When we think of Beyoncé’s style, we think of everything from leggy little minidresses she’s worn to perform to sheer dramatic dresses that have swept the red carpet. That’s because Queen Bey will try everything once, and then again if it works — and given her fierce confidence, bold taste, and toned figure, it usually does. That’s what makes Beyoncé a style icon in her own right — and the 2016 recipient of the CFDA fashion icon award.
We can name so many of the singer’s flawless fashion moments off the top of our heads, and they include everything from gowns with dramatic trains to mosaic-embellished over-the-knee boots and sequined suits. Now, the elegant lingerie she wore for her second pregnancy announcement will even go down in history. As tough as it was, we’ve narrowed down our list to the top 10 outfits Beyoncé wore that made the world swoon.
1. Beyoncé’s Givenchy Met Gala Dress, 2012
Givenchy has become Beyoncé’s go-to designer for the Met Gala. In 2012, her black and purple feathered train graced the steps, turning heads. The gown boasted a sheer bodice and intricate beading.
2. Beyoncé’s Super Bowl Bodysuit, 2013
Beyoncé literally shut it down at the Super Bowl halftime show when she performed in New Orleans. She wore a leather bodysuit by Rubin Singer, which came with matching slouchy gloves and was contrasted by a feminine Chantilly lace skirt, attached at the bodice. The singer completed her outfit with knee socks and Proenza Schouler booties.
3. Beyoncé’s Coachella Dress, 2015
Beyoncé always hits up Coachella in the most festival-appropriate ensembles. This year, she showed she’s the queen of the desert, too, in a floral bohemian maxi dress, which she contrasted with edgy essentials, from a studded pouch to buckle-finished moto boots.
4. Beyoncé’s VMAs Performance Look, 2011
We don’t think anyone can forget the moment Beyoncé unbuttoned her purple sequined Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo blazer to reveal her growing baby bump. She announced her pregnancy in style, proudly singing “Love on Top.” While Bey took to the red carpet in an orange Lanvin dress that same night, this was the outfit that we couldn’t forget.
5. Beyoncé’s Givenchy Met Gala Dress, 2014
Making for what is perhaps one of our favorite Met Gala looks of all time, Beyoncé wore a black beaded Givenchy dress. The design was complete with a front slit, sheer details, and a plunging neckline — and Beyoncé accessorized with nothing but a birdcage veil and chunky earrings. Her look was romantic, slightly gothic, and dramatic for the Charles James exhibit.
6. Beyoncé’s Tom Ford Release Party Look, 2013
Beyoncé rocked a sparkling Tom Ford mosaic mini and matching boots for her album release party.
7. Beyoncé’s Romantic White Grammys Dress, 2014
Queen Bey chose a lacy white Michael Costello gown to walk the red carpet at the 2014 Grammys after performing “Drunk in Love.” She completed her curve-hugging look with stunning Lorraine Schwartz jewels, but it was her sexy back we had our eyes on.
8. Beyoncé’s Tom Ford Jersey, 2014
Beyoncé was the very first to wear a piece from Tom Ford’s Fall 2014 line when she performed in Germany in this bronze sequined jersey. Of course, she was paying homage to her husband, Jay Z, who likes to rock the designer just as much as she does.
9. Beyoncé’s Mosaic VMAs Bodysuit, 2014
Beyoncé performed in a jaw-dropping mosaic rainbow bodysuit at the 2014 VMAs, playing up the texture of her look with fishnet tights and leather moto boots.