The release of her fourth album, 30, and her relationship with sports agent Rich Paul has brought Adele into the public eye a lot more over the past few years. Compared to many of her contemporaries, however, the singer still remains a fairly private person. Unlike some artists, she doesn’t post too much on social media or walk every red carpet she can, instead saving her presence for the special moments. Because of that, we have a very pared down look at Adele’s style journey, and it’s easier to see just how much her go-tos have changed from 2009 to now. Previously, you would never see her without her signature bouffant hair in a black, vintage mid-length dress. When she started facilitating relationships with designers, however, her red carpet style was elevated and she moved on to gowns, though she never discarded her passion for black, velvet, or the off-the-shoulder silhouette.
Adele looks gorgeous whether she’s wearing a tea-length dress from a vintage shop, or custom haute couture, but there’s something fun about seeing this powerhouse star in a just-as-powerful gown. Luckily, that seems to be her go-to these days. Read on to see Adele’s style journey, from 19 to now.
2023: Grammy Awards
Adele brought some rare color into her wardrobe with a burgundy velvet Louis Vuitton dress accented with a ruffled, off-the-shoulder neckline at the 2023 Grammys.
2022: “Weekends With Adele” Opening Night
The opening night of her Vegas residency called for a show stopping dress, so Adele turned to Schiaparelli to design a black velvet off-the-shoulder number with a ruched satin belt and gold waist detail.
2022: Hyde Park Performance
Adele performed in Hyde Park in a floor-length, black velvet gown with a cold-shoulder neckline and gold belt from Schiaparelli.
2022: BRIT Awards
The singer looked especially regal in custom Armani Privé thanks to the low-cut, structured tulle neckline.
2021: Adele One Night Only
Adele wore a Schiaparelli by Daniel Roseberry gown while performing at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles for her special, Adele One Night Only on November 14, 2021.
2021: Anthony Davis and Marlen P’s Wedding
Adele wore a custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown designed by Daniel Roseberry to the wedding of LA Laker Anthony Davis and Marlen P. on September 18, 2021.
2017: 59th Annual Grammy Awards
Adele wore a long-sleeved Givenchy Couture dress to the 59th Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
2016: Brit Awards
Wearing a low-cut custom dress by Giambattista Valli, Adele attended the Brit Awards in London, England, on 24 February 2016.
2016: 58th Annual Grammy Awards
Wearing a long-sleeved, black custom Givenchy gown, Adele attended the 58th Grammy Awards on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
2015: Brit Awards
Adele wore a sheer, black Burberry dress to the Brit Awards in London, England on February 25, 2015.
2013: 85th Annual Academy Awards
Adele wore a black, beaded Jenny Packham gown to the 85th Annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California.
2013: 55th Annual Grammy Awards
Wearing a red, floral-printed Valentino dress, Adele attended the 55th Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
2013: 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Wearing a black, long-sleeved Burberry dress, Adele attended the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 13, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.
2012: 54th Annual Grammy Awards
Adele wore a custom Giorgio Armani dress to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012.
2011: MTV Video Movie Awards
Wearing a black Burberry dress with a decorative neckline, Adele attended the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
2011: Brit Awards
Adele wore a vintage black, knee-length dress to the 2011 Brit Awards in London, England on February 15, 2011.
2010: CMT Artists of the Year
Wearing a vintage black and gold brocade dress, Adele attended CMT Artists of the Year on November 30, 2010 in Franklin, Tennessee.
2009: VH1 Divas
Adele wore a black dress with gold floral detailing to 2009 VH1 Divas on September 17, 2009 in New York, New York.
2009: 51st Annual Grammy Awards
Wearing a custom black satin Barbara Tfank dress, Adele attended the 51st Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.