Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, the globally adored British songstress, has always managed to captivate audiences with her powerhouse vocals, deep emotional resonance, and impeccable stage presence. But for many, Adele’s onstage magic extends beyond her voice—her style has become an equally compelling part of the experience. Over the years, she has developed a distinctive approach to her concert fashion, fusing comfort with high glamour in a way that only Adele can. From sequined gowns to tailored suits, her style choices have evolved alongside her career, all while keeping one essential element at the forefront: comfort.
When Adele steps onto the stage, she does more than deliver chart-topping hits—she shares her most authentic self, and her clothing is a vital aspect of that authenticity. In a world where female pop stars often feel pressured to prioritize flash over function, Adele’s thoughtful and personal approach to fashion is a breath of fresh air. For her, it’s not about following trends or impressing the fashion elite; it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in her own skin, all while looking undeniably glamorous.
The Power of Personal Style
From the very beginning, Adele’s relationship with fashion has been deeply personal. While many performers may defer to stylists and designers, Adele has always taken a hands-on approach to crafting her look. And that’s precisely what makes her style so compelling—it reflects who she is as both a person and an artist. It’s no secret that Adele has a love for timeless elegance. Whether she’s attending an award show or performing for thousands of fans, her outfits often draw on classic silhouettes and materials that exude old Hollywood glamour.
However, unlike many of her peers, Adele doesn’t compromise on comfort to achieve these looks. For her, comfort is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. After all, Adele’s concerts aren’t brief appearances; they’re emotional journeys that last for hours. Her wardrobe needs to support her physically and mentally, allowing her to move, breathe, and sing with ease. This balance between practicality and beauty is something she’s perfected over the years, creating a signature style that’s as unforgettable as her voice.
In interviews, Adele has been open about her distaste for clothing that feels restrictive or forces her to perform in discomfort. She’s also spoken about her love of long gowns that allow her freedom of movement while maintaining a sense of grandeur. This is part of why Adele has become known for her floor-length dresses—they provide both the drama she loves and the comfort she needs.
Collaborating with Designers
Behind every great look is a team of skilled designers, and Adele is no exception. While her style is undoubtedly her own, she works closely with designers who understand her need for clothes that are both striking and wearable. One of her longest-standing collaborators is British designer Jenny Packham, known for her luxurious eveningwear. Packham’s designs have become something of a signature for Adele, with their intricate detailing and figure-flattering cuts.
Packham understands that Adele’s clothing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a harmonious blend of style and comfort. Speaking about their partnership, Packham once noted, “Adele knows exactly what she wants. She’s a true artist in every sense, and that extends to her fashion choices. She’s deeply involved in the process, and we always ensure that the final design reflects both her personality and her needs on stage.”
But Adele’s sartorial collaborators don’t end with Packham. In recent years, she’s expanded her designer Rolodex to include the likes of Burberry, Chloé, and Givenchy. Each of these fashion houses brings something unique to the table, helping Adele showcase different facets of her personality. Whether it’s Burberry’s tailored elegance or Givenchy’s dramatic flair, Adele has masterfully curated a wardrobe that tells a story—and that story is one of sophistication, empowerment, and confidence.
The Evolution of Adele’s Stage Style
When Adele first burst onto the scene in the late 2000s, her style was relatively understated. She favored sleek black dresses and minimal accessories, allowing her music to take center stage. But as her career skyrocketed, so too did her confidence in experimenting with fashion. Her looks began to reflect the larger-than-life persona she had become, with her outfits growing more glamorous and extravagant over time.
Adele’s wardrobe evolution can be traced through her concert tours. During her Adele Live tour in 2011, she often wore monochromatic outfits, typically in darker shades. These early looks were simple yet sophisticated, providing a stark contrast to the more elaborate styles she would later embrace.
By the time she embarked on her Adele Live 2016 tour, her wardrobe had undergone a transformation. No longer confined to simple black dresses, Adele began embracing sparkling gowns adorned with sequins, metallic threads, and elaborate embroidery. These outfits didn’t just make her stand out—they became an integral part of her performance. When Adele stepped onto the stage in a dazzling gown, it was as if she was preparing for battle, her armor made of glittering fabric and bold silhouettes.
