Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 35 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    13 Steps You Can Take to Stop Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Experts

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this. 
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Of Course Kamala Harris Is Ready to Be President

    The senator has been criticized for seeming too ambitious — but that's kind of the point.
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Fashion Chevron Right
  3. The Meaning Behind All of Beyoncé’s Coachella Outfits

The Meaning Behind All of Beyoncé’s Coachella Outfits

By Jonathan Borge
Updated Apr 22, 2018 @ 12:45 pm
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Beyoncé’s choreographer JaQuel Knight called her 2018 Coachella performance “amazing, beyond, iconic, life,” and said that it would “change the game” just days before she even hit the stage Saturday night—and he was right.

After a hiatus away from the spotlight—she canceled her scheduled 2017 Coachella performance because she was pregnant with twins Rumi and Sir Carter—the queen of getting everyone’s attention did just that over the weekend. Her set list included every hit imaginable, from “Crazy in Love” and “Formation” to “Single Ladies” and “Drunk in Love,” and guests like husband Jay-Z, sister Solange, and Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams all hit the stage.

The nearly two-hour performance itself and her army of dancers left the internet with dropped jaws, but it’s her five outfits that has the world quickly Googling for answers and hidden meanings. For her looks, Beyoncé’s stylist Marni Senofonte turned to Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing to create five custom military-inspired outfits she wore with aplomb. Yes, there was one pretty bad wardrobe malfunction, but her wardrobe for next weekend’s performance will reportedly be entirely different, according to Vogue.

VIDEO: The Meaning Behind All of Beyoncé’s Coachella Outfits

In this first round of getups, the fashion managed to drive home one central theme: black pride. During the set, Beyoncé thanked her fans and Coachella for letting her be the first black woman to headline the festival, and she did so unapologetically. As ABC News points out, her first Balmain look (above) was all about channeling the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, a historical figure she’s referenced before. Her dancers kicked off the show with catsuits that also included symbols of the Sphinx. As The Telegraph reports, the tall hat Beyoncé wore is similar to the one found on the bust of Nefertiti in 1912.

In addition, she sampled Nina Simone’s “Lilac Wine,” played an excerpt from Malcolm X’s 1962 “Who Taught You to Hate Yourself?" speech, and sang, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which has been called the “Black national anthem.”

With their costumes and live music, Beyoncé's dancers and band helped honor the black collegiate experience and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which she reportedly works with through her BeyGOOD Initiative’s Homecoming Scholars Award program. It's important to note HBCUs traditionally celebrate black Greek life and have exceptional marching bands like the one she gathered for Coachella. In fact, she hired DrumLine Live, a marching band tour composed of performers from HBCUs, for the show, according to The Los Angeles Times. Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee also positively called out Beyoncé’s HBCU references on Twitter.

How else did she honor black culture? Scroll down for the meaning behind her four other head-turning looks.

Start Slideshow

1 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Yellow BAK Hoodie

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Her yellow Balmain hoodie was a casual change for Beyoncé, and she styled the look with denim cutoffs and fringe-adorned Christian Louboutin boots that complemented the collegiate style. But what’s the meaning behind the Greek “BAK” letters seen on the sweatshirt? ABC News points out that indeed, she could have been calling out Greek life with her own Beta Delta Kappa sorority, while others think it translates to something more literal: “back,” meaning she finally returned to the spotlight. Other fan theories suggest the “B” and “K” are simply her initials, while the central delta symbol refers to “The Roc” symbol that she has previously thrown up live, honoring her husband’s Roc-A-Fella Records company.

1 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Mesh Crest Top

Credit: Instagram/Beyoncé

The glittery mesh Balmain top she changed into read “Beyonce 2018,” but the crest on it also had an image of an Egyptian royal, a black first, a black panther, and a bee—which people are pointing out are representative of the Black Panther Party plus her fans, which she calls the “Beyhive.” Overall, the look was a reminder that Beyoncé is and has always been a champion of black rights.

2 of 9

3 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Black Latex Bodysuit and Jacket

Credit: Instagram/Balmain

Beyoncé kept it sexy in another Balmain look, wearing thigh-high black latex boots that she styled with a matching bodysuit and oversize jacket with bedazzled shoulder pads. Fans noticed that in addition to changing her outfits, Beyoncé also switched up the color of her nail polish.

3 of 9

Advertisement

4 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Destiny’s Child Survivor Look

Credit: Instagram/Beyoncé

Though she didn’t perform “Survivor” with Destiny’s Child, the song’s message of female empowerment is exactly what she put forth in this sparkly, one-shouldered camouflage Balmain bodysuit. Near the end of the show, she suffered from a wardrobe malfunction as her over-the-knee boots fell just below her knees, and the shouldered side of her suit started to fall out. You can see Beyoncé holding on to her chest, securing the look as she danced on stage.

4 of 9

5 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Sequined Jersey Dress

Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

A pink sequin jersey dress worn with black patent leather thigh-highs topped her original mesh iteration. The collegiate-like number still featured a crest representative of the Black Panther party, with images of a black fist and panther.

5 of 9

6 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Sparkly Wrap Top and Hot Pants

Credit: @olivier_rousteing/Instagram

While performing with former Destiny's Child bandmates Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, Bey showed off her incredible gams in high-cut silver sequin hot pants, which were worn over flesh-colored fishnets. A matching wrap top with strong shoulders and a plunging neckline mirrored her confidence.

6 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Egyptian-Inspired Cape in Silver

Credit: @olivier_rousteing/Instagram

Like the previous weekend's show, Beyoncé wore a very similar sparkly cape and crown in honor of Nefertiti, but switched up the color palette, going from black to a standout silver shade.

7 of 9

8 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Sleek Bodysuit and Boots

Credit: @olivier_rousteing/Instagram

Similar to the head-turning black latex bodysuit and jacket she donned at #BeyChella round one, the songstress wore another in a more tailored silhouette. She kept the sexy garters, which kept her patent thigh-highs from falling down.

8 of 9

9 of 9

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Pink Iteration of the “ΒΔΚ" Sweater

Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Perhaps Bey's most memorable look from her first performance was the bumble bee yellow sweater, emblazoned with the letters ΒΔΚ. This time around, she chose a magenta variation, wearing the casual hoodie with the same pair of Daisy Dukes and Christian Louboutin metallic-fringed boots.

9 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jonathan Borge

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 9 The Yellow BAK Hoodie
2 of 9 The Mesh Crest Top
3 of 9 The Black Latex Bodysuit and Jacket
4 of 9 The Destiny’s Child Survivor Look
5 of 9 The Sequined Jersey Dress
6 of 9 The Sparkly Wrap Top and Hot Pants
7 of 9 The Egyptian-Inspired Cape in Silver
8 of 9 The Sleek Bodysuit and Boots
9 of 9 The Pink Iteration of the “ΒΔΚ" Sweater

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
InStyle InStyle

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Accolades Licensing
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
InStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

View image

The Meaning Behind All of Beyoncé’s Coachella Outfits
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.