Few artists have transcended the worlds of music and fashion quite like Aretha Franklin. While her voice and commanding presence earned her the title “Queen of Soul,” her wardrobe reflected her royal status. Aretha’s fashion choices throughout her career were just as unforgettable as her songs—bold, glamorous, and undeniably iconic. From fur coats to sequins, her style was an extension of her powerful presence and a visual marker of her dominance in music, culture, and society.
Bold and Glamorous: The Essence of Aretha’s Fashion
Aretha Franklin’s fashion was unapologetically bold, and her outfits demanded attention. Her look evolved over the decades, moving with the times, yet always staying true to her essence of glamour and self-expression. At the core of Aretha’s style was her love for statement pieces. Whether she was performing on stage or attending a gala, Aretha often draped herself in luxurious fur coats—her signature outerwear that became synonymous with her image. These furs were not merely for warmth; they were about status, drama, and indulgence. They added an aura of extravagance that matched the weight of her voice and the force of her persona.
Her outfits were typically adorned with sequins and rhinestones, exuding a sense of celebration and regality. Whether she was wearing a floor-length gown or a more casual outfit, Aretha ensured that her clothes glistened under the spotlight, much like her performances captivated her audience. Sequins weren’t just decorative—they were a declaration. Her fashion choices echoed her voice, and the shimmering fabrics reflected her undying confidence.
Statement jewelry, another key element of Aretha’s wardrobe, served as the perfect accessory to her larger-than-life outfits. Be it oversized earrings, jeweled necklaces, or glamorous bracelets, Franklin knew how to complement her looks with pieces that enhanced her commanding presence. Her accessories, like her music, were rich and powerful, solidifying her as a woman who wore her strength on her sleeve—quite literally.
The Cultural Impact of Aretha’s Fashion: Clothes as Self-Expression and Civil Rights Symbolism
Aretha Franklin’s fashion choices were not merely about personal style; they symbolized her strength and resilience as a Black woman and a cultural icon. Her fashion was a form of self-expression—bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in her experiences. In the 1960s, as she rose to fame, Franklin became a symbol of Black excellence and empowerment during the Civil Rights Movement. Her fashion choices mirrored the era’s fight for equality and justice, with her regal outfits often signifying her position as a leader not just in music but also in the socio-political landscape.
Aretha’s fashion embodied her role as a civil rights icon. She often performed at benefit concerts and marches for civil rights leaders, including her close friend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her attire during these performances was as significant as the music she sang—it was a visual statement of solidarity. Her bold, glamorous outfits served as a form of resistance against societal norms that sought to diminish Black women’s visibility and power.
Moreover, Aretha’s consistent use of fur, sequins, and statement jewelry sent a message of self-empowerment. In an industry that was often unkind to women—especially Black women—her wardrobe choices were a way to take control of her narrative. Aretha dressed for herself, not for the gaze of others, and in doing so, she inspired a generation of women to embrace their power, their bodies, and their style. Her refusal to conform to conventional beauty standards and her embrace of her full, unapologetic femininity resonated deeply with her fans and followers, making her a symbol of Black pride and feminist power.
Modern Musicians Embracing Aretha’s Legacy
Aretha Franklin’s influence didn’t stop with her generation. Today, modern musicians continue to draw inspiration from her iconic looks, channeling the Queen of Soul in their performances, red carpet appearances, and music videos.
Beyoncé, a powerhouse in her own right, has paid homage to Aretha through both music and fashion. At various award shows and performances, Beyoncé has donned gowns adorned with sequins and rhinestones, echoing Aretha’s love for all things glitzy and glamorous. She, too, has been seen in luxurious fur coats—an unmistakable nod to Franklin’s signature style. But beyond the aesthetic parallels, Beyoncé, much like Aretha, uses fashion as a form of empowerment. She frequently emphasizes her African heritage and Black culture through her wardrobe choices, making bold statements about her identity and her place in the industry, much like Aretha did.
