Teyana Taylor’s Journey to Fashion Icon Status

From streetwear to fashion couture, Teyana Taylor has cemented herself to be a fashion icon.

Teyana Taylor is a multi-hyphenate artist known for her expressive creativity and enticing individuality. Rising to fame as a teenage choreographer for Beyonce and later signing with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music, she quickly became a influential figure within the music and fashion industries. Over the years, her style has evolved from edgy streetwear to sleek, avant-garde couture, which has cemented her status as a celebrity trendsetter. We will take a look at the evolution in becoming a fashion icon.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Angela Bassett Reveals the Mission: Impossible Birthday Surprise That Got Tom Cruise Dancing

A Rose From Harlem

In 2007, Teyana Taylor made her TV debut on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16, easily becoming a standout favorite for viewers for her fearless personality and bold streetwear style. Her style, which usually consisted of bold colors, oversized clothing, and stylish sneakers, exuded confidence and style.

KTSE (Keep That Same Energy)

@teyanaclips

*From the KTSE tour* Im so excited for this TLRP tour but sad it’s her last☹️ . #teyanataylor #teyanaclips #ktse #tlrp #fypシ

♬ Do Not Disturb – Teyana Taylor

Since the release of her 2018 album, “KTSE (Keep That Same Energy),” fashion and style became more sultry, which matched perfectly with the vibe of her project.

Hair Inspiration

Screenshot | TikTok

The “Rose In Harlem” singer didn’t stray too far from her tomboy, flirty style. In her popular video, “Gonna Love Me,” Taylor can be seen rocking a silk wrap with bobby pins to keep her hair in place.

90’s Inspired Look

Arriving at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor effortlessly executed a look that was inspired by the iconic music artist, Janet Jackson. The basic cropped white t-shirt and the low-rise slacks gave the singer room to showcase her chiseled frame. And the hair? The polished yet playful cut looked gorgeous on her.

Serving Sexy Appeal

After the success of her album, Taylor began to embrace a more stylish, enticing, and sexier look that gave her more of a fashionable edge. Her new look was characterized by form-fitting silhouettes, bold colors, and seductive cutouts, all of which helped to elevate her stylish appeal.

2023 Met Gala

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Teyana Taylor attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

There is never a moment when Teyana Taylor arrives and doesn’t give people a showstopping moment. Arriving on the 2023 Met Gala red carpet, the Harlem singer came dressed to the nines in Karl Lagerfeld, wearing a stunning V-cut tweed blazer with matching low-rise skirt. Ms. Taylor delivers every time.

Fashion & Culture Creator

@raraready

#teyanataylor on what it takes to be a culture creator. @CULTURE CREATORS

♬ original sound – Robin Ayers

Should anyone be surprised? Teyana Taylor has not only dominated in music, but she has distrupted fashion and influencer spaces. Here, she was seen rocking a orange, tailored suit with a sleek blond bob. This woman can do no wrong.

Layers, Nothing But Layers

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 25: Teyana Taylor celebrates the launch of Victoria’s Secret x The Teyana Taylor Edit at VS Flagship on 5th Ave on February 25, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

At the “Victoria Secret x Teyana Taylor Edit” launch, she was rocking an oversized power suit with strong shoulders and wide-leg trousers, giving the ultimate “boss woman” look.

Dressed In All Black…Like The Omen

At the CFDA Fashion Awards, Teyana Taylor turned heads with her daring black LaQuan Smith dress featuring a sexy cut-out bodysuit and matching skirt from her underbust to ankles. She layered the look with a floor-length coat, strappy black heels, and Bottega Veneta aviator sunglasses. To be this fine has to feel amazing.

Vampy Meet Futuristic

Showcasing her avant-garde side, the “Bare With Me” artist was seen rocking a bold Rick Owens gown during the 2024 Art Basel in Miami. The stunning, floor length two piece gown featured strong shoulders pads, destructed sleeves, and mermaid silhoette skirt that hugged her petite curves. The overall look was a perfect example of how extreme her style can be.

2025 Met Gala

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Teyana Taylor attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)

When it comes to the Met Gala, Teyana Taylor always shuts down the red carpet down. She stunned everyone in a custom three-piece pinstripe zoot suit, paired with a red velvet and satin cape embroided with “Harlem Rose” in tribute to her roots. The standout piece was the floor length durag that was a head nod to the street style of men wearing durags under their fitted caps. Her attention to detail is impeccable.

