dripping with luxury.

Aside from Queen Bey, you might also want to learn about the enduring style of Elizabeth Taylor.