Lizzo, a more recent addition to the pantheon of strong, bold female musicians, is another artist who has embraced Aretha’s legacy. Lizzo’s larger-than-life persona and her unapologetic self-love are clear echoes of Franklin’s fearless approach to both fashion and life. Lizzo’s vibrant, sequin-filled performances often pay tribute to the same sense of celebration and empowerment that Aretha embodied. Like Franklin, Lizzo rejects narrow standards of beauty and uses fashion as a way to declare her independence and strength. From wearing furs to rocking glittering gowns, Lizzo is a modern-day Queen of Self-Expression.
Jennifer Hudson, who famously portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biopic Respect, also draws from Aretha’s legacy both musically and sartorially. Hudson’s portrayal of Aretha went beyond imitating her voice; she also captured the essence of Aretha’s style. On the red carpet and in performances, Hudson has been seen embracing Aretha’s penchant for glamorous gowns and dazzling accessories, bringing a modern twist to the Queen of Soul’s timeless looks. More than a tribute, Hudson’s fashion choices reflect how deeply Franklin’s influence continues to permeate the culture of music and fashion today.
Empowerment Through Fashion: Aretha’s Legacy and Modern Female Musicians
Aretha Franklin used fashion as a form of empowerment—both personally and culturally. Her bold choices, from furs to statement jewelry, were not only about aesthetics but also about asserting her presence in a male-dominated industry and society. For Aretha, fashion was about control. It was about defying expectations and celebrating her identity as a powerful, Black woman.
This legacy lives on in modern female musicians who use fashion in much the same way—to express their individuality, strength, and autonomy. Beyoncé, Lizzo, and other contemporary artists have adopted this approach, using fashion as a vehicle for self-empowerment. In today’s music industry, where image and persona are as important as the music itself, Aretha’s influence is palpable. Female artists no longer shy away from making bold, unapologetic fashion statements. They understand, as Aretha did, that clothing is not just a surface-level choice but a form of self-expression and empowerment. It’s a way to communicate confidence, independence, and resilience.
Timeless Elements of Aretha’s Style: A Legacy That Endures
One of the reasons Aretha Franklin’s style remains so iconic is because the elements she embraced are timeless. From bold color choices to her unapologetic approach to femininity, Aretha’s style continues to inspire fashion today.
Her love for bold colors—whether in the form of glittering gowns or dramatic coats—paved the way for other artists to embrace vibrancy and confidence. In a time when women, especially Black women, were often encouraged to blend in, Aretha chose to stand out. Her use of bold colors continues to influence today’s fashion trends, where bright, statement-making hues are celebrated on red carpets and runways alike.
Aretha was also a master at mixing high fashion with personal authenticity. She wore furs and sequins, yes, but she also knew how to incorporate elements of her personal style into everything she wore. This mix of high fashion with individual expression is something that today’s artists have adopted. It’s not enough to wear what’s “in”—modern musicians, like Aretha, understand the importance of staying true to their personal brand, blending luxury with authenticity.
Lastly, Aretha’s unapologetic embrace of her femininity, power, and individuality is perhaps the most lasting aspect of her fashion legacy. She didn’t dress to fit societal expectations or adhere to conventional beauty standards. Instead, she dressed for herself, celebrating her body, her voice, and her place in the world. This defiance of traditional norms continues to inspire today’s generation of female musicians who use fashion to assert their power and independence.
Conclusion: Aretha Franklin, Fashion Pioneer and Icon
Aretha Franklin’s legacy extends far beyond her voice. Through her bold and glamorous fashion choices, she carved out a visual identity that was as powerful as her music. Her influence is still felt today in the wardrobes of contemporary musicians, and her fashion continues to serve as a source of inspiration for those who use clothes as a form of self-expression and empowerment. From furs to sequins, Aretha’s timeless style remains a beacon for those who dare to be bold, unapologetic, and fiercely individual.
