Aretha Franklin’s Most Iconic Beauty Moments That Still Slay Today
When you think soul queen, one name comes to mind — Aretha Franklin. Crowned the Queen of Soul for her legendary voice and cultural impact, Aretha wasn’t just groundbreaking in music — she also redefined glam on her own terms. From her stunning natural hairstyles to her glitzy gowns and glowing glam, Aretha delivered beauty looks that were always fabulous and fiercely authentic.
With a career spanning over five decades (yes, five!), Aretha made countless jaw-dropping appearances that still give us goosebumps. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and celebrate Aretha Franklin’s most iconic beauty moments that continue to inspire beauty lovers around the globe.
Let’s talk about LEGEND status.
The 1960s: Natural Curls, Flawless Skin, and Major Soul Vibes
In the early days of her career, Aretha embraced her natural beauty with soft, voluminous curls that radiated confidence. Whether she was belting out notes in a studio or slaying on live TV, her fresh-faced looks — complete with minimal makeup and arched brows — let her powerhouse vocals speak volumes.
In an era where conforming to Eurocentric beauty standards was the norm, Aretha showed the world that Black is beautiful. Her natural curls became part of her signature style and set the stage for the Black beauty revolution.
Retro Glam in the '70s: Show-Stopping Eyes and Diva Dresses
When the 1970s hit, Aretha dialed up the glam to maximum. Picture this: shimmering gowns, fluttery lashes, and bold eyeshadow looks that were way ahead of their time. Whether she was performing “Rock Steady” or accepting a Grammy, her beauty looks were glittery, groovy, and 100% Goddess-approved.
One standout moment? Her 1972 performance look — a radiant bronze complexion paired with gold-accented eyes, dramatic liner, and a fro-style ‘do that turned heads. Fans still can’t get enough of this golden glam era!
The Big Hair Power Era: Go Big or Go Home
If the '80s were all about big hair and even bigger energy, Aretha understood the assignment. Think voluminous curls, teased bouffants, and a confidence that made every red carpet her runway. Her signature red lipstick became a beauty staple, always paired with fierce outfits that screamed empowerment.
Not to mention, her hairstyles during this time weren’t just trendy — they were trendsetting. Aretha let her hair tell the story of resilience, strength, and commanding presence, and the world listened.
The 1990s Queen Energy: Pearls, Perfection, and Timeless Class
By the ’90s, Aretha’s style had matured into a mix of regal elegance and diva drama. During this decade, we saw her experiment with sleek finger waves, glossy updos, and subtle yet stunning makeup looks that highlighted her flawless skin and warm radiance.
One unforgettable beauty moment? The 1993 Clinton Inauguration — Aretha stepped on stage in fur and flawless makeup with berry-toned lips and radiant cheeks. It was giving elegance, excellence, and straight QUEEN.
The Hat Heard Around the World – 2009 Inauguration Slay
We simply can’t talk about Aretha Franklin’s beauty moments without mentioning THAT hat. At Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, the queen herself wore a custom gray wool hat with a dramatic bow and sparkly accents — and let’s just say, the internet lost it.
Turns out, beauty isn’t just about makeup. Sometimes, the accessories do all the talking. The look was classy, commanding, and instantly iconic. Paired with a smooth complexion and soft glam makeup, Aretha proved once again she’s in a league of her own.
Timeless Elegance Until the End
Even in her later years, Aretha never dimmed her light. She remained a red carpet vision in her bold lipstick shades, classic eyeliner, and glowing skin. Every appearance reminded fans that glamour has no expiration date — and that self-love is the ultimate beauty secret.
Her final public performance in 2017 — where she rocked a fiery red gown and a short honey-blonde hairstyle — was a beauty mic drop. She looked radiant, reflecting decades of style evolution, self-expression, and pure soul royalty.
Beauty Lessons from the Queen of Soul
Aretha taught us that beauty is about more than just trends. It’s about authenticity, confidence, and celebrating who you are. Whether she was embracing her natural curls, sporting a bold red lip, or making headlines with a one-of-a-kind hat, Aretha made a powerful statement every time she stepped into the spotlight.
Her legacy isn’t just in her music — it’s in every beauty lover who dares to boldly express themselves.
So whether you’re channeling some retro glam, reaching for your favorite red lipstick, or letting your natural crown shine — just remember: you’ve got Aretha’s magic running through you.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, indeed.
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