Janelle Monae Style Evolution: 11 Red Carpet Looks From 2017

Janelle Monae Style Evolution

Last night (Feb. 26), Janelle Monae dazzled at the Oscars 2017 in an Elie Saab Couture gown embroidered with elaborate crystal stones and accented by jeweled accessories. The singer-songwriter and now critically acclaimed actor donned the luxurious tulle dress, complete with a golden Jennifer Behr crown, in support of her roles in Hidden Figures and the Best Picture winner Moonlight.

With this promising new direction in Monae’s career comes an evolution of her style – she’s traded in her suit-only philosophy for flowing skirts and gowns, but maintains her signature black and white palette. Here are eleven gorgeous Janelle Monae red carpet looks from 2017 that capture the multi-hyphenate’s dynamic fashion sense. 

Janelle Monae

Monae’s extravagant, sheer Elie Saab Couture gown displayed embroidered birds and crystal stones cascading from her waist to the floor. Voluminous black tulle gave the dress a ball gown feel. 

Film Independent Spirit Awards, Feb. 25

The singer-songwriter wore a bold printed Salvatore Ferragamo ensemble featuring a black and white striped coat and houndstooth dress. She wore pearl and gold Christian Louboutin heels for an added opulence. 

10th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Feb. 23

A throwback to her signature suits, Monae wore a casual Barbara Bui white suit with yellow and black accents. The plunging lapel and tailored jacket fit showed off a sexier side of the actor, while a pair of Jennifer Fisher earrings completed the minimal look.

Janelle Monae

For the pre-Grammy celebration, the singer-songwriter sported a graphic Off-White checkered jumpsuit, a Fallon Jewelry bedazzled choker, and an Anya Hindmarsh googly-eyed clutch. Monae heightened the playful tone with two buns and a bright lip.

23rd Annual SAG Awards, Jan. 29

For the Screen Actors Guild awards, Monae went classic with an ultra-textured Chanel embroidered dress and fine jewelry cuffs. The busy look, which included gray Chanel flowers throughout her hair, was complemented with simple Stuart Weitzman Sandals.

28th Annual Producers Guild Awards, Jan. 28

Monae walked the PGA awards red carpet in a strapless, black and white Carolina Herrera gown accented with emerald jewelry and makeup.

Marie Claire’s Image Maker Awards, Jan, 10

Monae presented her very own stylist Maeve Reilly with the New Guard Stylist award in a charming Thom Browne Tuxedo Dress. The black and white sequined mini dress consisted of immaculate detailing for a tuxedo and dress shirt look, paying a tongue-in-cheek homage to the singer’s past style. 

Janelle Monae

For her Golden Globes debut, the budding actor wore a custom Giorgi Armani gown. The Armani Privé wide neck bodysuit dress featured a white, bubbly mini skirt covered in black polka dots that swooped into a train trailing behind her. She paired the dramatic look with pearl embedded Giuseppe Zanotti strappy heels and a pearl-studded updo. 

‘Hidden Figures’ Screening at The London West Hollywood, Jan. 4

For the screening of the critically acclaimed Hidden Figures, Monae opted for a flowing, carefree red carpet look. She paired a black bell-sleeved Christian Siriano top with wide legged Tome black and white stripped pants. Black and white Melody Eshani earrings added the brazen graphic look Monae has made her own.

Variety’s Creative Impact Awards, Jan. 3

In celebration of Variety's "10 Directors To Watch" and Creative Impact Awards, Monae wore a Lela Rose black and white textured crop top and high waist full midi skirt and black textured Giuseppe Zanotti heels.

28th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala, Jan. 2

The singer-songwriter-turned-actor kicked off 2017 in a cut-out layered Jenny Packham cage gown for the Palm Springs International Film Festival gala. The ivory tones offered a softer and very feminine feel to the red carpet look.