Tems Always Steals the Spotlight — 11 of Her Best Fashion Moments

The music industry has always been a melting pot of talent, creativity, and star power, but every once in a while, an artist emerges who doesn’t just make waves with their music but also captivates the world with their style. 

One such talent is Temilade Openiyi,(a.k.a Tems); a Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer who has taken the global music scene by storm. From her soulful voice to her genre-defining sound, Tems has solidified herself as one of Africa’s biggest musical acts. But beyond the charts and award wins, there’s one thing fans and fashion enthusiasts alike have come to admire about her; her impeccable sense of style.

Tems’ fashion choices are anything but ordinary. With a unique ability to mix Afrofuturism, high fashion, streetwear, and cultural aesthetics, she has created a distinct look that sets her apart from her peers. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tems’ fashion evolution is how it complements her music and persona. Her deep, sultry voice and her outfits reflect that same energy. There is a graceful rebellion in the way she carries herself, unbothered by conventional beauty standards and mainstream trends. This artist doesn’t just wear clothes—she embodies them, making each piece a statement of her power, individuality, and cultural pride.

In recent years, the musician has become a red carpet sensation, often outshining other celebrities with her bold and unconventional looks. From the 2025 award-winning Grammys gown to her dramatic 2023 MET Gala debut, let’s not even mention her 2023 Oscars, every fashion moment she creates becomes an instant classic. Tems seamlessly fuses African heritage with contemporary high fashion, creating outfits that feel both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.

Ahead, let’s take a look at some of her best fashion moments.

If there’s one Tems fashion moment that had the entire world talking, it was her 2023 Oscars look. Tems graced the red carpet in a breathtaking Lever Couture white gown, featuring a sculptural, cloud-like design that floated around her like an ethereal aura. The voluminous hooded cape wrapped around her shoulders and extended above her head, creating a dramatic silhouette that made her look like a celestial goddess.

The dress sparked debates online, as its extravagant design partially blocked the view of those sitting behind her at the ceremony. But love it or hate it, the Oscars gown became a defining moment in her fashion journey, proving that she wasn’t afraid to push boundaries and embrace avant-garde couture.

Tems made her MET Gala debut in 2023, and she did not disappoint. The theme of the night was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” and Tems paid homage to the late designer in a stunning custom Robert Wun ensemble. The outfit featured a structured corset bodice with cascading ruffles and a dramatic headpiece, making this one of Tems most stunning fashion looks.

What made this look so iconic was how it perfectly merged high fashion with African aesthetics. The structured elements of the dress felt reminiscent of African ceremonial wear, while the color palette and craftsmanship reflected classic European couture. And in case you didn’t know, Tems 2023 Met Gala look actually scored her a spot in some of the major magazines as one of the best-dressed celebrities of the night.

Tems set the 2022 BET Awards ablaze in a breathtaking custom black ensemble. Pushing boundaries with her highest slit yet, Tems struck the perfect balance between sophistication and allure. The dazzling diamonds she wore elevated the daring ensemble even more.

Keeping her makeup minimal and styling her hair in a sleek bun with side bangs, Tems let the dress take center stage—proving that sometimes, simplicity makes the strongest statement. She radiated confidence, sex appeal, and glamour, as the look became one of Tems most talked-about fashion moments.

Taking the stage at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Ghana, Tems stunned in a turquoise blue lace catsuit from Brielle, featuring bold front cutouts. She paired it with a satin-wrapped mini skirt, elegantly fastened with a crystal clasp reminiscent of a brooch.

Adding some sparkle, she adorned her wrist with a diamond bracelet and completed the look with silver pumps. Given the outdoor concert setting, her ensemble was both fun and effortlessly stylish. And, true to her signature style, she topped it off with white sunglasses— the staple you will always find in her wardrobe.

With three nominations at the 65th Grammy Awards, Tems secured her first win in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for Wait For U by Future, featuring herself and Drake; making history as the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this honor.

Embracing her femininity, she styled her hair into chic space buns and dazzled in a gold-corseted Vivienne Westwood gown. The built-in corset accentuated her waist, while the draped fabric cascaded into a sweeping train, creating an elegant silhouette.

Tems completed the look with layered pearl necklaces and gold Tom Ford pumps, delivering an undeniable high-fashion moment.

For Dazed magazine’s Winter 2022 issue, Tems graced the cover as its latest star. Titled “Uncut Tems: The Rise and Reign of the Queen of Alté R&B,” the feature became her most provocative editorial spread to date—so much so that it sparked criticism from online trolls, prompting her to defend herself on social media.

Styled by Ibrahim Kamara, the shoot showcased sultry, statement-making looks. Standout outfits included a form-fitting translucent beige dress by Dilara Findikoglu, layered over a bodysuit and paired with strappy heels and fringe-framing hair.

Another striking look featured a Sportsmax faux fur coat draped over a Chloé leather dress, accessorized with a vintage gold necklace from Susan Caplan—giving a fresh take on old Hollywood glamour.

A black dress is a no-fail staple for Tems, and you can imagine how she felt when inside and out at the Vanity Fair 2023 Oscar after-party. Tems captivated onlookers in a floor-sweeping gown complimented with gold accessories.

 

For the Time 100 Next event, Tems embodied a modern, youthful bride in a stunning Danielle Frankel creation. The ethereal design had a standout detail—a delicate pearl encased in glass.

Giving off the aura of a black swan, Tems stunned in Alaïa at the Billboard Women in Music event, making this one of her standout fashion moments. Her look was further elevated by Bantu knots, a nod to her African heritage—an element she especially cherished.

The year 2024 was a major milestone for the talented songstress. She landed a major feature as the cover star of Essence’s August/September issue.

Shot by photographer Liz Johnson, the editorial sees Tems experimenting with fresh, never-before-seen hairstyles, including a striking pink wig.

The spread also highlights her Nigerian roots, which she also donned in pieces from Tolu Coker’s AW24 collection.

Tems made a breathtaking statement at the Grammy Awards, gracing the red carpet in a show-stopping black and gold ensemble. The Nigerian star turned heads in a shimmering gold halter-neck top, expertly paired with a flowing black silk skirt and golden opera gloves—delivering a look that was both regal and unforgettable.

Fresh off securing her second Grammy, Tems ensured all eyes were on her. She topped off the fashion look with a sleek black headscarf, neatly wrapped and tied at the back.

As for the accessories, she kept things minimal yet impactful, opting for long gold earrings that complemented her ensemble without overpowering it. 

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