Top 5 Black Female Fashion Icons

Feb 07, 2021
To celebrate black history month, Diamond Ariel looks at her top 5 black female fashion celebrity icons.

Well look at that – it’s already February. You know what that means right? If you said, “Black History Month”, you’re ON POINT – but if you said the month of Rihanna – you’re also correct – and you deserve a Grammy. That means this month I’ll be blowing up ya inbox with ALL things black!

Alright, so before we get started, let me say one thing: I encourage you to find your fashion icon(s) if you haven’t already. It’s a great step to take to figure out what your own personal style is and begin dressing towards a better you. Even through my top 5 fashion icons, you can learn a lot about how versatile my personal style is. So, without further due, want to know who’s my number one icon? Keep reading to find out – I promise you won’t be disappointed. So, let’s get to it!

 

5. Kehlani

Chic, trendy, urban, and romantic - These are a few words that I would use to describe Kehlani’s style. We all know how breathtaking she is. Her music makes you feel like you need to go and tell your man - imaginary or real - everything he's done wrong and what he needs to do to improve. Then if he doesn't listen, you leave him because you're an independent woman who doesn't need a man.

Kehlani's numerous tattoos add a completely different vibe to her looks. Her color matching is impeccable and she’s well aware of how to dress for her skin tone and body type. She isn’t afraid to stand out and receive attention – and neither should you be.

What you can learn from Kehlani: if you want to dress like a tomboy, dress like one with your own personal touch. If you want to wear a pink fur coat the next day with a dress and matching bucket hat, then do so – no one’s going to judge you. And those that do are only jealous because they don’t have the confidence to pull it off themselves.

 

4. Beyoncé

Whew. Queen B. If you don’t know who Beyoncé is…sweetie, I don’t know what to tell you. I love her style. Queen B is not afraid of anything or any look. You will always catch her wearing something that makes you ask, “How is she pulling that off?!” She’s so versatile, but at the same time you know her look. She’s sophisticated, trendy, and BOLD. Her Ivy Park clothing line is even to die for – and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t even wear athleisure!

Did I mention how snatched her waist is? The Queen isn’t afraid to show it off either!

What can you learn from Beyoncé? Girl. Present yourself like the boss you are. You are a Queen, and no one can take that away from you – especially if your outfit looks better than theirs.

 

3. Jackie Aina

 

*Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie*

My girl Jackie Ainaaaaaa! The Nigerian Queen and a well-known YouTuber (who I’ve been following for YEARS by the way). I'm honestly jealous of her because she got the opportunity to hang out with Rihanna. It's okay though, Rihanna knows I'm coming. I identify with Jackie on so many levels though, especially since we both have off-the-wall personalities, be minding our business (and low key still throwing shade), and love fashion.

Jackie knows that she is bomb. Her makeup is ALWAYS on point (I mean, she’s a make-up artist after all). Her style reflects her confidence. She’s trendy, but eclectic. She’s classy, but also sexy. She isn’t afraid to show skin and wear clothing that accentuates her body.

I live for it. 

Jackie shows you that allowing your personality to shine through what you wear is important. She also tells you that if you have a snatched waist, show it off.

Did I forget to mention that she’s also the queen of wigs?

 

2. Zendaya

GIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRL – don’t even get my STARTED with THIS QUEEN. BECAUSE BABYYYYYY!!! Zendaya is more than an icon: she’s a treasure. Her looks have led her to best-dressed lists and she gives black girls the confidence they need to step out into their real selves. Her style exudes eclectic sophistication and boldness. She’s classy and also pulls off streetwear like no one’s business.

She even wore a suit to a Harper’s Bazaar party that Michael B. Jordan wore months before.

 

 You can’t tell me that she isn’t a boss.

Zendaya shows you that you can pull off anything with confidence – including a men’s suit.

 

1.Rihanna

Honestly, you should have seen this one coming. I LIVE for Rihanna (since 2005 to be exact)! She will forever be my favorite fashion icon and music artist – and person in general. Let’s be honest, she’s out here saving the world. She has her own clothing line, make-up line, skin care line, AND lingerie brand (with every last one of them being inclusive!) …and sis still hasn’t put out her album.

To be honest, she doesn’t need to. I mean, look at her style. She can pull absolutely anything off. She’s beyond versatile. One day she’s wearing a streetstyle chic look, the next day she’s elegantly sexy, the day after that she’s wearing an oversized bright yellow jacket, and then finishes the week off dressed as a Tomboy.

I don’t know about you, but I love a good switch up. I. Live. For. It. If you wanted to know who my main style inspiration is, Queen Rih is always the answer. I mean, why wouldn’t she be?

Something you can learn from Rihanna is: don’t allow your style to be limited. Have fun with it. Do something out of your comfort zone every now and then and don’t worry about what other people have to say.

Black women have always set the pace in fashion. If you aren’t convinced by the end of this post that black women are magical queens, you need Jesus.

Become an Insider 

Join the fam to receive weekly updates, insider style tips, and my FREE style guide where you'll learn how to create a memorable personal brand through your personal style!

Girl I HATE spam. What I look like selling your info? Absolutely not.

Why You Should Never Fit In

Nov 01, 2022

3 Reasons Why I Became A Style Coach

Oct 25, 2022

A Big Fashion Mistake my Clients Make

Oct 18, 2022