Missy Elliott is already known for her prowess on the mic and as a creative visionary through her iconic music videos. But not enough has been said about her remarkable style evolution throughout her career.
When she debuted in the 1990s, Elliott embraced a bold and eclectic aesthetic that blended hip-hop swagger with futuristic elements. Her early looks featured oversized athletic wear, playful accessories, and vibrant colors. The Virginia native had the girlies on an eclectic wave for decades.
As the years progressed, the star continued to push fashion boundaries. In the early 2000s, she became known for her innovative music video looks, often incorporating avant-garde outfits, futuristic themes, and cutting-edge accessories. Her style was a visual extension of her groundbreaking music.
In recent years, Elliott has maintained her iconic style while adapting to contemporary trends. She has seamlessly blended streetwear, high fashion, and her signature unique flair. She’s collaborated with numerous brands, from Adidas to Bottega Veneta.
Always unapologetically herself, Elliott’s style evolution reflects her influence not only in music but in the fashion world, solidifying her status as a true trendsetter. Let’s run up some of our favorite looks from the queen!
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Tomboy-Chic Realness
For the 1997 MTV Europe Awards, the rapper gave us a red-hot look with her red leather “Super” jersey with matching pants. Naturally, she stayed true to her tomboy-chic style by wearing sneakers, a white T-shirt, and a glamorous, smoky eye.
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Supa Dupa Fly
Elliott’s innovative and iconic trash bag outfit was not just worn in the music video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” A year after the video was released in 1997, Elliott donned the oversized garbage bag over white pants and classic Nike Air Force Ones for her Lilith Fair performance at Jones Beach, New York.
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Hot Like Fire
Elliott pulled up to the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards with an airbrushed fit, paying homage to her friend, the legendary Aaliyah. The all-white set was adorned with crystal embellishments, highlighting a custom visual of the “I Care 4 U” singer.
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The Hip-Hop Pink Panther
Elliott won Best Female Rap Solo Performance at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003 while wearing a standout crystal-adorned pink Adidas tracksuit and matching Kangol hat.
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Denim Dreams
Elliott posed with Madonna for a feature in Gap’s 2003 fall TV campaign, showcasing their collaboration on a remix titled “Into the Hollywood Groove.” This campaign represented the inaugural joint appearance for the two music icons, making it one of Gap’s most anticipated TV campaigns to date.
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Mad in Plaid
She’s unafraid to tap into various prints and colors, as seen in her 2003 MTV Video Music Awards look. Rocking bright neon green, Elliott styled plaid shorts and an Adidas jacket with a golfer-inspired hat and low-top Adidas outlined with the same plaid print.
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Gucci Gucci Gucci
The “Work It” rapper selected a head-to-toe Gucci outfit for her 2018 Essence Festival performance. It was giving old-school vibes but in the best way. The classic Gucci patterns and colors were perfect standouts for the bright lights.
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Golden Girl
The new Rock & Roll Hall of Famer was dripping in gold on the cover star for Essence magazine’s “Festival of Culture” issue this year. While she’s known for setting her own trends, Elliott decided to tap into 2023’s metallic obsession.
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Logo-mania is Real
To remind people that she’s forever that girl, Elliott dressed in denim from head to toe, compliments of Gucci. If “Supa Dupa Fly” were a person, it would definitely be Missy Misdemeanor Elliott.
