In 2024, you’d think we’d have moved past the need to pit two powerful women against each other, but somehow, here we are. Last Friday, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé made an appearance at a Houston rally for Vice President Kamala Harris. Standing side by side, each brought her own flair to the event: Rowland in a sharp Fear of God suit and Beyoncé in a chic, blazer-inspired dress.
Instead of celebrating the unity and strength these two icons showed in supporting a cause they care about, some X (formerly Twitter) users decided that the real story was about their fashion choices. And as usual, they couldn’t resist reigniting the tired trope of competition between Rowland and Beyoncé. This time, however, there’s an added twist. Some argued that Rowland’s decision to wear a suit—standing next to Beyoncé in a dress—was an example of colorism, suggesting that Rowland, as a dark-skinned woman, her light had been “dimmed” by wearing a more masculine silhouette.
Image: Victor Boyko for Getty Images for Louis Vuitton.
Image: Monica Schipper for Getty Images.
But let’s be real; this narrative has spiraled into absurdity. Yes, colorism is real. We see its impacts daily across multiple facets of life, from representation in media to opportunities in the workplace. But to say that Rowland choosing a suit to wear to a rally—something she’s done countless times at high-fashion events like Louis Vuitton shows and red carpets—is a case of colorism is a reach of epic proportions. When Rowland opts for suits on these occasions, no one bats an eye. Does she appear “too masculine” then? Why do these critics suddenly choose to wield the colorism argument now, conveniently ignoring Rowland’s long history of challenging fashion norms? Perhaps the real issue here isn’t colorism but rather society’s relentless desire to pit women of color against one another.
Image: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic for Getty Images.
Image: MEGA/GC Images for Getty Images.
Let’s instead take a moment to recognize the power of two women standing side by side, choosing different expressions of strength and femininity. Rowland’s suit wasn’t a dimming of her light; it was a demonstration of her confidence, her taste and her individuality. When she rocks a suit, it’s her embracing her unique style, showing the world that women don’t have to conform to one mold. We should be celebrating their shared moment of support for a cause that matters, not dissecting their wardrobe choices as a form of coded criticism.
Image: Michael Tullberg for Getty Images.
Image: Paras Griffin for Getty Images for Beautycon.
Rowland’s fashion has been on point since her Destiny’s Child days, whether she’s rocking custom creations by Mama Tina, turning heads in street-style looks or lighting up the red carpet with effortless glam. And let’s be clear, that suit? It’s Met Gala 2025 worthy—she should absolutely keep it in rotation. As for those critiquing her fits, here’s the truth: style isn’t about squeezing into a “tighter” silhouette to appease the masses. The ones who understand true fashion get it; the ones who don’t will continue their critiques from behind screens, likely wearing their own uninspired outfits.
Rowland knows exactly what she’s doing, and she’s excelling on her own terms, as stunning and unbothered as ever. Rowland’s look at the rally gave off serious Living Single Maxine Shaw energy. Much like Ericka Alexander’s iconic character, who always entered the room with undeniable confidence and a sharp suit to match, Rowland’s outfit channeled that same unapologetic power.
Image: Anthony Harvey – PA Images/PA Images for Getty Images.
And to the Beyoncé critics—your motives are crystal clear. You’re free to dislike her if you choose, but using Rowland to fuel your narratives? That’s a tired move. Time to expand your perspective, sis.
