Inarguably, when it comes to Music's Biggest Night, the industry knows you have to dress the part. The whirlwind weekend is filled with event after event (think big-ticket soirees like Jay-Z's annual Roc Nation Brunch or Clive Davis' annual Pre-GRAMMY Gala), but what happens on the red carpet is ingrained forever style history — who can forget Michael Jackson's sequin jacket or J.Lo's plunging Versace number?
It's a make or break it fashion moment that stylists prep months in advance for, opting for more custom looks rather than off-the-rack. This year, trends skewed toward colored suits for men — the brighter the better — and women wearing the pants (literally!). While many opted to accent their looks around a single white rose as support for the #TimesUp movement, stars such SZA, Childish Gambino and Cardi B took it a step further wearing all-white clean looks. See who else nailed it last night.
Sam Smith In Cerruti 1881
Looks like Sam Smith got the memo that bright menswear was the look of the night. Showing off a new, svelte physique, he took a bold risk — and it paid off. Like many of the attendees, he also donned a white rose on his lapel to show his support for #TimesUp.
Lady Gaga In Armani Privé
Surprisingly one of the first to arrive, Lady Gaga was already poised to be on all of the best-dressed lists. Just when you thought her custom gown with endless train was dramatic enough, she turned around to reveal an ice blonde, corset braid adorned with black leather laces. It's fitting, especially given the Victorian-inspired bodice of her dress. Anticipate copycat looks in the near future.
Ne-Yo In Grayscale, Hollywood Hatters & Christian Louboutin
Taking a page from Sam Smith's book, singer/songwriter Ne-Yo also didn't stray away from color on the carpet. His dapper mustard smoking jacket, signature hat and slim-fitting pants looked cool and classic. Others such as Common, D.R.A.M., Mali Music, and Khalid also skipped basic all-black looks that traditionally reign supreme.
Jaden Smith In C2H4, G-Star Raw & Louis Vuitton
For some, taking a more relaxed approach on the carpet makes a bigger statement than traditional black-tie. Take Jaden Smith: He channeled cool, urban edge in his own merch, patchwork jeans and casual designer kicks. With the GRAMMYs clocking in at three-plus hours, we can't blame him for wanting to be comfortable.
Janelle Monaé In Dolce & Gabbana
Not only was petite singer Janelle Monaé on trend wearing a pantsuit (others such as Kesha, Eva Max, Eve, Cyndi Lauper, Andra Day, and Alessia Cara rocked similar looks) but she debuted a new beauty look: blonde. After ditching her signature bouffant at last year's Oscars, it's a fresh look that truly complements her strong-yet-feminine floral number.
Lana Del Rey In Gucci
Why reach for the stars when you can literally wear them? That seems to be what was on Lana Del Rey's mind last night. She accented her soft pink thigh-grazing Gucci gown with a star-adorned headpiece and lariat necklace. Word on the street is that her look was inspired by Austrian actress, Hedy Lamaar best known for Ziegfeld Girl.
Cardi B In Ashi Studio Couture
For her first GRAMMY appearance, the Bronx native was a vision in white. The sculptural gown was a departure from Cardi B's more form-fitting red carpet looks in the past. Is this a taste of what her wedding gown will look like? After all, the female emcee is rumored to wed fiancé, Offset, later this year. Regardless, consider her America's newest angel in training.
Tyler, The Creator in Louis Vuitton & Converse
Known to march to the beat of his own drum, Tyler, The Creator might win the award for the wildest look of the night. After taking a few flicks in his white ushanka hat, he took it off and revealed a leopard-print Caesar. While we're not sure how much traction this will gain, it will definitely go down in GRAMMY history as a memorable 'do.
Childish Gambino In Ermenegildo Zegna
So fresh and so clean. Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) pulled off a full winter white suit in the middle of January. Brave, we must say! The fit is what really made this work — gentlemen, it's hard to beat a custom suit like this.
Asahd And DJ Khaled
Like father like son? It's a rarity to see this duo separately so we aren't surprised they chose matching crushed tuxedos complete with satin bow-ties. At only 15 months old, Asahd is becoming quite the budding style icon. He's definitely one of the cutest (and youngest) GRAMMY attendees yet.
Pink In Armani Privé
Even though she kept both feet on the ground during her highly anticipated performance, Pink's dress could have taken to the sky. Her brightly colored gown was light as a feather — and completely covered with pink, blue, purple, and black plumage. A bold choice for a bold woman.
Ashanti In Elie Madi
With one GRAMMY already under her belt, Ashanti decided play into the theme of the evening: gold. While the 37-year-old dress silhouette was relatively demure, she upped the edgy factor thanks to a razor-sharp jet-black bob.
Rita Ora In Ralph & Russo
How high is too high? No such thing in Rita Ora's book. She threw it back to another era and upped the sex appeal in a serious way. Lots of diamonds, Veronica Lake-inspired waves, and of course, a bold crimson look pulled it all together.
SZA In Atelier Versace
Seeing that she has a voice like an angel, it's only appropriate the songbird dressed like one too! Her ethereal gown is the perfect choice for her first time walking the prestigious GRAMMYs red carpet. Naturally, SZA chose to rock her eye-catching curls with subdued makeup.
Elton John In Gucci
Despite announcing his final performance — don't stress, he has 300 shows scheduled — it doesn't mean he's going out quietly. The music icon turned up in his typical flamboyant style, this time in a sequin Gucci blazer, two name-plate knuckle rings, jewel-encrusted sunglasses, and black leather shoes topped with a glittering silver star. So much for being a wallflower!
(Janell M. Hickman is a Brooklyn-based beauty and fashion writer whose work has appeared in both print and online publications, including BET, Elle, Glamour, Teen Vogue, SELF, Allure, Essence, The Coveteur, Man Repeller, and many others.)
