Channeling Nostalgia With This Celebrity Look: Sade

Who doesn’t love the soulful British singer? Channel her minimal yet alluring energy through this look.

Getty Images

By Kerane Marcellus · Updated January 15, 2024

Sade, the prolific British-Nigerian singer and songwriter is always celebrated for her distinctive minimalistic style. From her music to her fashion, she exudes an effortless elegance that has made her a timeless figure in the music and fashion industries. In her music, she weaves a tapestry of smooth jazz, soul, and R&B, characterized by its simplicity. Her minimalistic personal style enhances the intimacy of her songs, creating a unique and captivating listening experience.

Her signature look often features a sleek, monochromatic palette, classic tailored suits, and minimal accessories. The singer’s understated glamour has been a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts worldwide. This look of a plain white turtleneck, black high-waisted pants, and a pair of trusty gold hoop earrings is not only easy to emulate but practical for your overall wardrobe. Channel her sultry and elegant style with these pieces below.

UNSPECIFIED – JULY 01: LIVE AID Photo of LIVE AID and SADE (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns)

01 Everlane Supima Turtleneck

Everlane is known for their high-quality basics and this turtleneck from them has the right fit to build an outfit around.

Available at Everlane

38 Shop Now

02 Mango High-Waist Palazzo Pants

Look to Mango for a trusty high waisted pant. These have a pleated detail for texture and an extra wide leg for drama.

Available at Mango

89 Shop Now

03 Norma Kamali Boot Pant

This Norma Kamali pair is super similar to the ones that Sade is wearing on stage. The fabric is breathable and the fit is extra high waisted for a snatch effect.

Available at Revolve

110 Shop Now

04 Ninety Percent Turtleneck

This easy-fitting pick from Ninety Percent is breathable enough to layer. The ribbed fabric brings an added dimension to a plain turtleneck top.

Available at Net-A-Porter

60 Shop Now

05 Ana Luisa Large Hoop Earrings

Ana Luisa is the right place to turn for a pair of big gold hoops like Sade’s. This pair is long-lasting and water resistant to fight tarnishing.

Available at Ana Luisa

65 Shop Now

06 Mejuri Oversized Tube Hoops

Mejuri’s oversized tube hoops are made of gold vermeil over silver to last longer and come with a click closure for ease and comfort.

Available at Mejuri

98 Shop Now

TOPICS: #fashionnews nostalgia sade

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WATCH | Beads, Beats & Black Girl Magic

By Essence · Updated March 12, 2025

The road to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ is paved with beads, the lively sounds of brass bands, and the unstoppable spirit of the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale. For the fourth time, ESSENCE, Femme Fatale, and Coca-Cola® are joining forces to UPLIFT AND SHARE THE MOMENT—launching an unforgettable journey to EFOC with a spectacular Mardi Gras celebration like no other! This year, we’re cranking up the excitement by giving you an exclusive peek behind the scenes for the very first time!

Founded in 2013, the groundbreaking all-female Mardi Gras krewe made history as the first established by African American women for African American women—but its spirit of inclusivity welcomes everyone to join the fun!
Femme Fatale goes beyond the parade route, fostering a year-round sisterhood rooted in service, mentorship, and cultural pride. Through leadership programs, community outreach, and signature initiatives like Say Yes to the Prom Dress, the krewe uplifts and supports women of all ages. The hard work and dedication put into preparing for Mardi Gras is just as important as their year-round efforts.

Year after year, Femme Fatale goes all-in to refresh their floats, costumes, and throws, ensuring that each parade is an unforgettable experience. The process starts months before the parade, with members brainstorming ideas, designing intricate costumes, and collaborating with artisans to create custom throws.
The work that goes into it is a true labor of love—each costume, throw, and float serves as a reflection of the krewe’s creativity, passion, and dedication to putting on a show that reflects their commitment to the community.
And when it all comes together, the result is nothing short of pure joy! Like the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Mardi Gras is a celebration of life, culture, and unity—an explosion of color, music, and energy that brings people together in a way that’s truly unforgettable.