Sade's 12 Chicest Style Moments
It doesn't get much cooler than Sade—just ask Drake, who commemorated his obsession by tattooing a portrait of the Nigerian-British songstress on his torso.
After studying fashion in London and working briefly as a part-time model, Sade formed her eponymous band and released a debut album, Diamond Life, in 1984. With instant classics like "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love Is King," Sade crafted a new kind of music that elegantly bridges and blends elements of soul, smooth jazz, R&B, and pop. Not only did Sade mark her spot in the music world with her velvet smooth vocals and seductive songs, becoming one of the most successful British female artists in history, but she also became a fashion icon with her magnetic signature style (despite claiming she "didn't love" the world of fashion while studying it in university). With a bold red lip, slicked-back hair, and signature gold hoops, Sade cultivated an aesthetic and legacy that still captivates.
Sade's musical career has spanned decades - and her style doesn't seem to belong to any particular one. Though one can see the influence of 1980's shoulder pads and oversized blazers, or the classic Levi's denim-on-denim ensemble that was infamously replicated throughout the 1990s, Sade's look exists outside of any specific trend, making her aesthetic uniquely hers and forever timeless. Sade may step out of the spotlight for prolonged periods of time, but her style never does. Whether it's her simple, oversized white shirts or bedazzled two-piece performance ensembles, Sade paved the way for fashion inspiration for generations to come.
As the queen of cool turns 64, L'OFFICIEL looks back on Sade's best fashion moments.
