Sam Smith is not only a globally acclaimed music artist but also a trailblazer who has boldly challenged gender norms through their daring fashion choices.
For those who grew up following music charts like We10 or Yan TV, Sam Smith’s warm, soulful voice has been a comforting presence, smooth and rich like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, blended with clear, church-bell-like tones that resonate deeply.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Sam Smith has won the hearts of audiences worldwide with both their striking looks and emotionally charged vocals.
Hits like “Stay with Me,” “I’m Not the Only One,” “La La La,” and “Too Good at Goodbyes” catapulted Sam to international stardom.
This success brought not only global recognition but also numerous prestigious awards, including five Grammys, an Oscar, and BRIT Awards.

Yet, Sam’s influence extends far beyond music.
They have become a powerful symbol of breaking down gender norms, using fashion as a medium to express identity in bold and surprising ways.
Over time, Sam’s self-expression in both music and fashion has grown increasingly free and uninhibited.
In the early stages of their career, while still exploring and defining their identity, Sam’s fashion was relatively safe and conservative, reflecting a persona that was cautious and uncertain.
However, as Sam embraced their true self and adopted a more daring style, they faced mixed reactions.
Many fans and critics found it difficult to reconcile this new Sam Smith with the image they had known in earlier years.

This article revisits Sam Smith’s proud journey of “breaking out of the cocoon” — from a hesitant individual grappling with self-doubt to a confident, unique personality who proudly defies societal expectations.

Before 2019 – Inside the Cocoon

Between 2012 and 2019, Sam Smith was like a butterfly still enclosed in its cocoon, struggling with inner conflicts about gender identity.
At a time when the world was less open to the LGBTQ+ community, Sam’s fashion choices were safe, modest, and conformed to traditional norms.
During this period, they often appeared sharp in suits and classic outfits in basic colors.

Sam’s career took off in 2012 with their feature on Disclosure’s single “Latch,” which quickly climbed to number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
The following year, their fame surged further with Naughty Boy’s “La La La,” a track that reached number one in the UK and remains globally popular.

Sam’s debut album, In the Lonely Hour (2014), was a monumental success, featuring heartfelt ballads like “Stay with Me” and “I’m Not the Only One.”
The album earned Sam four Grammy Awards at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album, Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
They were also nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

In the Lonely Hour not only won critical acclaim but also achieved impressive commercial success, selling millions of copies and consistently ranking in the top 10 across global charts.
Music videos from the album garnered millions of views on YouTube.
The ballad “Stay with Me” received extensive radio and television airplay, cementing Sam’s popularity.

In 2018, Sam released “Promises,” a collaboration with Calvin Harris, which marked a bold shift in their artistic direction.
The single topped charts in the UK and symbolized Sam’s transformation.
From bright, playful outfits to experimenting with electronic dance music (EDM) and vibrant, club-like visuals, the Promises music video celebrated LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity.

Breaking away from the melancholic ballad image, Sam Smith “emerged as a butterfly,” flying freely with colorful wings.

After 2019 – Breaking Out of the Cocoon

After publicly identifying as non-binary, Sam Smith became more open and unapologetic about their identity.
They bravely defied societal expectations and embraced a fashion style that was eye-catching and provocative.
Sam shared on social media: “After a lifetime of being at war with my gender, I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out.”

In a 2019 interview with GQ UK, Sam explained that although often labeled as a gay man, they never felt confined to any gender stereotype, male or female.
They prefer the pronouns “they/them” rather than “he/him” or “she/her.”

During this period, Sam released “Dancing with a Stranger” (featuring Normani) in 2019 and their third studio album Love Goes in 2020.
Love Goes represented a new chapter, showcasing a complete transformation in both sound and personal style.
As the first album released after coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community, it reflected complex emotions and personal experiences.

Following Love Goes, Sam’s evolution continued with the 2022 single “Unholy,” a collaboration with transgender artist Kim Petras.
This track won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, further solidifying Sam’s position as a fearless innovator.

At the 2023 Grammy Awards, Sam’s stage outfits were strikingly bold, featuring glossy red leather that hugged their body, evoking a powerful and rebellious image.
The performance’s costume design, inspired by Satanic imagery, highlighted Sam’s fearless approach to self-expression.

Returning with the 2024 album Gloria, Sam’s style has become even more daring, both visually and vocally.
They attract attention with rebellious fashion that sparks debate and invites criticism.
Since 2019, Sam has remained unfazed by public judgment.

The release of the controversial music video “I’m Not Here To Make Friends” intensified reactions.
The video, with its provocative themes and revealing outfits, showcased Sam’s confidence in their fuller figure.
While some fans embraced this boldness, others criticized the departure from Sam’s earlier image and called for a return to their previous style.

Despite the backlash, Sam Smith’s comeback is admirable.
Their courage celebrates diversity, beauty beyond norms, and limitless creativity.
Appearance has never been, and should never be, the measure of a person.

Appearance has never been, and should never be, the measure of a person.

On Saturday Night Live in 2022, Sam charmed audiences wearing an eye-catching outfit: blue jeans paired with a pink cut-out top, a sparkling white belt, and a pale pink jacket — a stark contrast to their earlier image.

Sam’s evolving fashion sense continues to inspire, blending boldness with authenticity.

Most recently, Sam appeared at Valentino’s show during Paris Haute Couture Week to promote the album Gloria, released on January 27, 2024.

Looking back on Sam Smith’s journey since coming out, the public is amazed by this vibrant transformation.
Where once they were hesitant and constrained by societal norms and internal struggles, Sam now freely embraces any style they desire.
This reflects a strong personality unafraid to break boundaries and redefine identity on their own terms.