Kacey Musgraves, a New Classic

Graphic by Ruth Ellen Berry.

No one was surprised to see country star Kacey Musgraves in a jumpsuit when she walked the Grammys red carpet—jumpsuits have become a signature for her since she began working with her stylist, Erica Cloud, about five years ago. Nonetheless, this Valentino look still feels fresh, be it the trendy pale pink, pointed-toe heels or ballet-core-reminiscent tights. It’s what Kacey does best: mixing classic with new, timeless with bold, tradition with statement. 

Kacey has made waves in country music for her entire career, unapologetically pushing against norms of the genre. When she released her single, “Follow Your Arrow,” in 2013, she faced backlash from the genre’s critics, as the song speaks positively about gay relationships, among other Christian taboos. And as she pushes the genre of country forward, she has also crafted friendships with artists of all generations and genres

Take, for example, her tight-knit relationship with Willie Nelson, or her friendship with Harry Styles that brought us the duo’s amazing cover of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One.”

This is what is so special about Kacey’s style: it perfectly reflects her place in music, both drawing off historic influences and embracing modernity. 

Take, for example, her 2019 Met Gala look. Donned in a pink Moschino dress, furry stole and blow dryer purse (!!), Kacey’s Met Barbie look did not shy away from the Camp theme. She was classic Barbie with the fearlessness and hyper-femininity of a modern star. 

She’s not afraid of embracing her masculine side, either. We often see Kacey in a suit, though she undoubtedly brings her own feminine flair to these looks. 

Whether in a jumpsuit, suit or frilly gown, Kacey has all the glitz and the glam of old Hollywood. Maybe it’s her relationship with ex-Drag-Race contestants, her love for Cher or just an understanding of her unique place in country music, but Kacey’s unapologetic embrace of femininity and glamor sets her apart.

In a time when we long for the mystique of old stars, Kacey feels like she’s been transported through time. She gives us all the romance we’ve been craving from today’s stars, while refusing to be tied up in the past; she’s a new classic.