From her early days as a child actress to her '80s and '90s peak as one of the best-selling recording artists in pop history, Janet Jackson's legacy has lived on in fashion just about as much as it has in her revolutionary sound. Being such a prominent pop culture figure calls for envelope-pushing fashion, and Jackson has done so by sporting an often extravagant wardrobe of looks throughout the decades. From streamlined suits to provocative performance getups — always rocking them in a way only a member of her legendary family can — here are just some of Janet Jackson's most iconic fashion statements to date.
-
Janet Jackson’s Fashion Evolution
From her early days as a child actress to her '80s and '90s peak as one of the best-selling recording artists in pop history, Janet Jackson's legacy has lived on in fashion just about as much as it has in her revolutionary sound. Being such a prominent pop culture figure calls for envelope-pushing fashion, and Jackson has done so by sporting an often extravagant wardrobe of looks throughout the decades. From streamlined suits to provocative performance getups — always rocking them in a way only a member of her legendary family can — here are just some of Janet Jackson's most iconic fashion statements to date.
-
1972
Janet was a fashionista since day one. In a sweet portrait with her father, Joe Jackson, in Los Angeles, the baby Jackson rocks a matching pink shorts set, with patterned pockets and trimmings, complete with flip flops.
-
1978
Janet Jackson poses during a publicity photo shoot at brother Jackie Jackson's home on Aug. 17, 1978 in Westlake Village, Calif.
-
1982
Jackson screamed ’80s during this adorable 1982 portrait session. She paired her wispy locks with a red sweater and black ribbon at the collar. Her white ballet flats were worn with sweet white socks with kiss marks on them.
-
1983
Miss Jackson was all grown up at the 1983 American Music Awards in Los Angeles. She paired her cascading strapless red gown with a classic updo and golden key earrings.
-
1983
Janet was decked in a pink suit with a red bowtie and belt at the 1983 R&B Awards.
-
1984
Jackson was the epitome of style on her Dream Street album cover, rocking the ‘moto-chic’ look in a leather jacket and gloves, with her hands in her curly hair as she poses over a bright red scooter.
-
1986
Janet Jackson photographed on Sept. 10, 1986.
-
1990
Janet Jackson performs in New York City in 1990.
-
1990
Janet Jackson looked sexy and sleek at the first annual Billboard Music Awards in 1990. She matched her velvet bralette with a velvet cropped blazer, complete with satin trousers and a chunky belt.
-
1993
Janet Jackson performs during the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 9, 1992 in Los Angeles.
-
1993
Janet glammed it up for her Madison Square Garden performance in 1993, taking over the stage in a coral suit made feminine with feathers, a cropped waistline and suede boots.
-
1994
The singer looked simple and classic in this 1994 photoshoot, pairing some cool blue jeans with a black tank top and messy bun.
-
1994
Janet Jackson attends the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 8, 1994 in New York City.
-
1998
Jackson continued her badass stage presence with this 1998 look. She paired her form-fitting back suit with a slouchy top hat that oozed cool.
-
1999
Janet Jackson attends the 1999 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 21, 1999 in Los Angeles.
-
2000
Jackson went more edgy than her usual look at the 2000 MTV Movie Awards. She paired a black leather gown with a leather trench coat that highlighted some serious cleavage.
-
2001
She continued her sexy vibe at her 2001 MTV Icon: Janet Jackson performance, pairing some white ripped jeans with a mini bedazzled bra and white leather jacket. She kept the look effortless with long beachy waves.
-
2001
Jackson looked rocker-chic at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, with a sequined see-through mini dress and black leather over-the-knee boots. She did, however, keep it girly with a pink hat.
-
2002
Janet Jackson arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2002 at Morton's in Los Angeles on March, 24 2002.
-
2004
The infamous 2004 Super Bowl halftime show led to a nip slip that sent the Internet into a frenzy, but the outfit was still cute. She looked robo-rocker with a leather bustier piece, matched with black trousers and a bronze smokey eye.
-
2004
While signing copies of Damita Jo in New York City, Jackson opted for an all-pink look, with trousers, a crop top, jacket heels and hat in variations of the same peachy shade.
-
2004
Jackson went sporty for her 2004 Black Entertainment Awards performance, with a cleavage-bearing jersey paired with some bright yellow track pants. She made the look feminine with tons of gold accessories and bronze makeup.
-
2005
Jackson looked old Hollywood classic at the 2005 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Her sleek white gown had some added flair with furry sleeves and golden accents.
-
2015
Jackson accepted the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2015 BET Awards in Los Angeles in a trendy white jumpsuit and chunky silver bracelets.
-
2017
Jackson celebrated at her State of the World Tour afterparty in Los Angeles in style. She paired a leather floor-length skirt with a chiffon off-the-shoulder top and long cascading waves.
-
2018
Janet Jackson brought the oversized sweater and over-the-knee boots trend to the 2018 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. She did, however, keep the look glam with some serious gold sparkle and a high ponytail.
-
2018
Janet Jackson at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
-
2018
Janet Jackson attends 2018 Black Girls Rock! at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Aug. 26, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey.
-
2018
The 2018 MTV EMAs, where Jackson accepted the Global Icon Award, gave the songstress some room to get a little funky. She mixed patterns with a plaid skirt over camouflage pants, and paired the look with an MTV shirt, a long tailcoat, and stiletto black boots.
-
2019
Jackson gave us some serious Motown glam vibes at the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, with sleek black gown with copper feathered trimmings. She completed the outfit with leather gloves and letting her natural curls rock.