Tems Stays True to Herself: That’s Her Ultimate Style Statement

Published: July 11, 2026 Last Updated 38 minutes ago by Esther Ejoh

Tems’s style is defined by a balance between comfort and boldness. She favors ease and understated silhouettes, yet has emerged as a standout on the red carpet, known for crystal-encrusted gowns, form-fitting corsets, theatrical headpieces, and sculptural designs. Her fashion is compelling because it unites practicality with dramatic flair.

“I choose comfort a lot,” the singer told British Vogue in her August 2026 cover story, a statement that contrasts with her bold red-carpet looks. Her transition from relaxed styles to high-fashion risk-taker has been natural, reflecting increased confidence rather than a deliberate rebrand.

“I’m bolder now and less hesitant to try new things,” the singer told ELLE UK ahead of the 2026 Brit Awards. “I also know what I like and don’t like.” This self-awareness underpins her distinctive and striking fashion identity.

Tems’s fashion evolution is closely tied to her five-year collaboration with stylist Dunsin Wright. Their partnership, built on genuine friendship, enables Tems to push creative boundaries while staying true to her preferences.

“I always lean into things that I love,” she says in her Vogue interview. “On a day-to-day basis, there are always looks that I save that I’ve seen, and I share these ideas with my stylist. Every red carpet is an opportunity to try one of the looks I’ve liked.”

This collaborative approach has produced some of Tems’s most notable moments. At the 2025 Met Gala, she wore a custom Ozwald Boateng design for the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme.

Her deep blue shirt dress with a green print, complemented by matching accessories, referenced Boateng’s first womenswear collection and honored the Harlem Renaissance.

“Black dandyism to me is Black excellence,” Tems told Harper’s Bazaar. “I wanted to express this theme in a way that was true to me and paying homage to my West African roots and going all in with the details.”

The “Try Me” crooner described the collaboration as a “perfect union.” “He defines everything that Black excellence is to me,” she said. “We ended up doing a blend of Black dandyism with a feminine touch that’s also a little bit gangster. It’s a medley. At the end of the day, it was just beautiful.”

The Boateng collaboration marked a turning point, highlighting Tems’s use of fashion as a form of storytelling. Her wardrobe features innovative designers such as Dilara Findikoglu, Ellie Misner, Luis de Javier, and Georges Chakra.

She has also worn Mugler, Dior, Givenchy, Schiaparelli, and Saint Laurent, consistently adding her personal touch. “They say Yoruba women like bling,” she says, “so I always have to have something that shines.”

Tems’s commitment to standout style has resulted in several memorable appearances. At the 2024 Met Gala, she wore a custom Schiaparelli gown with a gold breastplate. At the 2026 Brit Awards, she chose a sculptural Georges Chakra gown.

She has appeared at the Grammys in Mugler, Saint Laurent, and Givenchy, each time redefining red-carpet fashion. The musician’s 2025 Grammys look in a custom Luis de Javier gown showcased modern glamour, while her 2024 Oscars appearance in a pale yellow Schiaparelli gown demonstrated her ability to embody both elegance and drama.

Tems’s influence extends beyond the red carpet. Her off-duty style, featuring oversized blazers, relaxed denim, and hoodies, is equally impactful.

“Some days I want to feel soft and sexy, other days it’s oversized and easy,” she told Vogue. “I never want to box myself in—I love the freedom of mixing pieces that shouldn’t work together but somehow do.” This versatility defines her approach, whether performing, attending events, or traveling.

Tems’s approach to fashion reflects her musical philosophy: she resists being limited by labels. “As a Nigerian, I feel emotional, which is what I think art should be,” she told Essence. “And anything that has to do with representing Nigeria always needs to reflect that.”

She uses her platform to highlight African talent, collaborating with designers from Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond, ensuring her fashion choices are as intentional as her music.

The British Vogue editorial, photographed by Nadine Ijewere and styled by Jessica Willis, showcases Tems in looks that highlight her evolution as a fashion muse. She appears in an open-back silk Givenchy top by Sarah Burton with a silk-satin headpiece and leather hoop earrings, balancing softness and strength.

In another image, she wears a patchwork lambskin Chanel coat with LO Collections hoop earrings, demonstrating her preference for bold yet refined pieces.

She is also seen in a wool-and-cashmere coat with a smocked georgette-and-satin gown from Ferragamo, blending regal and relaxed elements. Each look reinforces her commitment to versatility.

At 31, Tems has achieved significant milestones, including two Grammys, a Billboard Hot 100 number one, major collaborations, and a strong fashion presence. Yet she continues to pursue new goals.

“When I close my eyes for the final time, I want to be proud of the life I lived,” she told Essence. “And that’s the journey that I’m on.” Her confidence and authenticity define her success.

Whether in a crystal-encrusted gown or an oversized hoodie, Tems remains true to herself, making that her ultimate style statement.

Photo: Vogue