Chappell Roan had quite the year in 2024, embracing the spotlight with not just her music but some truly eye-catching fashion choices. The 26-year-old singer, who has seen her star rise dramatically over the past year, took to Instagram to rank her top ten favorite red carpet and performance looks, celebrating what she affectionately termed her most 'iconique' outfits. Posting on December 30, Roan expressed her playful confidence, writing, "It's my OPINION!!!!! + why yes, I do considered myself to be iconique."
Coming in at number one on her list was the iconic Lady Liberty-inspired ensemble she debuted at the Governors Ball earlier this summer. Roan shimmered on stage, covered head-to-toe in vibrant green body paint, complete with a spiky silver tiara. She emerged from a giant apple, delivering her performance with the wisdom of the statue itself, linking its symbolism to her advocacy for freedom and equality among marginalized communities. "It means freedom for trans rights, it means freedom for women's rights...and it especially means freedom for all oppressed people," Roan passionately stated during the performance.
Ranked second was the memorable pig-nosed outfit Roan donned during the Grammy Awards afterparty, which ingeniously mirrored the cover art of her hit single “Good Luck, Babe.” The deep red dress capturing the playful essence of the track drew accolades from fans, many celebrating Roan's daring fashion choices and unabashed self-expression.
Next, at number three, was her whimsical pink prom dress from her performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. The stacked red hairstyle and her radiant smile captured the hearts of many, serving as yet another embodiment of her vibrant stage presence.
Roan’s medieval warrior queen outfit, seen during her fierce performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, took the fourth spot. Not only did she dazzle audiences with her flowing sheer gown and thigh-high boots, but she also faced drama as she clashed with hecklers at the event. "Don't. Not me, btch!" she shot back to a rude photographer, demonstrating her quick wit and confidence on this high-profile stage, which only added to her legend.
Following her medieval style, at number five, was another standout from Coachella, where Roan presented yet another contradiction — punk-inspired aesthetics mixed with playful whimsy. Her performances drew record-sized crowds, solidifying her status as one of the festival’s breakout stars.
Roan’s armor look from her VMA performance ranked sixth, showcasing her commitment to the medieval theme throughout the evening. Behind the glamour, she intertwined cultural narratives through her fashion, effortlessly merging beauty and bravery.
Seventh place was held by her chic encounter on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where she sported her white swan outfit, evoking both grace and strength. Roan articulated her love for mixing 'pretty and scary' aesthetics, stating, "I love the way fans find deep meanings tied to my outfits, but sometimes it’s just about feeling hot!"
Eighth and ninth places featured her vibrant ensembles from both weekends of Coachella, with each look pulling inspiration from dynamic yet unexpected sources. Her spandex get-up at Lollapalooza, which followed the luchador theme, made waves as well, showcasing her unabashed uniqueness.
Finally, her heart-stopping debut look from The Late Show With Stephen Colbert came tenth, where Roan dazzled audiences dressed as if she fell right out of a fairytale, reigniting the nostalgia of 80s fashion icons.
Chappell Roan's fashion statements throughout 2024 did more than just dazzle; they sparked conversations about identity, freedom, and self-expression, aligning perfectly with her music's themes. She not only made waves on the charts but also left the fashion world abuzz with her creativity.
Looking forward, Roan is poised for even more stardom, with six Grammy nominations recognized for her stunning debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess*, at the Grammy Awards scheduled for February 1. With her unique style and fierce advocacy, one can only wonder what iconic look she'll debut next, as she continues to dominate both music and fashion.