Entertainment

23 Throwback Pics That Show Beyonce's Rise From Teen to Style Queen

EntertainmentPublished May 24, 2016
By Anne Meadows
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No one can deny that Queen Bey knows how to slay. Hell, we didn't commonly use the word "slay" to describe someone stylishly achieving success before Beyonce even came along.

But, while she is undeniably a Queen now, there once was a time when Beyonce was ... a little more like us common people. She had some fashion missteps, you might say ... some growing pains of a young woman adjusting to life in the spotlight while searching for her signature look. Of course, those growing pains make us love her even more. Seriously, we even wanted to be her as she was navigating through her early stages of success.

Over the years, Bey has rocked the gamut of hairstyles, makeup trends, and fashion stunners. Here's a look back at her evolving style, from her early days as a pop singer with Destiny's Child up to the glorious diva we all know now. 

Image via iStock.com/Steve Finn

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OG Squad
Paul Smith/Featureflash/Shutterstock

OG Squad

Nothing says late '90s style like a musical group in matching outfits, huh? Beyonce made her pop / R&B debut with girl group Destiny's Child -- which had an original roster of Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett.

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Teen Dream
Paul Smith/Featureflash/Shutterstock

Teen Dream

Nineteen-year-old Beyonce brought her "kid sister" Solange to the 2001 Teen Choice Awards. Awwwww.

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Throw (Way, Way) Back
Featureflash/Shutterstock

Throw (Way, Way) Back

For the 2001 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, the ladies of Destiny's Child wore matching lace and rhinestone-detailed ensembles in cuts that seemed to draw inspiration from several different time periods. 

More from The Stir: Beyonce's 'Formation' Tour Wardrobe Is Everyday #FashionInspo

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Midwestern Midriffs
Lawrence Schwartzwald/Shutterstock

Midwestern Midriffs

Destiny's Child arrived at Coconuts in Manhattan to promote the group's 2001 album Survivor in what could reasonably be called "Peak '00s Girl Group Fashion." Remember when bared bellies was du jour? Don't miss that, do ya?

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Independent (but Color-Coordinated) Women
Everett Collection/Shutterstock

Independent (but Color-Coordinated) Women

By 2001, Destiny's Child had been pared down from a foursome to a trio -- with one new addition: Michelle Williams. This third and final lineup of singers is the most well-known -- not least for their coordinated fashion choices!

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The 2000s Are Calling...
Splash News

The 2000s Are Calling...

... and they want their Abercrombie & Fitch hoodie back! Armed with a flip phone and low-waisted jeans, Beyonce embodies the early aughts in this pic from 2002.

More from The Stir: Beyonce & Blue Ivy Are #Twinning in Adorable Mommy-Daughter Photo

7/23
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Rare Bangs
Vince Bucci/Splash News

Rare Bangs

Look at these straight bangs on Beyonce. This layered haircut is SO 2003!

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Prom Nite
Russ Einhorn/Splash News

Prom Nite

This overly sweet look from Beyonce at the 2003 Golden Globes looked more like she was heading out for a prom date rather than attending a major awards show. That's okay, Bey, it gets better.

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Itty Bitty Polka Dot Tankini
Derek Storm/Splash News

Itty Bitty Polka Dot Tankini

Beyonce went with a black-and-white midriff-baring outfit when she performed for the Today show in 2003. Wonder if she's still got those hot pink bangles in her jewelry box?

More from The Stir: Blue Ivy Plays With Beyonce's Makeup & Shows Her Lipstick Game Is #Flawless

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All-American Beauty
Ron Asadorian/Splash News

All-American Beauty

In 2004, Beyonce partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to launch the fragrance True Star. Her fresh and feminine look here is totally timeless.

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Her Future's (Too) Bright
Phil Penman/Splash News

Her Future's (Too) Bright

This punchy color combo looks like it was aiming for a summery, lighthearted feel. But, in the end, it's a little too much.

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Sweet Shimmer
EdStock/iStock.com

Sweet Shimmer

How adorable is this headshot of Beyonce from 2003? She's absolutely glowing! This one is a keeper.

More from The Stir: 22 Throwback Pics of Kylie Jenner That Are Just OMG

13/23
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*Having High School Flashbacks*
Everett Collection/Shutterstock

*Having High School Flashbacks*

For a Today show performance in 2006, Beyonce wore the same House of Dereon hoodie that she wore in the video for "Irreplaceable" (from her second solo album) paired with low-waisted jeans and prom-ready hair. Ah, the mid-aughts!

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Awards Show Glam
Splash News

Awards Show Glam

Early on in her red-carpet game, Beyonce was lovely (as she is here at the 2005 Academy Awards) -- but not as much a risk-taker as she is now.

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Straight Hair, Don't Care
Paul Smith/Featureflash/Shutterstock

Straight Hair, Don't Care

Beyonce was seldom spotted without her trademark long, blond waves. Seen here in 2007, she's rocking a darker, straightened style for a change. 

More from The Stir: 17 Completely Amazing Throwback Photos of Kim Kardashian

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Going for Gold-placeholder
Going for Gold
Ronald Asadorian/Splash

Going for Gold

Beyonce's theatrical film debut was as the unforgettable FBI agent Foxxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers in Goldmember. Her golden curly hairstyle is still a gorgeous classic.

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Got Beyonce?
Splash News

Got Beyonce?

Beyonce developed such a strong signature style that top brands fought for her to rep them -- including American Express, DirecTV, L'Oréal, and Pepsi. These days she's not shilling anyone's products but her own.

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Activewear Trendsetter
Everett Collection/Shutterstock

Activewear Trendsetter

Beyonce knew the comfort and style of athleisure wear long before she launched Ivy Park. In 2007 she matched House of Dereon with heels and hoop earrings to create a style all her own. 

More from The Stir: 21 Throwback Pics of Khloe Kardashian That Are Almost Impossible to Believe

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Bey With Her Bae
Jackson Lee/Splash News

Bey With Her Bae

This outfit of Beyonce's has a clear '90s throwback vibe -- but it's actually from a shopping trip for sunglasses with Jay Z in 2009.

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Sister Act
Jackson Lee / Splash News

Sister Act

The fashion-forward duo attended New York fashion week in 2011 in some seriously fun summery ensembles.

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Triple Platinum
s_bukley/Shutterstock.com

Triple Platinum

Beyonce went for a golden blonde hair color at the 2010 Grammy Awards -- and appropriately so. She racked up six Grammys that night -- setting the record for the most won by any female artist at a single event. 

More from The Stir: 19 Celebrity Moms Who Had Natural Childbirths

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Perfect Pregnancy Glow
Joe Seer/Shutterstock

Perfect Pregnancy Glow

Remember when Beyonce went out in public while pregnant and looked anything less than perfect? Nope, we can't either.

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The Queen Reigns
Mario Anzuoni/NY POST/Splashnews

The Queen Reigns

As Beyonce matured in the spotlight, her signature style formed, too. She owns her look now, and who isn't inspired by that?

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