From the minute she burst onto the scene in 2002, R&B/pop star Amerie has evolved into a style star right before our eyes. Find out why the multitalented singer/songwriter/actress/model is on our fashionista radar.
By Marcia Caster
The look here is a sneak peek at Amerie’s transformation into a 1920’s starlet. Check it out in our fashion spread “Sophisticated Lady,” starting on page 146 in the November issue currently on newsstands.
2002
With the release of her first album, “All I Have” (remember the Top 10 hit “Why Don’t We Fall In Love?”), Amerie hit the scene with an eclectic style that was a mix of rocker chic and hip-hop flava. Love the remixed tee with the images of Biggie and Tupac.
2003
Amerie shed her pretty girl-next-door image at the 2003 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. She took home the Entertainer of the Year prize and showed us all her sexy, daring side in this sheer black number.
2005
Amerie brought the heat and her bohemian vibe to Miami during the MTV Video Music Awards. This was the year her second album, “Touch,” broke out with the infectious, Grammy-nominated single “1 Thing.”
2005
Effortless describes the singer’s boho-chic style. Fast forward four years and this layered look with leggings could work today. Here she traded in her trademark long wavy locks for a fresh bob.
2006
Amerie shows that you don’t have to be all dolled up to score fashion points. She goes laid-back and fab at Miss Sixty during the spring 2007 shows. Note how Amerie usually works a necklace and bracelet to add a flash of sass to her outfits.
2007
Can you say gorgeous gams? Amerie took her leggy show on the road—straight to the UK—during the summer of 2007, the same year of the international release of her “Because I Love It” album.
2008
The singer went old Hollywood at the 36th Lifetime Life Achievement Award ceremony at the Kodak Theater. She was simply stunning in a chiffon gown, chic updo and fluttering lashes. Check out how she made a feminine look a little edgy with the simple addition of a bangle pushed up her arm.
2009
We loved the short and sexy dress Amerie wore to the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City last month. She proves she knows when to hold em—it was one of the rare occasions that the singer skipped the accessories and let the dress (and those legs) do all the talking.
2009
Amerie was a fixture at the spring 2010 shows last month. Here she is front row with Ciara and Amber Rose at the Nicole Miller show. The trend spotter became our roving fashion reporter blogging about the shows for ESSENCE.com.
2009
In Amerie’s world it’s all good. She struts her stuff in a cozy knit dress and studded accessories—both big for fall—as she strolls the streets of NYC on September 14. The oversized clutch she has is also a big trend this season.
2009
Amerie goes back to her boho chic roots at the Milly By Michelle Smith spring 2010 fashion show. This sophisticated take can go from the garden party to the formal affair.
Yes, that’s Amerie under that 1920’s bob, a la Josephine Baker. We were all amazed at how easily our “it” girl Amerie brought our modern-day 1920’s ingenue to life. To borrow the words she used in her ESSENCE.com blog to describe her favorite look from the runway, the photos “…shocked the eyes in the best way.”
See the rest of her 1920’s fashion revival in ESSENCE magazine’s November issue currently on newsstands.
From 2002 to 2009 we’ve followed Amerie as she went from new girl on the block to “it” girl on the fashion scene. We can’t wait to see what look she brings with the release of her next CD “In Love & War” due out next month.
Check out more of Amerie’s “Sophisticated Lady” fashion spread in our November issue on newsstands now.
