Blue Ivy Carter’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour Style Proved She’s a Star In Her Own Right

The Cowboy Carter tour comes to a close on Saturday, July 26, and as we reflect on the last few months of shows, one thing is becoming crystal clear: Blue Ivy Carter was destined for the spotlight.

First stepping onto the stage during Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in 2023, Blue’s emergence as a performer was met with everything from awe to critique (even though she is still just a child). She danced with measured poise and a quiet determination, earning her applause not for who she is, but for how she excelled on the stage — even with immense online chatter about her dance skill level. What started as a surprise cameo quickly became one of the most anticipated moments of the show.

And that was no different this summer during Cowboy Carter. Now, it seems like Blue Ivy wants to prove herself, not just as the daughter of music royalty, but as a fashion muse, beauty trendsetter, and performer in her own right. Where Renaissance was futurism and chrome, Cowboy Carter is denim, dust, and lineage. And Blue Ivy, with her commanding presence and stylish boho knotless braids, has become the perfect visual bridge between tradition and the future of the Knowles-Carter legacy. (Queue “16 Carriages!)”

Blue Ivy’s presence on stage has become one of the most talked about parts of this current tour — with her little sister Rumi taking that second spot right behind her. During Beyoncé’s Netflix Christmas NFL half-time performance, we got to see Blue Ivy dance across the field for almost the entire time, so many fans were excited to see how her presence during this summer tour expanded. And what we saw was the direct reflection of personal growth: her movements became more fluid, her confidence and silliness shone through, and her eyes held a new sense of knowing. Blue Ivy is no longer just performing alongside Beyoncé; she’s commanding space. And every time she walks out on stage with blonde braids cascading down her back, wrapped in rhinestone-fringed Western corsets and pants or custom boots, it’s clear: she is not playing dress-up. She is a young fashion maven to know.

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Her braids are important. They’re never just hair — they’re storytelling. During the Cowboy Carter tour, Blue has worn waist-length box braids, done by hairstylist “Mecca Did Them,” a style that is not only perfect for a summer-long performance on stage but also a nod to both African heritage and Black Southern beauty. There’s a quiet reclaiming happening with every twist and part: these styles are armor, art, and archive. It’s also become a staple part of her image, which is something we expect to see young girls asking for when getting their back-to-school hairstyles together.

Fashion-wise, her evolution mirrors her growth as a performer. During the Renaissance tour, she often wore shimmering silvers and metallic bodysuits, echoing the intergalactic glam of the tour. But in the Cowboy Carter era, her wardrobe feels more grounded, textured, and reflective of a young Black girl raised on both Houston and heritage. From matching Burberry outfits with her mother to the custom looks from rising African designers and oversized denim moments, we’re seeing just how much fun Blue is having on stage, and the fashion is only elevating that.