Jorja Smith on becoming more confident with her fashion choices

That’s not to say her style isn’t continuing to develop; having been put into the spotlight aged just 21, Smith adds she feels her fashion sense has started to mature as she continues to negotiate and become accustomed to fame. She cites her make-up artist, Carol Lopez Reid, for helping her blossom before big events.

For Smith’s performance at the Colour of Allure event, Reid tells Bazaar she wanted the singer’s look to “perfectly balance elegance and boldness”.

“[I’ve given Smith] soft radiant skin paired with an overlined glossy nude lip and silver shimmering eyeshadow for an effortless glow,” she tells me. “It’s modern glamour, with a playful twist.”

Here, Smith talks us through her outfit, her “peaceful” getting-ready routine, and how her style may start to bleed into her songs.

Talk me through your look for this evening. Why does it feel like a good fit for you?

“I’m wearing a knitted two-piece from Chanel, which is a relaxed but smart fit, which I’ve paired with a pair of low, black sling-back heels. I’ve accessorised with lots of gold jewellery, so I’ve layered some gold necklace, and some cute small hoop earrings. For make-up, I’ve gone for a fresher, cleaner face with some classic liner. I’m really feeling silver at the moment, so on my eyes I’ve got the Chanel Enchanted Night Eyeshadow in silver – it’s not glittery, but it’s more illuminating and wintry. I’ve also overlined my lips to be a pinky brown, where we’ve used the Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss in the caramel shade. I prefer more neutral tones on my lips.”

Rouge Coco Moisturising Gloss – Caramel

How involved are you with the styling process?

“It really depends on the event. For tonight’s event, it was really nice to go into Chanel and choose an outfit there – but then sometimes I like working with a stylist. I’m always involved when it comes to choosing a vibe. I always think about how I want to feel, or I keep an eye out on certain trends – like if I feel like I want to wear a long skirt, or trousers. When I’m working with a stylist, it’s nice they can go away and make that idea happen.”

What sort of fashion makes you feel more confident?

“Before, I would have said tracksuits every time, but I think as I’m getting older, my fashion is evolving with me. Now I’m getting older, I really like two-pieces – not so much suits, but co-ords.

“I feel really confident in more fitted, structured things that are fitted or cinched at the waist but have an a-line skirt. I like layering things too, at the moment. But I still love a tracksuit – I love being comfortable.”

How has your style evolved over the years?

“It’s definitely maturing. I want to try and feel a bit smarter than just being in tracksuits all the time – I want to wear more proper shirts, and not just rely on a t-shirt every day. If I’m dressing down a lot, it makes me long for an occasion to dress up. When you’re dressed up after wearing casual things for so long, it can make you feel a lot cuter and nicer!”

What has been your favourite fashion moment?

“I would actually say right now. I’ve been sporting an icy blonde wig for a little while, and I love having this hair colour. I just feel like it’s given me a different vibe. When I get my hair done, I feel more confident.”

What is your routine when you’re getting ready for an event?

“I’ve been quite boring recently – I’ve been so busy, so I’ve not had many opportunities to go out. The last few times I’ve got ready, I’ve not really played any music – I don’t actually like listening to stuff all the time. Sometimes, I like a bit of peace, and it’s nice to have a chat with your friends. Though chatting can slow me down as I move my head a lot! I also quite like to get ready earlier in the day as that helps me feel a bit more relaxed. I like living in my looks – not the clothes, but definitely the hair and make-up. It’s nice just to chill for a bit, as it helps me prepare for the event.”

When do you feel the most beautiful?

“I’m not very good at doing my make-up; I’ve been spoiled by Carol, and I’ve been spoiled by Danielle [Igor], who does my hair. I’m really not any good at doing either! I feel really beautiful when I’m working with them and I’m in full glam. But most of the time I’m quite natural – and I do feel beautiful when I’m coming off stage and taking my make-up off.”

How does music impact your style?

“I tend to write and record songs first, and then we go into the styling aspect of it, looking at music videos and shows. I’ve done two albums so far, so perhaps for the third, I could bring the style aspect in sooner and see how music can reflect what I will wear. I might try and make my style mirror the music. I’m always so inspired by people who can do that; when albums have themes and certain looks. I don’t see the two worlds as completely separate, but I haven’t gelled all together just yet – but I’ve got a lot more time before I start doing that.”

Fashion has a reputation for being frivolous, but why does what we wear matter?

“It can make a huge difference. My fashion tends to really reflect my mood, and when I look good, I feel good. I feel so great when I’m ‘Jorja Smith’ – on stage and super glam.”