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Home · Fashion

Style File: Janelle Monae

Before black and white became spring's biggest trend, our May covergirl was all over it. Check out seventeen style moments from this tuxedo-loving fashionista.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Black & White Affair

The singer’s minimalist approach to fashion finds her almost always in black and white, with an occasional pop of red lipstick.

Style File: Janelle Monae
Michael Rowe
02
Style & Spunk

The funk/soul singer keeps her overall look the same but her accessories always change. Here, Monae adds a chain belt, a silver Tiffany & Co. cuff and riding boots, for a rocker-meets-equestrian vibe.

Style File: Janelle Monae
Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
03
Electric Relaxation
Minor adjustments to Monae’s suit style—a tie-less shirt and cuffed pant leg lends a casual cool touch.
Style File: Janelle Monae
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
04
Tom Boy Chic

Suspenders transform a classic white button-down and black pant combo into refined borrowed-from-the-boyfriend chic.

Style File: Janelle Monae
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images and John Lamparski/WireImage
05
All in The Details

A few eye-catching accessories: a skinny tie, a sparkling brooch, and a ring clutch subtly transforms her look.

Style File: Janelle Monae
06
Finishing Touch
The singer matches her look precisely down to the fine details. Check out those snowcap-style earrings and graphic oxfords!
Style File: Janelle Monae
07
Silver Screen Starlet

Monae channels Annie Hall with a menswear-inspired hat, tie and vest combo.

Style File: Janelle Monae
Larry Busacca/WireImage
08
Red Hot Carpet

The singer takes her red carpet style up a couple of notches with a cinched corset-style vest topped by an embroidered lapel, long-tail blazer inspired by a matador costume.

Style File: Janelle Monae
Christopher Polk/Getty Images
09
Marvelous Militia

From head to toe, Monae serves flawless military style with this embellished jacket, riding pants and matching boots – all in black.

Style File: Janelle Monae
10
Flower Power

Floral embroidery livens up her head-to-toe black style.

Style File: Janelle Monae
11
Back To Black

Basic black for Monae is anything but basic. The singer’s satin high-waist trouser and bow-front blouse topped by a cape is the epitome of effortless chic.

Style File: Janelle Monae
Jennifer Cooper
12
Satin Stunner

A special occasion at the MET Museum called for the singer to swap her signature black and white tux for a satin jumpsuit with a crystal encrusted brooch and matching chandelier earrings.

Style File: Janelle Monae
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
13
Moving Style
The singer has major stage presence not only with her funky dance moves but with her risk-taking style.
Style File: Janelle Monae
14
Doo-Wop Diva
Her look seamlessly transitions to the stage for a nostalgic doo-wop singer style.
Style File: Janelle Monae
15
Trail Blazing

At a performance, Monae switches up her traditional black tuxedo blazer to a white one for an equally stunning effect.

Style File: Janelle Monae
16
Drama Queen

The singer takes her cape from the red carpet to the staged for added drama.

Style File: Janelle Monae
17
Black Girls Rock

The singer’s tuxedo style is a fool-proof polished look no matter the occasion, and only she can pull it off time and time again.

Style File: Janelle Monae
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