STYLE EVOLUTION

Queen Latifah’s Style Evolution, From “Ladies First” to The Equalizer


Queen Latifah posing in a long black gown featuring a fur collar

What can’t Queen Latifah do? When she first emerged on the scene nearly thirty years ago in 1988, the multi-hyphenate began her career as a beat-boxer for a hip-hop group before breaking out on her own with her debut rap album All Hail the Queen, which she followed up with several soul and jazz records. From there, Latifah transitioned into the acting side of things, including a leading role on seminal sitcom Living Single, an Oscar-nominated turn in the musical Chicago, a romp around New Orleans in Girls Trip, and most recently a crime-fighting action role in The Equalizer. Over the years, Latifah’s wardrobe has changed just as much as her career, transitioning from Adidas tracksuits to chic, evening gowns and tailored separates. Here, a look back at some of her most memorable style moments.

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Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc

Queen Latifah performs during 1990 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, United States.

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Queen Latifah performs as part of KMEL Summer Jam at Shoreline Amphitheatre on July 31, 1993 in Mountain View California.

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Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the “Interview With A Vampire” Los Angeles Premiere, 1994.

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Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Queen Latifah at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, 1995.

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Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Queen Latifah during ‘Chicago’ Special Screening to Benefit GLAAD and Broadway Cares at The Ziegfeld Theater in New York City, New York, 2002.

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Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Queen Latifah during “8 Mile” Westwood Premiere at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, 2002.

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Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Queen Latifah performs at the VH1 Divas Duets, a concert to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 22nd, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the “Beauty Shop” premiere at the Mann National Theater March 24, 2005 in Westwood, California.

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Queen Latifah honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her achievements in film in Hollywood, California, 2006.

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Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the 79th Annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on February 25, 2007 in Hollywood, California.

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Queen Latifah arrives at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, 2004.

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Queen Latifah wearing Escada and jewelry by Chopard at the Grammy Awards, 2003.

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Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Queen Latifah arrives at the 2008 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre on November 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

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Photo by SGranitz/WireImage

Queen Latifah during The 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, 2004.

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Queen Latifah during 2003 MTV Movie Awards at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States.

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Photo by Jeff Vespa/Getty Images For COVERGIRL

Queen Latifah arrives at COVERGIRL 50th Anniversary Celebration at BOA Steakhouse on January 5, 2011 in West Hollywood, California.

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Photo by Dan MacMedan/WireImage

Queen Latifah during The 75th Annual Academy Awards at The Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, 2003.

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Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage

Queen Latifah during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, 2003.

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Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

Queen Latifah during 9th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California, 2003.

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Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.

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Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Queen Latifah arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.

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Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 30, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

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Photo by C Flanigan/Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the 2017 BET Awards at Microsoft Square on June 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

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Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the premiere of Universal Pictures’ “Girls Trip” at Regal LA Live Stadium 14 on July 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

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Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Queen Latifah attends the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet at Prudential Center on August 26, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.