The multi-hyphenated artist Ashanti has been a force since she was introduced to the world in the 2000s. Growing up in Glen Cove, New York, she always wanted to be a singer, and more than that, she wanted to make her family and friends proud. And she’s been doing that ever since she sang the legendary melody on Ja Rule’s “Always on Time,” which seamlessly topped the Billboard Hot 100 after its release. Before we knew it, Ashanti was releasing her debut album, being featured on numerous songs and paving her way to be a style reference.
Ashanti is responsible for many of the iconic Y2K-inspired looks you see nowadays on the red carpet, as she was the one to watch during that era. From crop tops and low-rise jeans to oversized sunglasses with mink coats, she brought a much-needed effervescence to Hollywood with her East Coast style. Ahead, take a look at the superstar’s style evolution.
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In 2003, the R&B princess performed in an all-white ensemble at the “Today” show’s “Summer Concert Series.” She wore a flowy but structured top with a frill hem miniskirt that she coupled with shiny diamond jewelry. The singer carried that same energy to her footwear with a pair of white strappy sandals featuring a shimmering chain that draped down the top of her foot.
Ashanti dressed in a graceful printed blouse, light denim jeans and stiletto pumps to show off her off-duty style at MTV’s “Total Request Live” in 2005. She wore pointed-toe pumps, offering a bit of edge with a diamond embellishment at the tip of the toe. She coordinated her accessories to match this glamorous touch.
The Murder Inc. alum made a glimmering arrival at the 2018 Grammy Awards, donning an Elie Madi evening gown. The dress, covered in hundreds of sparkles, was designed with an alluring high neckline, long sleeves and a dramatic skirt. Even with the pronounced skirt, her footwear made a stylish appearance. She opted for classic gold strappy sandals that elevated her look by at least 4 inches. Ashanti wore her hair in a sleek asymmetric bob and accented her glam with a smoky eye.
Ashanti was one of the many celebrities that attended VH1’s “Dear Mama: A Love Letter To Mom” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in 2019. The songbird made it her own in an asymmetrical dress designed with a high slit and cutouts. Ashanti selected metallic pointed-toe pumps to complete the look, creating the perfect monochromatic outfit. She also wore a dainty ankle bracelet around her ankle to jazz up the getup.
Arriving in Christian Siriano, the “Foolish” singer turned heads at the 2021 Soul Train Awards in an elegant number. The full-bodied black gown was the perfect choice for the night as the singer was awarded the Lady of Soul Award, which has been presented to other celebrities like Jill Scott, Brandy, Faith Evans, Yolanda Adams and Monica. Her dress covered her footwear, but she likely wore a pair of strappy sandals as she often gravitates towards the style.
The “John Tucker Must Die” actress rang in the New Year in 2022 at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve with her longtime friend Ja Rule in a stylish winter outfit. She got dolled up in a custom faux fur cropped coat from Daniel’s Leather that she styled with a white bodycon dress and a matching fur hat. Best of all was the over-the-knee metallic boots she paired with the look as they created an icy wonderland aesthetic.
Ashanti supported her friend Machel Montano at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture at the Superdome in New Orleans, wearing a vibrant outfit. She dressed up in a neon pink Mugler bodysuit, featuring tulle and lycra panels that masterfully sculpt and contour the silhouette. For footwear, she went for her go-to style: a transparent sandal framed by a pointy toe and stiletto heel.
Celebrity stylist Tim B dressed the superstar for her NYC press run for her latest project VH1’s “A Diva’s Christmas Carol” in shades of brown. She wore a larger-than-life Jennifer Le jacket over a Burberry printed cardigan and a white All Saints turtleneck. Ashanti kicked back in a pair of shiny, over-the-knee Stuart Weitzman boots that elevated the look by 4.5 inches.
