Sam Smith stuns in floor-length navy dress in Notting Hill after dropping 'To Be Free'

British pop star Sam Smith turned heads on Thursday as they stepped out in a dramatic floor-length navy dress paired with a matching bandana outside The Cow pub in Notting Hill, London,  just hours after the release of their new single, To Be Free.

Known for pushing the boundaries of fashion, Sam completed the striking look with gold hoop earrings, a crossbody bag, and black tights with shiny black shoes.

The outfit, which some fans described as ‘pirate-chic,’ featured flared sleeves and a scooped neckline that revealed the singer's chest tattoos. They were seen chatting with friends and puffing on a cigarette during the evening outing.

The public appearance came in celebration of the release of Sam's latest track, To Be Free – a song the artist described as ‘more than special’.

The ballad was written five years ago alongside songwriter Simon Aldred, and features a raw vocal-and-guitar take layered with a choir, giving the song a haunting, emotional depth.

“I wrote this song with my dear friend Simon Aldred,” Sam posted on Instagram.

“It’s one vocal and guitar take from start to finish, made complete by the beautiful injection of the incredible choir we’ve been working with.”

Fans flooded the comment section with praise, calling the song a ‘masterpiece’ and ‘soul-touching’.

 “This song and video is so healing and beautiful,” one said while another said, “One of your finest hours, Sam.”

Fellow artist Brandi Carlile also shared the song, writing, “No one talk to me unless it's about this song and this voice.”

In addition to the release, Sam Smith announced a 12-night residency at the intimate Warsaw venue in Brooklyn, New York, set for October. The venue, which holds only about 1,000 people, also served as the location for the To Be Free music video, adding deeper personal meaning to the shows.

 

“This residency is something I’ve been planning in my head for a long time,” they wrote. “It’s such a different experience to play intimate shows, and I’m so excited to host this in a city that I adore.”

Pre-sale begins July 29, with general tickets on sale from August 1.