Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • 2025 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Fashion

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Erykah Badu

The eclectic beauty is the leader of this pack, wearing exactly what she wants since she first burst on the scene. From head wraps to cropped overalls, Badu matches to beat of her own drum!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
02
Tyra Banks

Usually this model turned mogul keeps it conservative. But every once in a while, like her recent appearance on 106 & Park, Banks gets umm…quirky. We applaud her ability to get into character(s) with no fear.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
03
Keri Hilson

Sometimes it’s “Hmmm” sometimes its “Hot!” But whatever your reaction to Keri Hilson’s outfits, it’s always uniquely hers!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
04
Tolula Adeyemi

The Brit beauty is known for her bold personality and even bolder style. From PVC bodysuits to frilly ballerina style skirts, she wears it all – and she wears it well.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
05
Nicki Minaj

Everyone knows she’s a “Monster” with a manic wardrobe to match. Her cooky costumes have been a huge part of her successful persona and from the looks of things, they are here to stay!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
06
Lauryn Hill

Just like her music and her life, when it comes to her clothes: Lauryn Hill does what she wants! The last few years have been a testimony to this as the star has trotted out in one quirky look after another.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
07
Solange

In recent years, it feels like the boho-beauty as been on a campaign to ‘do-her!’ From a cropped natural to blown out afro to towering turban, her hair transformations have echoed her style evolution from glam girl to eclectic chic. We applaud her journey.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
08
Shala Monroque

The art-loving beauty, who is a muse for Prada, captured the attention of the fashion world for her bold eclectic sense of style which is often eclectic and always chic.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
09
Shingai Shoniwa

Shoniwa’s creativity knows no bounds. From her music as lead singer of the Noisettes to her sky high hair to her fashion forward wardrobe she always goes for the bold.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
10
Lisa Bonet

What some younger celebs have been doing for months, Bonet has been doing for decades. The “Cosby” kid grew into a woman who expresses herself decadently with flowey tops and sweaters, bold pops of color and eclectic accessories.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
11
Kelis

While she was never conservative, the pop singer’s wardrobe has taken an increasingly eclectic turn in recent years. It takes a special woman – and a fierce body – to pull off some of her sartorial stunts. Kudos.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
12
June Ambrose

The dashing diva, who single-handedly brought back the turban, is a trend setter who allows herself the freedom to wear what she wants. From bold prints to bright color, Ambrose continues to show us how its done!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
13
Chaka Kahn

With a voice as loud as her style, the iconic Chaka Kahn belongs on this list! We love how she shows off her beautiful curves in eclectic custom pieces like this embellished suit.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
14
Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae found out what she loves to wear a long time ago and stuck to it! Her constant costume – a black suit, accented by white shirt – works so well, we can’t be mad!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
15
Macy Gray

There’s nothing gray about Macy’s colorful wardrobe. Like her music, Gray’s wardrobe is a soulful symphony of textures and tones.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
16
Meagan Good

Meagan Good has a routine she never breaks: leggings, boots and a basic top. While some might complain that she always wear the same thing, she sticks to what she loves and wears what she wants. If we looked this good in her ensembles, we would too!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
17
Julia Sarr Samois

The European fashion editor has become an internet sensation with bloggers loving her cool, laid back style. From a statement fro to laid back jeans and statement tops, we totally get the obsession!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
18
Rihanna

The Bajan beauty came into “the game” like a classic beauty, but it wasn’t long before she upped the ante with electric locks and eclectic wardrobe. On or off the stage she’s sure to make your head turn!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
19
Lil Kim

From the very start Lil’ Kim has entered the game with statement wigs, pieces and shoes. She shows no signs of slowing down the pace with a collection of outfits as daring and extensive as her wigs.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
20
Zoe Kravitz

Like mother and father: like daughter. Kravitz keeps things eclectic with a wardrobe that effortlessly mixes uptown and downtown.

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want
21
Grace Jones

What’s interesting about Jones is we can’t ever remember when she was toned down. From start till now, she has given full throttle fashion from head to toe. And even better? She wears it with Grace!

Twenty Women Who Wear What They Want