One of the most iconic looks from this era was a custom Burberry gown she wore throughout the tour. The floor-length dress, covered in intricate beadwork, combined glamour and practicality—two hallmarks of Adele’s fashion philosophy. The dress moved beautifully as she performed, but it was also comfortable enough to allow her to belt out her most powerful notes without restriction.
Comfort Meets Glamour
Despite her newfound love for glitz and glamour, Adele never lost sight of the importance of comfort. And this commitment to feeling good in her clothes has only deepened in recent years. In interviews, Adele has spoken candidly about how her body has changed over the years and how that has influenced her fashion choices. She’s made it clear that, regardless of her size or shape, comfort will always be her top priority.
“I think everyone deserves to feel good in their clothes,” Adele said in a 2020 interview with British Vogue. “For me, that means wearing something that makes me feel confident but also allows me to perform without any distractions. If I’m uncomfortable, it shows. I’m not able to connect with the audience in the same way.”
This philosophy is why Adele often gravitates toward dresses that are structured but not constricting. She prefers fabrics that have some stretch and designs that allow her to move freely on stage. Her gowns may be adorned with sequins and beads, but they’re designed to let her shine—both literally and figuratively.
During her most recent tour in 2022, Adele worked closely with her styling team to create a series of looks that exemplified this balance between comfort and style. One standout piece was a Chloé dress made from sustainable silk, which featured a flowing silhouette and delicate floral embroidery. The dress was a nod to her love for timeless elegance, but it was also designed with practicality in mind, allowing her to perform with ease.
A Look Behind the Scenes
Behind every Adele concert is a meticulously crafted wardrobe that reflects her unique style, but getting to that final look is no small feat. Adele’s styling team spends months planning her outfits, working closely with designers to create pieces that not only look stunning but also meet her specific needs as a performer.
One of the key challenges they face is ensuring that each outfit can withstand the rigors of a live performance. Adele’s concerts are known for their emotional intensity, and her wardrobe must support her as she pours her heart and soul into each song. That means using fabrics that are durable, breathable, and easy to move in, as well as incorporating design elements that allow her to feel comfortable under the stage lights.
Adele’s team also takes great care to ensure that her outfits align with the overall aesthetic of her performances. Her concerts are carefully curated experiences, with every detail—from the set design to the lighting—working together to create a specific mood. Her wardrobe plays a crucial role in setting that tone, and her team works tirelessly to ensure that each outfit enhances the visual and emotional impact of her performance.
Confidence and Authenticity
Ultimately, what makes Adele’s stage style so compelling is the way it reflects her confidence and authenticity. In an industry where image often takes precedence over substance, Adele stands out for her refusal to conform to traditional beauty standards. Her fashion choices are an extension of her personality—bold, elegant, and unapologetically real.
Adele has never been one to follow trends for the sake of it. Instead, she’s carved out her own space in the fashion world, one that’s defined by timeless elegance and a commitment to feeling good in her own skin. Whether she’s wearing a shimmering gown or a tailored suit, Adele’s style is always a reflection of who she is: a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to embrace it.
“I’ve always believed that fashion should make you feel powerful,” Adele said in a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar. “For me, that means wearing something that makes me feel like I can conquer the world, but also makes me feel comfortable in my own skin. That’s the key to my stage style—it’s about finding that perfect balance between glamour and comfort.”
The Enduring Legacy of Adele’s Fashion
As Adele continues to dominate the music world, her influence on fashion is undeniable. She’s proven that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style, and that true elegance comes from confidence. Her stage outfits have become as iconic as her voice, and they serve as a reminder that fashion can be both beautiful and practical.
In a world where fast fashion and fleeting trends often take center stage, Adele’s approach is refreshingly timeless. She’s not interested in following the crowd—she’s blazing her own trail, one stunning gown at a time. And as she continues to evolve as an artist, there’s no doubt that her fashion choices will continue to inspire audiences around the world.
Adele’s concert wardrobe is more than just clothing—it’s a reflection of her journey as an artist, a performer, and a woman. It’s a celebration of her individuality, her strength, and her unwavering commitment to being true to herself. And in that way, her fashion legacy will endure for years to come.
