Janelle Monáe needs no introduction. The artist, who some first met in 2003 when she released her demo album, The Audition, has become a recognizable figure in the music and fashion industry.

In an industry that is rather fickle, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends. Janelle, however, from the start has made it her mission to purposely single herself out - she does not adhere to the pressures of what a woman, a Black woman at that, should look like.

In an interview Janelle had with InStyle magazine in 2019, she shared that "[she’s] always wanted to redefine what a cool young black woman looks like in the music industry." She continued by saying “I was never interested in fitting into a system that wasn't built for me or with me in mind. I'm interested in burning that shit down and building something new." Janelle has done that and more, letting women know that they don’t have to look like what the “standard” woman would, be yourself.

For those who didn’t know, the artist’s signature look, a black and white unisex piece, was inspired by her parents. A 2019 interview with Access Hollywood revealed this. “They wore uniforms and so I wore black and white as my own uniform to pay homage to them.” Janelle’s mother worked as a janitor as her father, a truck driver; she refers to them as her “first inspiration.” She also has a special place in her heart for Ralph Lauren because “…he was one of the first designers to dress [her].”

Though she prefers to stun in a classy, black and white suit ensemble, here are some (of samples)moments where Janelle took it up a couple of notches.

In 2018, Janelle shared that she's a pansexual; for those who don't know, this is someone who is attracted to another despite their gender/what they identify as.

Knowing the meaning behind her reason for wearing a black and white ensemble makes this look even more so enticing. Janelle stunned in this outfit for the 2018 MET Gala. Who's doing it like her?

This sheer dress gives everything it needs to gave! The artist blessed our eyes with this gorgeous gown during the premiere of Harriet in 2019. This power-filled dress was certainly fitting for the event.

This outfit gives me a modern-day Clair Huxtable - powerful and classy. Red is always a killer and Janelle Monáe knows how to kill an outfit.

If it's one thing Janelle is going to do , it's take some fashion risks! Wearing all white is risky in itself and the fact that she, being true to herself, wore a men’s suit with strappy heels is iconic.

This Picasso-inspired look for the 2019 Met Gala is jaw-dropping to put it simply. Staying true to herself, Janelle incorporated black and white, adding a splash of red and pink.

Janelle came to slay at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in all black. The fishnet top and sleeves add an edgy look to the evening dress that she pulls off oh so well.

I love this black and white pantsuit. It's giving elegant, but still sexy! The hair, the bag, and the hair give the look a certain je ne sais quoi that only Janelle can pull off like this.

Who do you know that can wear this outfit and not be ridiculous? You're looking at the only person, along with Rihanna, who can wear this and not be given the side-eye. 

Fashion trends can come and go but Janelle Monáe will always stay true to herself - a force to be reckoned with.