STYLE EVOLUTION

Willow Smith’s Style Evolution, From Rock Star Teen to High Fashion Muse

by Chrystin Bunion
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Willow Smith attends the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The M...
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Willow Smith practically grew up on the red carpet attending premieres for her parents’ films since at least the age of four. Now, Willow is a star in her own right as a musician, actress, and occasional designer.

She’s also been a regular front-row guest at the shows of European houses like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior. But through it all, she’s stayed true to her own personal style: always wearing plenty of black, Doc Martens boots, and taking on a commitment to executing full hair and makeup looks that will make her ensembles stand out, without fail. Here, take a look back at how Willow’s style has evolved over the years.

2024: Bad Boys: Ride Or Die Premiere

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Willow and her mom Jada brought some major high-fashion to the premiere of Will’s movie, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, in 2024.

2024: Met Gala

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The singer tapped into the no pants trend at the 2024 Met Gala, wearing a satin suit jacket from Dior and not much else.

2023: GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards

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Shirts are optional when it comes to Willow’s take on the classic suit.

2022: Emancipation Premiere

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The singer blinged-out her Stella McCartney pants to attend the 2022 Emancipation premiere.

2022: Vanity Fair Oscar Party

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For the Vanity Fair Oscars bash, Willow went bold in a sequined David Koma bra top that she paired with high-waisted pants and tiny glasses.

2021: King Richard Premiere

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Willow wore her sustainable fashion line, MSFTS, alongside her brother Jaden—with whom she co-owns the brand.

2021: The Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival

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In case there were any questions about Willow fully embracing her pop punk era, here’s the musician performing onstage in Las Vegas wearing a hot pink dress and black combat boots.

2021: “Happier Than Ever: The Destination” Celebration

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Pictured here with Tyler Cole, the musician pairs black leather with a rainbow sherbet two-piece.

2020: Savage x Fenty Show Vol. 2

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Willow’s look for Rihanna’s Fenty show fit her personal style perfectly: thigh-high black socks, Doc Martens, and just a hint of skin beneath black satin.

2019: Aladdin Premiere

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Supporting her father’s role in the Aladdin live-action Disney film, Willow appeared at the premiere wearing the Romanian streetwear label Seen Users.

2019: The Willow & Erys Tour

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Breaking from her usual wardrobe palette of black, black, and more black, Willow donned a technicolor neon bodysuit for her concert at The Novo in Los Angeles. Her Doc Martens boots, of course, were still in rotation.

2019: The Environmental Media Association Gala

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Cut-outs on a black bodysuit are given a heavy metal touch with ring closures.

2019: Louis Vuitton Show

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Willow has high-level tastes for graphic tees and at the Louis Vuitton fall 2019 presentation, she showcased her affinity with a modern take on a t-shirt.

2018: Christian Dior Show

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The musician and actress put a ladylike spin on her personal style with a Dior vest, sheer pleated skirt, and mules.

2017: NYX FACE Awards

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Denim cut-offs, Chuck Taylor sneakers, and a leather moto jacket scream rock and roll.

2017: Chanel Show

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For a visit to Tokyo to attend Chanel’s Metiers d’Arts show, Willow channeled some Harajuku vibes for her hairstyle.

2016: Chanel Show

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Willow’s Chanel gown gives texture to a monochrome look.

2016: Met Gala

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The newly-minted Chanel brand ambassador attended the 2016 Met Gala dressed like a fabulous rockstar in a black-and-white speckled coat, matching crop top, and black satin capri pants.

2015: Chanel Show

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Willow channeled Karl Lagerfeld in fingerless gloves and a black, white, and gray look at Paris Fashion Week.

2015: Chanel Show

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At the Chanel fall 2016 couture show, Willow wore a modern green pantsuit from the brand that she accessorized with moto gloves and brogues.

2015: Black Girls Rock

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Smith looked effortlessly stylish at the 2015 Black Girls Rock Awards in a heather gray pantsuit with a cropped turtleneck, shiny gray socks, and black block heels.

2013: After Earth Premiere

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WIllow looked incredibly chic in a monochromatic black-and-white look at the premiere of After Earth.

2013: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Los Angeles Premiere

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At the L.A. premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the singer looked chic and retro in a printed multi-colored overcoat.

2012: The BET Awards

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Returning to her edgy roots, the singer attended the 2012 BET Awards wearing a sleeveless graphic sweater, cut-out leggings, and Chanel combat boots.

2012: The Karate Kid Premiere

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Willow hit the red carpet at the premiere of The Karate Kid in 2010 wearing a quintessential rock-and-roll look.

2012: The BET Honors Awards

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Willow looked like a princess in a short-sleeved yellow gown, a small black clutch, and minimal jewelry.

2011: BET Awards

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Paying homage to her dad at the 2011 BET Awards, Willow donned a heart-shaped braided hairstyle, a yellow Fresh Prince t-shirt, black short and red blazer.

2007: I Am Legend Premiere

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Pictured here with her older brother Jaden at the premiere of I Am Legend in 2007, Willow wore a black velvet pantsuit with a coordinating headband for the occasion.

2006: The Seat Filler Premiere

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Willow attended another film premiere, this time for The Seat Filler in 2006, hand-in-hand with her mom Jada Pinkett Smith.

2004: Shark Tale Premiere

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At the premiere of Shark Tale in 2004, Willow wore a pink tweed blazer (Chanel, were you paying attention?) and a big smile in her dad’s arms.

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