Building the “Kale” Sweatshirt Look from Beyoncé’s “7/11” Video
The entire costume hinges on the navy blue crewneck sweatshirt with “KALE” printed across the chest in large white collegiate-style block letters. This is the one piece worth matching closely. Everything else in the outfit can flex, but the sweatshirt is what makes the look instantly legible. You can find these online from various sellers, or you can make one yourself with a plain navy crewneck and iron-on transfer letters. If you go the DIY route, use a dark navy base—not royal blue, not black—because the contrast between the deep blue and the bright white letters is what makes it pop in photos.
Fit matters more than you might expect. The sweatshirt should be slightly oversized, with long sleeves that bunch at the wrists. It should look like something you grabbed from a boyfriend‘s drawer or your own lazy Sunday rotation. Avoid anything fitted or cropped. The slouchiness is part of the character—Beyoncé looks like she rolled out of bed, threw this on, and started dancing. If you’re between sizes, size up.
The hair is the second most important element. Beyoncé wears a long, voluminous ombre blonde wig in the video, with darker roots fading into warm honey blonde. The key is texture. You don’t want perfect curls or sleek waves. You want lived-in, beachy, slightly messy waves that move when you spin. Look for a wig that reaches mid-back and has a lot of body. If it arrives too neat, rough it up with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. The “messy chic” quality is deliberate—it should look like you’ve been dancing for an hour.
For the bottom half, Beyoncé wears leopard print bikini bottoms or briefs with the oversized sweatshirt. The print is the essential detail—classic brown and black leopard spots. If you’re not comfortable in just underwear, leopard print biker shorts or leggings work fine. The silhouette changes slightly, but the print keeps the reference intact. Sheer nude tights under the briefs can help you feel more covered while preserving the bare-leg look from the video.
The knee pads are the detail that shows you know the source material. Beyoncé wears black volleyball-style knee pads throughout the video because she’s constantly dropping to her knees during the choreography. They add a sporty, dancer-in-rehearsal energy to the outfit and break up the leg line. They’re also genuinely useful if you plan to attempt any of the dance moves on a hard convention floor. Soft volleyball knee pads are the right choice—not the hard-shelled skating kind.
Keep the accessories minimal but intentional. Gold hoop earrings and a few gold chains complete the look, since Beyoncé always keeps her jewelry on even in loungewear. A red Solo cup is the most recognizable prop from the video and gives you something to hold while posing. If you want to lean into the meta aspect, holding your phone like you’re filming a music video works too. White socks with casual sneakers finish the outfit for outdoor wear; barefoot or just socks works for indoor settings.
White socks with casual sneakers finish the outfit for outdoor wear. The footwear stays casual throughout—no heels, no boots. The entire costume is built around comfort and movement, so don’t overthink the shoes.
This is one of the few costumes where the performance is part of the outfit. The “7/11” dance—the hand claps, the foot taps, the spins—is iconic, and learning even a few of the moves will make your photos and interactions far more dynamic. The costume works because it captures a specific energy: carefree, silly, and unapologetically fun. When you wear it, you’re not going for polished or perfect. You’re going for the most fun person in the room.