Erykah Badu’s Fashion Through the Years: An Eclectic, Artistic Journey From Red Carpet Star to CFDA Fashion Icon

Erykah Badu is a force on stage and on the red carpet. While the four-time Grammy winner is well-known for her versatile range, her approach to fashion offers an extension of her artistic elasticity. Over more than two decades, Badu has attended several high-profile events where her fashion has been on full display. On Monday, Badu will be honored for her indelible impact on the industry with the CFDA Fashion Icon Award.

“Erykah Badu and fashion are synonymous in many ways,” Thom Browne, the chairman of the CFDAs said. “Erykah effortlessly exudes herself, her unique point of view, through the clothing she chooses to wear…and each look she dreams up is so individual and true to herself.”

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Here, a look back at some of her best fashion moments.

2024

Erykah Badu, style, Erykah Badu attends the 2024 GQ Creativity Awards at WSA on April 11, 2024 in New York City. 
Erykah Badu attends the 2024 GQ Creativity Awards at WSA on April 11, 2024 in New York City.

For the 2024 GQ Creativity Awards in New York City last April, Badu opted for an ornate look by Marni. The design featured a black-and-white coatdress with red detailing, gray gloves and a sky-high hat. Badu also accessorized with a large, avant-garde accessory, featuring a tulle overlay with yellow and black horizontal bold lines.

2020

Erykah Badu receives the Soundtrack Award during the Austin Film Society's 20th annual Texas Film Awards at Creative Media Center at Austin Studios on March 12, 2020 in Austin, Texas, style
Erykah Badu receives the Soundtrack Award during the Austin Film Society’s 20th annual Texas Film Awards at Creative Media Center at Austin Studios on March 12, 2020 in Austin.

While attending the Austin Film Society’s 20th annual Text Film Awards in March 2020, Badu elevated her eclectic style. The singer wore a white garment with a tight hood that was emblazoned with airbrushed graphics of Louis Vuitton’s Damier Ebene pattern.

2016

Erykah Badu, style, Erykah Badu attends the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards at the Orleans Arena on Nov. 6, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 
Erykah Badu attends the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards at the Orleans Arena on Nov. 6, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Badu attended the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards wearing in a voluminous yellow gown. The bold color was enhanced and accentuated by her oversized sleeves and billowing skirt. Badu paired the dress with her signature hat.

2012

Erykah Badu, style, Erykah Badu performs on stage at Theater Circo Price on July 17, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. 
Erykah Badu performs on stage at Theater Circo Price on July 17, 2012 in Madrid, Spain.

Badu showed off her approach to casual dressing while performing in Madrid in 2012. The singer wore distressed denim with bootie heels and added a cape-like element to her top. She also wore a hat for the performance.

2008

Erykah Badu, style, Erykah Badu attends the 3rd Annual Black Girls Rock! Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Nov. 2, 2008 in New York City.
Erykah Badu attends the 3rd Annual Black Girls Rock! Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Nov. 2, 2008 in New York City.

For the Black Girls Rock! Awards in 2008, Badu opted for all-black attire, save for the white hat she wore with a black velvet band to accessorize her look.

Erykah Badu’s Best Style Moments: Met Gala, Grammy Awards and More

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Launch Gallery: Erykah Badu's Best Style Moments: Met Gala, Grammy Awards and More

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