Beyoncéis equal parts a music legend and fashion icon.
From starting as a member of the girl groupDestiny’s Childto dominating the charts as a solo artist, Beyoncé’s style has inevitably evolved through the many stages of her career. While the singer often coordinated her outfits with her bandmates in the early 2000s, she has since gravitated toward statement-making outfits that set her apart.
She often favors daring ensembles with sheer fabrics, mini dress silhouettes and thigh-high slits for eye-catching looks that make her a staple of every best-dressed list.
Keep reading for Beyoncé’s best fashion moments from 2000 to now.
Beyoncé at the VMAs in 2000
Steve Azzara/Corbis
In one of many matching looks, Beyoncé attended the 2000 VMAs with fellow group membersKelly RowlandandMichelle Williams, wearing all-leather ensembles. The singer’s dress included a corset bodice and rhinestone embellishments, which she accessorized with silver hoop earrings and black heels.
Beyoncé at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty
Beyoncé at a Grammys afterparty in 2002
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection
Shortly after winning her second Grammy for the Destiny’s Child song “Survivor,” Beyoncé attended an afterparty in a bold purple ensemble. The two-tone purple dress included a fully sheer bodice, sequin embellishments and a multilayered skirt. She accessorized the look with silverstrappy sandalsand a sleek hairstyle.
KMazur/WireImage
Beyoncé at the Golden Globes in 2003
Kevin Winter/Getty
A departure from her favored curve-hugging silhouettes, Beyoncé walked the red carpet at the 2003Golden Globesin a white princess ball gown with a floralcorseted bodiceand tulle skirt. She kept her jewelry simple and dainty, while her hair was styled into voluminous curls.
Beyoncé at the BET Awards in 2003
Steve Grayson/WireImage
Beyoncé hit the BET stage for her first solo performance in June 2002 to sing “Crazy in Love” wearing a Versace mini dress. The green-and-purple dress with a plunging neckline and various cutouts was an homage to her style from the song’s music video. In 2021,Zendayarecreated thisiconic lookfor her appearance at the same awards show to pay tribute to the singer.
Beyoncé at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004
SGranitz/WireImage
Dripping in gold, Beyoncé coincidentally matched thefive trophiesshe took home that night — including best R&B song and best contemporary R&B album. The star dazzled in this ruched floor-length gown that featured a gold neckpiece and a waist tie with a gold brooch.
Beyoncé at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in 2005
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
Beyoncé walked the red carpet at the 2005 Grammys in a black dress with gold details. Nominated in three categories, the “Lose My Breath” singer kept the focus on her dress, pairing the look with gold chandelier earrings and bangles.
Beyoncé at the Oscars in 2005
Frank Micelotta/Getty
The musician took her style in a sleeker direction at the 2005 Oscars, embracingOld Hollywood glamourwith this vintage velvet Atelier Versace gown. While the floor-length gown had a simple silhouette, she added some pizazz to the look with statement diamond earrings and a matching bracelet.
Beyoncé atThe Pink Pantherpremiere in 2006
Andrew H. Walker/Getty
Beyoncé attended the New York City premiere ofThe Pink Pantherin an all-pink outfit as a subtle nod to the film’s title. The light pink midi dress had a sheer bodice embroidered with pink-and-green florals. She left her neck bare and instead accessorized with drop earrings and blush sandals.
Beyoncé at theDreamgirlspremiere in 2006
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
A playful break from her newfound sleek style, the star appeared on the red carpet for her filmDreamgirlsin a Tiffany blue floor-length dress with ruffle details, beaded embellishments and an oversized bow. She paired the textured piece with silver earrings, a bedazzled clutch and icy blue eyeshadow.
Beyoncé at the Golden Globes in 2007
Frazer Harrison/Getty
A head-turning look for a momentous night in her career, Beyoncé opted for all-out glamour with her gold Elie Saab gown at the 2007Golden Globes.