Tomboy Fly

At the core, Teyana Taylor has always embodied a fearless tomboy edge, but her style evolution has proven her versatility and vision. She’s grown from rocking her signature crop tops and low-rise jeans to now embracing more sophisticated, tailored pieces — always with her signature swagger intact. Her ability to effortlessly shift through various stylish looks is what makes her a true fashion leader.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

A Look Inside Prince's Famous Paisley Park Mansion in Minnesota

A Look Inside Prince’s Famous Paisley Park Mansion in Minnesota

An all-new Prince celebration is set to take place soon, so what better time to revisit the place Prince called home? Let’s take a look! …
Rihanna's Biggest Hits That Helped Her Make Music History

Rihanna’s Biggest Hits That Helped Her Make Music History

Rihanna just made history by becoming the first woman in the music industry to have 200 million Recording Industry Association of America-certified singles units. We’re celebrating by looking back at her biggest hits …
D4vd Arrested in Celeste Rivas Death Case: What We Know

D4vd Arrested in Celeste Rivas Death Case: What We Know

Authorities had been circling D4vd for a while now, but had nothing concrete to bring him in on until now. Here’s what we know …
Why Black Women Continue to Defend Meghan Markle Despite the Online Trolls

Why Black Women Continue to Defend Meghan Markle Despite the Online Trolls

Meghan Markle is opening up about the digital bullying she experienced, but Black women online aren’t letting her fight this fight alone! …
Why Bill Bellamy's Latest Message to Black Women Has the Internet Heated

Why Bill Bellamy’s Latest Message to Black Women Has the Internet Heated

While many people love Bill Bellamy for his comedy, he’s sadly coming under fire for his latest joke and message to Black women. Let’s get into it! …
Hilton Head's Gullah Geechee Community Built A Legacy, Now They're Fighting To Be Heard

Hilton Head’s Gullah Geechee Community Built A Legacy, Now They’re Fighting To Be Heard

The Legal Defense Fund says that the Hilton Head Gullah Geechee community is being shut out of key land talks that could shape their survival …
Dave Chappelle Says Republicans 'Weaponized' His Trans Jokes, But That's Not the Whole Story

Dave Chappelle Says Republicans ‘Weaponized’ His Trans Jokes, But That’s Not the Whole Story

Dave Chappelle is reflecting on his trans jokes and the role some Republicans seemingly played in making things worse—but there’s more to it than that …
Vogue Slammed Online After Trying to Rename The Afro

Vogue Slammed Online After Trying to Rename The Afro

The Black internet is giving Vogue magazine an earful after they tried to rename a classic hairstyle that represents Black pride …
Viral 'Demure' TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

Viral ‘Demure’ TikToker Jools Lebron Breaks Her Silence on the Brutal Toll of Internet Fame

In a new interview with Tamron Hall, Jools Lebron reveals the dark side of overnight fame after she went viral on TikTok for “demure.” …
LeBron James Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

LeBron James Should Retire Now While Greatness Still Defines Him

The only thing left for King James to prove is that he knows when to walk away …
This Georgia Lawmaker's Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

This Georgia Lawmaker’s Blackface Photo Was Offensive Enough— But His Response Was Even Worse

Folks say if “tone-deaf” were a person, Georgia lawmaker Kasey Carpenter might be contending for top spot after a photo of him in blackface sparked fury …
Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

Khloé Kardashian Claps Back at Lamar Odom Over His Comments About Her Role in His Recovery

After allegedly trying to downplay her role in helping Lamar Odom recover from his 2015 brother incident and more, Khloé Kardashian is now pushing back! …
Black Virginia Lt. Governor and Wife Shot Dead in Harrowing Murder-Suicide

Black Virginia Lt. Governor and Wife Shot Dead in Harrowing Murder-Suicide

Justin Fairfax made history as the second Black man elected as lieutenant governor in Virginia. Now, police say that trailblazer shot his wife, then himself …
After Trump Fired Bondi, Noem, Are These 5 Officials Next?

After Trump Fired Bondi, Noem, Are These 5 Officials Next?

Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel are among the top picks of folks President Trump will fire next… And that’s not all …
The Trump Administration Continues to Ignore Black Maternal, Infant Health

The Trump Administration Continues to Ignore Black Maternal, Infant Health

Black Maternal Health Week reminds us we’re still fighting systemic neglect, rising costs and a food apartheid that fuels unequal care for Black mothers …
Mary Mary Singer's Husband Files for Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage

Mary Mary Singer’s Husband Files for Divorce After 25 Years of Marriage

After 25 years of marriage and a public struggle to stay together, the husband of one member of the gospel duo Mary Mary has filed for divorce …
Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence on the Hollywood Politics That Stalled Her Career Growth After 'Baby Boy'

Taraji P. Henson Breaks Silence on the Hollywood Politics That Stalled Her Career Growth After ‘Baby Boy’

Taraji P. Henson has always been transparent about her career. Now, she’s opening up about how she and Tyrese took different paths after ‘Baby Boy.’ …
Al Sharpton On Three Major Threats to Black Voters in 2026

Al Sharpton On Three Major Threats to Black Voters in 2026

In an Exclusive interview, Rev. Sharpton warns that the “tricks” of 2026 are designed to silence Black influence …
Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

Nick Cannon Makes Shocking Claim About Bible’s ‘Tales’ and the Internet Has Some Thoughts

It’s never a dull day when you have Nick Cannon letting off his latest controversial take. This time it’s about the Bible. Let’s get into it! …
New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae's Mysterious Death on Vacation

New Development in Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s Mysterious Death on Vacation

New details have emerged about influencer Ashlee Jenae’s death in Tanzania …