Memorable onstage outfits in music history
Iconic outfits are the kind of career-marking ensembles that engrave an artist’s image into the public memory for years, even after their greatest hits trickle off the charts. Check out this gallery to see the hottest and most legendary onstage outfits worn by your favorite musicians.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé has had many stunning looks, but none quite as iconic as this image during the 2017 Grammy Awards while pregnant with twins.
Prince
Everything Prince wore became instantly iconic—with V-necks, shine, and sparkle in abundance—but this high-collared purple suit, ruffled white shirt, and curly-haired 'Purple Rain'-era Prince has remained clearest in his fans' hearts.
Stevie Nicks
The Fleetwood Mac singer's witchy style has been often imitated, but rarely pulled off so well.
Michael Jackson
There are so many looks to choose from, including the simple suit and down-turned fedora, as well as this gilded military jacket from the pop star's Dangerous Tour.
Lady Gaga
The pop star has too many looks to count, from wearing raw meat to performing under a canopy of human hair to bringing out Joe Calderone, her alter ego, at the 2011 MTV VMAs.
Axl Rose
The Guns N’ Roses musician maintains his old iconic look of a thick red bandanna, clothes littered with random graphics, a shirt hanging from his waist, and shades.
Slash
The big hair and big hat look has been popular among Halloween costumes for years. Partner up and one of you can go as Axl Rose!
David Bowie
His Ziggy Stardust look inspired a generation and helped create the "cult of Bowie."
Britney Spears
From her tight red latex jumpsuit in the era of 'Oops!...I did it again,' to a live snake during the 2001 MTV VMA awards, to this VERY '90s number (complete with fanny pack), the singer has done it all.
Elvis Presley
The famous white ornamented jumpsuit and slicked black hair were the King's jewels.
The Jackson 5
Bell-bottoms, platform boots, oversized collars, and one incredibly talented family.
Spice Girls
There are several memorable outfits from this amazing girl band, including Mel B's cat ears and Geri Halliwell's unmistakable Gucci mini-dress that was turned into the Union Jack.
Katy Perry
The star has worn outfits involving fruit, dice, whipped cream, sportswear, marching band attire, cupcakes, and even movie reels and popcorn.
MC Hammer
The iconic pants that have come in and out of style are truly untouchable.
Shakira
Shakira brought belly dancing into the Western sphere of popular music.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The band wore this human-sized light bulb costume during their set at Woodstock in '94. They struggled to play their instruments, but they made history!
NSync
From influencing a generation to wear colored camouflage pants to rocking hundreds of unique and eclectic jackets, the boy band's memory lives on.
Miley Cyrus
The young singer's daring look for her performance with Robin Thicke shook the world and arguably became the defining image for a new era of her music.
ABBA
ABBA's looks defined the disco era of the 1970s.
Deadmau5
The newer and Canadian version of Daft Punk's iconic look adds a more ambitious size with those huge ears.