Beyoncé at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007
GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP
The singer donned a metallic floor-length dress at the 2007 Grammys to collect her award for best contemporary R&B album. The silver number featured a sequined bodice and apleated skirt. The star’s accessories — a chunky silver bracelet and earrings — gave the look an ultra-glamorous feel.
Beyoncé at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
After a streak of metallic ensembles, Beyoncé graced the 2008 Grammys red carpet in an ice blue-and-silver Elie Saab gown. The strapless floor-length gown had a full tulle skirt and sequined bodice, which the singer paired with silver earrings and a matching cuff bracelet for an added sparkle factor.
Beyoncé at a Grammys afterparty in 2008
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2008
Stephen Lovekin/Getty
The “Single Ladies” singer made her Met Gala debut in May 2008 wearing a blush pink Armani Privé gown. The stunning look was one of her simpler ensembles, where she opted for minimal accessories: emerald drop earrings and a mix of cocktail rings.
Beyoncé at the Golden Globes in 2009
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Beyoncé at the Oscars in 2009
Beyoncé at the VMAs in 2009
Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
The singer chose a classic red-and-black combo for her appearance at the 2009 VMAs. The bright red mini dress included a plunging neckline, ruffles and a peplum-style skirt, which she paired with black pumps and chunky silver jewelry.
Beyoncé at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2010
Christopher Polk/Getty
The following year, Beyoncé took an edgier approach to her favored mini dress silhouette with this gold Armani Privé dress. The star’s textured dress was a dazzling choice, as were her gold platform heels and embellished hoop earrings.
Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2011
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Beyoncé at the VMAs in 2011
Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2012
Debuting her signature naked dress look, Beyoncé shined on the 2012 Met Gala red carpet in this black-and-purple Givenchy gown. Covered in intricate beading, lace and lots of feathers, this mermaid gown was the first of a string of daring ensembles the singer wore to the event.
Beyoncé at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013
Jason Merritt/Getty
After accepting the award for best traditional R&B performance at the 2011 Grammys, Beyoncé posed backstage in a fitted color-blocked jumpsuit. She paired the elegant black-and-white number with classic peep-toe pumps, two cuff bracelets and abold red lip.
Beyoncé at theBeyoncé: Life Is But A Dreampremiere in 2013
Jim Spellman/WireImage
Beyoncé wore another sparkling sequin-studded dress to celebrate the premiere of her 2013 HBO documentaryBeyoncé: Life Is But A Dreamin New York City. The Elie Saab gown included several sheer panels that were intricately placed throughout the dress for a modern and glamorous look.
Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2013
Beyoncé at her album release party in 2013
The star brought the punk theme to the release party for her self-titled album in December 2013. She wore a high-neck Tom Ford dress and peep-toe thigh-high boots — both in a black mosaic pattern — which she complemented with a smokey eye and red nail polish.
Beyoncé at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in 2014
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Sporting a new short haircut, Beyoncé stunned at the 2014 Grammys in another sheer dress. While the “Drunk in Love” singer didn’t win any awards that night, she still stole the show in a white Michael Costello gown with floral appliqués and an open back.
Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2014
Embodying vintage glam, Beyoncé turned to Givenchy once again for the 2014 Met Gala in an all-black gown that was partially sheer and fully beaded. The edgy look also included a black netted veil, black peep-toe heels, chandelier earrings and a burgundy lip color.
Beyoncé at the VMAs in 2014
Beyoncé at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in 2015
Beyoncé at theVanity FairOscars party in 2015
The picture of classic elegance, Beyoncé attended the 2015Vanity FairOscars party in an all-white gown with glittery gold heels, a fur stole and a diamond choker. While the long-sleeve dress seemed simple for the star’s fashion taste, it had an open back for a sexy flair.
Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2015
George Pimentel/WireImage
No one does a sheer dress quite like Beyoncé, and the star took her signature naked dress to the next level at the 2015 Met Gala in thisflesh-toned Givenchy gownwith strategically placed beaded embellishments. Letting the dress speak for itself, she incorporated subtle accessories into the look: a sleek high ponytail, minimal jewelry and nude heels.
Beyoncé at the Met Gala in 2016
Beyoncé at the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2016
Theo Wargo/Getty
Giving menswear a try, Beyoncéaccepted her fashion icon award at the 2016 CFDA Fashion Awardsin a sparkling pinstripe Givenchy suit, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and a wide-brimmed black hat —reminiscent of the one she wore in herLemonadevisual album. In heracceptance speech, she explained how fashion had always been a part of her life, with her grandmother being a seamstress.
“When we were starting out in Destiny’s Child, high-end labels, they didn’t want to dress four Black, country, curvy girls,” she said. “And we couldn’t afford designer dresses and couture. My mother was rejected from every showroom in New York. But like my grandmother, she used her talent and her creativity to give her children their dreams.”
“When I wore these clothes on stage I felt like [Game of Thronesqueen] Khaleesi,” she added. “I had an extra suit of armor. It was so much deeper than any brand name.”
Beyoncé at the VMAs in 2016
Larry Busacca/Getty
Beyoncé performing at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017
Beyoncé backstage at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017
Frederick M. Brown/Getty
Beyoncé at the TIDAL X: Brooklyn concert in 2017
Even when she’s not the one performing, Beyoncé knows how to put together a standout look. Supporting her husband JAY-Z at the TIDAL X: Brooklyn concert in October 2017, the singer wore an emerald green gown with an asymmetrical neckline and a thigh-high slit. She paired the elegant ensemble with a purple fur stole, glitter pumps and gold drop earrings.
Beyoncé at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018
Beyoncé performing at Coachella in 2018
In an epic return to the stage, Beyoncé transformed the2018 Coachellafestival into “Beychella” with an iconic performance that included five stunning looks. As the first Black woman to headline the festival, the singer honored Black Greek organizations with her custom yellow Balmain hoodie. She completed the casually cool look with ripped denim shorts and iridescent fringe boots.
Beyonce at the City of Hope Gala in 2018
Kevin Mazur/Getty
A week after finishing her and JAY-Z’s On the Run II tour, the star was back onstage performing at the 2018 City of Hope Gala in an angelic ensemble. The sheer rose-gold gown — with a built-in cape — was a piece from Ralph and Russo’s fall 2018 couture collection, which she accessorized with studded pumps and silver drop earrings.
Beyoncé at the HollywoodLion Kingpremiere in 2019
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Beyoncé at the LondonLion Kingpremiere in 2019
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage
Beyoncé at the Roc Nation brunch in 2020
Beyoncé and JAY-Z host an annual pre-Grammy brunch to celebrate that year’s nominated artists, and in January 2020, the hosts showed up in coordinating outfits. The singer complemented her husband’s pastel pink suit in a stunningly simple outfit — a blazer dress with a draped skirt in a muted blue hue.
Beyoncé at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021
Beyoncé performing at the Oscars in 2022
Mason Poole/A.M.P.A.S.
Beyoncé performing at the Atlantis The Royal Resort opening in Dubai in 2023
For her first full concert in over four years,Beyoncé performed at the opening of Atlantis The Royal Resort in Dubaiin January 2023. The singer wore several custom looks throughout the set, including this all-red Nicolas Jebran number. The ensemble consisted of a bejeweled corseted bodysuit, skirt and an intricate headpiece.
Beyoncé kicking off her Renaissance World Tour in Stockholm, Sweden in 2023
Courtesy Alexander McQueen
Beyoncébegan her highly-anticipated Renaissance World Tourin Sweden, where she opened her show in a sparkly Alexander McQueen bodysuit.
Other memorable ensembles from the show included a silver leotard, a bodysuit that featured images of hands and a multicolored mini-dress with matching boots.
source: people.com
