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Home · ESSENCE Black Women in Music

14 Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style

It's officially Black Music Month and we're taking a look at the game-changing ladies whose influence stretched seamlesly from music to fashion. From Josephine Baker to Rihanna, these are the Black women in music that have helped shape our style.
Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
By Dominique Hobdy · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Diana Ross

Diana Ross is the epitome of style and grace. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone that would dissagree with the fact that she has made her mark not only in music but in the world of style.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Getty Images
02
Nina Simone

Nina Simone may have been about delivering powerful messages, but she was known to deliver when it came to the latest fashions too. From super glam looks to ensembles that conveyed a political message, Nina could do it all.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
03
Tina Turner

Tina’s music takeover consisted not only of powerhouse vocals but iconic costumes. From her unforgettable fringe moments to her rock-n-roll style of the 80s, Tina slays at all times.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
04
Josephine Baker

It would be hard to find a performer today that hasn’t been inspired by Josephine Baker. We’ve seen countless nods to her iconic looks. And for good reason — the woman was flawless.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Getty Images
05
Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s influence can be felt pretty much everywhere. Aside from showstopping red carpet moments and concert looks that are to die for, Bey forayed into the fashion world a long time ago with House of Dereon clothing collection and continues to make her mark today with her Ivy Park activewear line. 

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch
06
Eartha Kitt

Glam comes in small packages too! Diva performer Eartha Kitt was known to command a stage with her voice and her breathtaking style.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Getty Images
07
Grace Jones

For a lot of people, Grace Jones is synonymous with icnoic style. The avant-garde performer started out as a model and forayed into music. Jones is the perfect example of the blurred line between the two arts.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Chris Walter/WireImage
08
Donna Summer

You can’t type in the words ”70s fashion’ without coming across an image of Donna Summer. The disco queen delivered major glamour and was known for her extravagent, skin-baring looks.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
09
Rihanna

Officially dubbed a fashion icon, Rihanna is quite possibly this generation’s biggest influence when it comes to style. With a seemingly endless supply of stunning, influencial looks, major accomplishments in the fashion business world and the perfect attitude to slay it all, Rihanna is definitely one of our all-time favorite style stars.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
10
Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu’s tremendous turbans and headwraps helped usher in the bohemian neo-soul hair trends of the mid-Nineties. Not to mention, the effects of her eclectic and earthy take on style can still be seen. She may have switched it up a bit, but she’s still testing norms and pushing boundaries when it comes to fashion.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
11
Willow Smith

Willow Smith is up next. The polarizing yet undeniably cool teen is already a Chanel ambassador and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Getty Images
12
Solange

Solange is #StyleGoals for a whole generation. The singer sashayed beyond the perceived shadow of her older sister Beyonce and has since accumulated a legion of young women who are moved by her organic and stand-out style.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Getty Images
13
Lena Horne

Lena Horne was the ultimate glam goddess of the 40s. Here the star poses for a portrait in mesh and sequins, topped with a blinding diamond necklace.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
Getty Images
14
Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson has managed to influence fashion with her ever-evolving style. With a career that spans decades, we’ve been able to see Janet slay from the ’70s to now.

Black Women in Music Who Have Inspired Our Personal Style
TOPICS:  Erykah Badu Solange Knowles women in music Rihanna Solange Knowles women in music
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