Solange Knowles celebrated a major career milestone in a striking fashion ensemble at the New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala.
The talented musician and composer attended the event to honor her original score for the ballet company, marking her first collaboration with a ballet company.
“After experimenting with new musical sounds and compositions the past few years, I’m really excited to premier this new work alongside Gianna’s vision,” Knowles said in a statement.
“The piece really expresses a journey of power and vulnerability, two conversations that I really try to center in all of my practices. Dance has been such an important beacon of expression for me, and to work with the New York City Ballet on this feels like a beautiful home for this new work.”
Solange Knowles styled an oversized navy blue suit with a Simone Rocha bag for the New York City Ballet’s 2022 Fall Fashion Gala at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on September 28, 2022, in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Solange Knowles Stuns in a Menswear-Inspired Ensemble at the NYC Ballet Gala
Stepping onto the scene at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, Solange radiated confidence and elegance. The 36-year-old artist sported a sophisticated navy blue double-breasted suit tailored to perfection.
The oversized jacket, accentuated with a white pocket square and built-in white sleeves peeking out, exuded a stylish and contemporary charm. Despite appearing topless underneath her jacket, she maintained a refined and tasteful look.
Complementing her jacket, Solange donned loose-fitting blue pants that gracefully flowed to the ground, lending an air of effortlessness to her ensemble. Staying true to the menswear theme, she opted for black heels with a front design reminiscent of black Oxford shoes.
Adding intrigue to her outfit, Solange carried an alluring black egg-shaped Simone Rocha handbag embellished with small metal studs, ensuring it sat upright. To enhance her overall appeal, she adorned herself with earrings featuring various sized hoops and a captivating jeweled necklace that sparkled under the lights.
Completing her striking appearance, Solange styled her hair in gorgeous raven braids, elegantly tied high and cascading down her back. Her impeccable choice of attire and attention to detail showcased her refined fashion sense and ability to make a lasting impression.
Solange Knowles rocked a menswear-inspired ensemble featuring a navy blue double-breasted blazer with wide pointy shoulders, small black buttons, and slightly ruffled sleeves (Credit: John Eddy / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Among the distinguished guests attending the New York City Ballet’s Fall Fashion Gala were notable figures such as Julia Fox, Laverne Cox, Billy Porter, Queen Latifah, Kristin Davis, Gwendoline Christie, and others.
Solange Knowles embraced the occasion, embodying professionalism and artistic flair as she embraced her role as a guest of honor and one of the few black women to compose for the esteemed New York City Ballet.
While Solange Knowles wowed in a sophisticated menswear-inspired suit at the NYC Ballet Gala, her fashion choices have always been diverse and dynamic. Beyond bold tailoring, she has also embraced playful and retro styles, proving her versatility in the fashion world. A standout example of this was her charming polka-dot ensemble during an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Solange Knowles’ Retro Polka-Dot Look on the Late Show
Solange Knowles sported a charming polka-dot outfit when she made an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman on February 26, 2013 (Credit: HRC / WENN)
In February 2013, Solange Knowles showed a dotty retro look in a polka-dot ensemble as she was seen outside the Ed Sullivan Theatre for an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.
The then-26-year-old singer was cute in a retro-looking Moschino Pre-Fall 2013 coat dress styled with a tan belt. She finished her outfit with a pair of white t-strap pointed-toe pumps by Elizabeth and James.
Solange Knowles’ hot feet in Elizabeth and James Saucy pumps
Solange Knowles’ pumps perfectly complemented her retro dress and looked classic and edgy at the same time. Her feminine pointed-toe pumps feature a wide ankle strap, a thinner buckled strap, and a self-covered 4-inch heel.
Solange Knowles has consistently showcased her eclectic fashion sense through a variety of standout footwear choices.
At the 2016 Met Gala, she turned heads in a bold yellow ensemble paired with transparent Loewe sandals featuring clear PVC straps and lucite heels, perfectly encapsulating her avant-garde style.
Earlier, during New York Fashion Week, Solange embraced a vibrant look by combining a yellow-and-red muscle tee with a beige leather skirt, complemented by Aquazzura’s gladiator-inspired ‘Amazon’ sandal booties, highlighting her flair for mixing bold colors and unique designs.
For a deeper dive into Solange’s diverse shoe choices, explore our feature on her hot feet and legs in high heel stilettos, which showcases some of her most memorable footwear moments.
Another star who has mastered the art of polka dots is Diane Kruger, who was spotted in a stylish dotted ensemble while out in New York City.
Diane Kruger’s Chic Take on Polka Dots in NYC
Just a day after showing off a quite revealing but elegant look at the 2013 Met Ball in a Chanel dress, Diane Kruger was spotted looking casual chic in a polka-dot number while out and about with her beau, Joshua Jackson, in the East Village in New York City.
Diane Kruger was spotted in New York on May 7, 2013, stylishly outfitted in Christian Louboutin ballet flats, a Rochas bag, a studded Diane von Furstenberg jacket, and Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
Diane dresses well every time she’s out — whether attending red carpet events, running errands, or strolling around town.
This time, Diane Kruger looked super cool and chic. Her cropped pants, mirrored sunnies, hat, and white Rochas “Leti” tote looked very summery, and wearing them all together was just flawless.
Diane Kruger seen posing with Joshua Jackson and a fan in the East Village on May 7, 2013 (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
The polka-dot jacket from Diane von Furstenberg enhanced her laid-back style. Its cool navy hue and crisp white dots made a chic statement, perfectly capturing the essence of summer fashion.
And while the dots appear like they’re printed, they are pearlized metal studs. Another interesting feature is its boxy silhouette. It has a collarless neckline, inverted shawl lapels, and double back vents. Front slip pockets complete this chic jacket.
The ‘Paulette’ Jacket by Diane von Furstenberg, adorned with pearlized metal studs, showcasing a trendy boxy silhouette with a collarless design, priced at $865
Why Polka Dots Remain a Timeless Fashion Staple
Polka dots have long been a wardrobe essential, seamlessly blending retro fashion trends with modern sophistication. Their playful yet elegant aesthetic has made them a favorite among celebrities, from red carpet events to street style moments.
As legendary artist Yayoi Kusama once expressed:
A polka-dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon, which is calm. Round, soft, colourful, senseless and unknowing. Polka-dots can’t stay alone; like the communicative life of people, two or three polka-dots become movement… Polka-dots are a way to infinity.
This poetic interpretation perfectly captures why polka dots have endured as a timeless pattern in fashion—symbolizing both bold expression and harmonious unity.
Recently, Brie Larson and Alexandra Daddario turned heads in coordinating polka-dot dresses at the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival, proving that this pattern is as chic as ever. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscars gown paid homage to classic Hollywood glamour with a sophisticated polka-dot twist.
The influence of polka dots extends beyond dresses. The Barbiecore trend embraced the playful print, with Margot Robbie stepping out in custom pink polka-dot mules by Manolo Blahnik. Whether styled in a vintage-inspired look or incorporated into bold contemporary outfits, polka dots continue to be a go-to for those who love timeless yet statement-making fashion.