The sun is out in NYC. The temperatures are finally above freezing level. It’s almost Aries season. And, speaking of, fellow Aries, my good sis Jill Scott, Miss Jilly from Philly, just announced her tour dates for new album To Whom This May Concern. I’ve of course had the project on repeat as well—especially tracks “Don’t Play” and “Pressha.” In other words, I’m feeling good! Thanks for asking.
In all seriousness, I am extremely excited for her tour. Not only because I will be singing my head off to virtually every song she’ll perform (if you saw me at Essence Festival last year or at her Who Is Jill Scott? anniversary tour in 2023, you know). But, I’m also excited because I’m ever-inspired by her style and beauty looks—and can’t wait to see what this next era for her will continue to deliver.
After all, when I look back, it wasn’t just her music that defined her eras. It was that extra soul and flair she paired with her powerhouse vocals—both aesthetically and energetically. Specifically, around the time of her debut album, Scott was known for her dark lipstick and ‘fro combo. A look that was at once futuristic and natural.
Later on, she proved to be quite the canvas, exploring a range of styles from regal whites paired with big jewelry and bigger hair, to tribal printed jumpsuits with adorned braids. Regardless, what remains constant about Scott’s style is that it’s always anchored in effortless coolness—and an undeniable glow.
I expect her upcoming tour to also deliver high impact styles. Especially because her current press run hasn’t yet disappointed in the fashion department. A favorite of mine, so far, includes her interview on Sway In The Morning, where she looked dope in a denim outfit, cheetah print hat, and chunky hoops. The all denim reminds me of an all-grown-up version of her denim fit in her photoshoot, above, in the 2000s.
Another recent look defining her new chapter was her plaid, patchwork ‘fit for her Tiny Desk episode. This was before she fully emerged back on the scene with an all denim set and silk press for her Colors Studio session. And we certainly can’t forget the sultry glam, with makeup by Raisa Flowers and hair by Jadis Jolie, in the “Pressha” music video, styled by her trusted stylist, dear friend, and “mother of the house,” as Scott calls her, Miss Pamela Macklin.
As for what we can expect from the tour, Macklin shares with us, “that she will continue to use her platform to promote Black Creatives! She wants to continue to use fashion to tell stories—hers and ours,” Macklin, who was also the former ESSENCE Fashion Director, starting in 1999, adds. “We have been playing with an unstructured structure, shapes, textures, and fabrics that read luxe—with comfort as our north star.”
And, unsurprisingly, when it comes to working with Scott, “I absolutely love contributing to the evolution,” Macklin notes. More importantly, “she is family and our relationship is deeper than wardrobe.”
Below, see iconic style moments from Scott’s new sonic era.