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Fashion

18 Times Solange Was The Ultimate Style Icon

In honor of her birthday, we rounded up her greatest looks of all time.

by Jenna Igneri

Today marks Solange Knowles’ 31st birthday, and, in honor of this special day, we’d like to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the fashion super force she’s become.

Let’s face it, being Beyoncé’s little sister is no easy feat. Yet, the singer, model, actress, DJ, and founder of Saint Records (honestly, what doesn’t she do?) has grown into being a icon in her own right, as both an artist and for her unique, colorful style. Always one to bend the rules, you’ll likely catch her wearing a sculptural, futuristic frock or a dizzyingly printed pantsuit over a formal gown. Oh, and you’ll see her in yellow. Lots and lots of yellow.

Though her stardom—and recognition as a “someone” in fashion—has certainly been on an upward trajectory since the release of her third studio album A Seat at the Table last year (I mean, have you watched the videos for “Don’t Touch My Hair” and “Cranes in the Sky?”), killing it sartorially is nothing new for her. Below, we rounded up 18 of her greatest style moments over the years, whether on the red carpet or in the scenes of her own music videos.

Happy birthday, Solange!

Photo by Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

May 2017, Met Gala

Screw the elaborate gowns—Solange stole the show at 2017 Met Gala when she rolled up in a Thom Browne puffer trench (complete with a train) and ice-skate booties.

Photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

February 2017, Grammys

Solange turned heads when she rolled up to this year’s Grammys in Gucci gold.

Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

January 2017, Premiere of "Girls" Season 2

We’re all for a good pantsuit, and this colorful Just Cavalli pantsuit was quite the statement.

Photo via NBC

November 2016, "SNL"

Nothing we say can do this look Solange wore during her "SNL" performance last year justice. That. Headpiece.

Photo via Saint Records

October 2016, “Cranes in the Sky” video

The “Cranes in the Sky” video was so chock-full of incredible looks, it was basically a fashion show. Still, something about this neoprene magic worn in the opening scene really caught our eyes (and captured our hearts).

Photo via Saint Records

October 2016, “Don’t Touch My Hair” video

Just another perfectly executed puffer ensemble.

Photo by Ben Gabbe / Getty Images

September 2016, New York Fashion Week

At September’s Creatures of Comfort runway show, Solange proved that jeans are totally acceptable Fashion Week attire.

Photo via @saintrecords Instagram

August 2016, yarn dress

How could we forget the time Solange decided to “fuck around” with some yarn and casually create this masterpiece? It was so good, it made the cut for the “Cranes in the Sky” video.

Photo by Mike Coppola / Getty Images

May 2016, Met Gala

For 2016’s Manus x Machina-themed Met Gala, Solange was a ray of golden sunshine in this pleated David LaPort work of art.

Photo by Nicholas Hunt / Getty Images

May 2016, Met Gala After Party

Of course, she changed into an equally as cool (yet cozier) look for the Met Gala after party in this 3-D-textured Kenzo look.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

May 2015, Met Gala

Another year, another Met Gala, another time Solange absolutely slayed.

Photo via @beyonce Instagram

November 2014, wedding

Some opt for white lace and tulle on their big day, yet Solange opted for this stunning floor-length caped dress for her nuptials.

Photo by Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

December 2014, Art Basel

Yellow’s a tough color to wear for most, but I think it’s safe to say that it’s definitely her color.

Photo via Saint Records

October 2012, “Losing You” video

A neon orange pantsuit may is already a bit of a risk, but pairing it with green? Unheard of. Yet somehow (not surprisingly), Solange nailed it.

Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images

September 2012, amFAR Milano

Just casually channeling a Grecian goddess at the amFAR event during Milan Fashion Week back in 2012.

Photo by Tullio M. Puglia / Getty Images

September 2012, Just Cavalli Party

The epitome of cool, Solange rocked a white-on-white studded leather jacket with the most electrifying neon pumps to party with Just Cavalli.

Photo by Dave M, Benett / Getty Images

September 2011, Rimmel x Kate Moss Party

Simple, yet statement-making.

Photo by Jerod Harris / Getty Images

May 2011, Victoria’s Secret SWIM Collection Launch

We're living for this maxi skirt/bustier combo she rocked back in 2011.