If 2024 was the year Teyana Taylor caught the fashion world’s eye, 2025 was the year she took the throne. From the streets of Harlem to the prestigious halls of the Met Gala, the multi-hyphenate star has spent the last year redefining what it means to be a “style chameleon.” Whether she’s leaning into the provocative “naked dress” trend at the TIME100 Next gala or challenging gender norms in Saint Laurent menswear, Taylor’s fashion choices are a masterclass in confidence and narrative. As we move into 2026, she remains a formidable force on the red carpet, proving that for her, clothing is not just about aesthetics—it is a performance art.
The High-Fashion Daredevil: Redefining the Naked Dress
In late 2025, Teyana Taylor delivered what many critics called the definitive “naked dress” moment of the year. Attending the TIME100 Next Gala, Taylor stepped out in a daring look from Haider Ackermann’s Spring 2026 collection for Tom Ford. The ensemble was anchored by a cut-out black dress that was “more cut-out than actual dress,” featuring a string design that highlighted her toned midriff and a low-slung sheer skirt with a slight train.
To balance the provocative nature of the sheer skirt and exposed thong, Taylor layered the look with a sharply tailored, collarless tuxedo jacket. This juxtaposition—mixing the subversive sensuality of ’90s “naked dressing” with the structured power of a CEO blazer—became a viral sensation. It solidified her status as a rule-breaker who knows exactly how to navigate the fine line between risqué and refined.
Masculine Mastery: The Critics’ Choice Menswear Moment
Just days ago, at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards, Taylor proved once again that her wardrobe has no boundaries. Stepping onto the red carpet in Santa Monica, she bypassed traditional gowns for a Saint Laurent Fall 2025 menswear look. The outfit featured a brown double-breasted suit, a crisp striped tie, and the infamous thigh-high leather boots that had previously stumped even the most charismatic male actors on the runway.
Styled by Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, the look was elevated by a dramatic black feathered stole draped over one shoulder. By inhabiting a silhouette traditionally reserved for men, Taylor showcased her unique ability to project authority and grace simultaneously. This “menswear-as-couture” moment was a highlight of the 2026 awards season, reinforcing her role as a leader in the “Black Dandyism” movement.
Heritage and Theatre: The 2025 Met Gala “Harlem Rose”
The 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” served as the perfect stage for Taylor’s storytelling through textiles. Collaborating with legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Taylor arrived in a custom three-piece pinstripe “zoot suit” in deep red and grey. The look was a profound tribute to her Harlem roots, featuring a dramatic padded cape embroidered with the words “Harlem Rose”—a nod to her 2018 track of the same name.
Every detail was meticulously planned, from the floor-length durag (a high-fashion elevation of street culture) to the feathered fedora and bold cane. The ensemble wasn’t just a costume; it was a cultural manifesto that honored the history of Black tailoring and dandyism. In a room full of the world’s most famous faces, Taylor’s commitment to her narrative made her the undisputed star of the night.
Couture and Comfort: The Balmain and Miss Sohee Chapters
Beyond the avant-garde, Taylor has also mastered the art of cinematic glamour. At the 2025 ELLE Women in Hollywood event, she traded her signature streetwear for a hooded gold Balmain gown. The sculptural silhouette, featuring a plunging neckline and a bold gold belt, offered a futuristic yet elegant look that felt like a living sculpture.
More recently, at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival, she shifted the room’s energy in Miss Sohee Spring 2025 couture. The look featured a “liquid metal” balloon skirt paired with a delicate corset top, striking a rare balance between high-fashion drama and effortless restraint. Despite the high-stakes glamour, Taylor often shares “style hacks” with her fans, such as keeping a pair of slippers in her car to change into immediately after the cameras stop flashing—a relatable touch for a woman who values both power and comfort.
The Ultimate Host: A Thom Browne Takeover
The crowning achievement of her 2025 fashion journey was being named the official host of the CFDA Fashion Awards. During the ceremony, Taylor performed a total of four outfit changes, all by Thom Browne. The looks ranged from “couture armor” (a sculpted white jacket with bejeweled chains) to a “prep-school remix” involving a cropped blazer and matching pleated skirt.
Her ability to inhabit Browne’s rigid, anatomical couture while making it feel vibrant and “Harlem cool” was a testament to her versatility. Whether she was wearing a varsity-inspired sculpture or a clinical, lace-up boot ensemble, Taylor turned the stage into her own personal runway. It was a performance that proved she doesn’t just wear clothes; she commands them.
Legacy of a Fashion Icon: Looking Toward 2026
As we move further into 2026, Teyana Taylor’s influence is undeniable. She has successfully navigated the transition from “teen star” to a “red carpet fixture” who stylists and designers clamor to work with. Her style is a blend of heritage, theater, and raw sartorial confidence. By consistently choosing looks that challenge the status quo—whether through transparency, gender-bending, or cultural symbolism—she has carved out a lane that is entirely her own.
In the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity style, Taylor stands as a reminder that the most interesting outfits are the ones that tell a story. She remains fashion’s ultimate rule-breaker,
