25 Reasons Why We’re So Obsessed With Mariah Carey’s Style
As any good diva knows, when you’ve been in the spotlight for over decades, you develop a thick rulebook of do’s and don’ts. Mariah Carey has many, the first of which being that she doesn’t celebrate birthdays—rather, “anniversaries.” She also doesn’t do bad lighting, and wears sunglasses most of the time (a pro-tip from model Christie Brinkley), and the left side of her face is her “good side.” As evidenced by her many years on the stage and red carpets, Carey is uber-cautious about cultivating her public image.
When it comes to her style, however, she’s much more do than don’t. In the ’90s, she perfected the art of the glamorous yet comfortable going out look, and in the aughts she oscillated between mini skirts and Levi’s. Being a New York native, Carey was the original Carrie Bradshaw, taking the streets in daring crop tops and heels, even while walking her dog. Here, a look back at the iconic singer’s most fabulous fashion moments, from the red carpet to the city sidewalk.
1991
Carey attended the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards in 1991 wearing a little black dress with rhinestone trim and long diamond earrings.
1992
Carey shimmered in a sequined dress and reflective tights at the American Music Awards in 1992.
1993
Carey’s black slit skirt paired with a black bandeau crop top was simple, but high-impact.
1993
Carey loves a good pair of jeans. Here, she styled a worn-in pair of Levi’s with a button-up sweater by Chanel.
1994
A Clueless moment at the Calvin Klein show in 1994.
1996
Carey’s American Music Awards look in 1996 made leather and knitwear work.
1997
In 1997, Carey turned to Dolce & Gabbana—now, a signature brand of her style—for a premiere look.
1998
Carey let her curly hair down for a night out at the Beacon Theatre in New York City in 1998.
2000
Carey styled her houndstooth Chanel set with an adorable pooch in 2000.
2000
Karl Lagerfeld and Carey were close friends.
2000
While many pop divas have re-created this Versace butterfly top, Carey was the first to do it in 2000.
2000
Carey’s 2000s pink slip dress and metallic heels still look modern to this day.
2001
She looked “Delicious” in 2001.
2003
Carey wore a crochet bustier crop top and a maxi denim skirt to the 17th Annual Soul Train Music Awards in Los Angeles.
2001
Self promotion done right: Carey stepped out to a party to promote her new single “Loverboy” and album Glitter in London wearing a bandana top, denim separates, and a “Glitter” belt.
2001
Carey’s denim mini skirt, “Glitter” tank top, and sunglasses were peak aughts—but we love her addition of a pink boom box.
2002
A pink Juicy Couture velour jumpsuit top, which she paired with jeans, sunglasses, and a rhinestone belt was the look for Carey to sign autographs in.
2003
Carey arrived in London wearing a “Honey B. Fly” pink top, denim separates, a diamond chain necklace, and an “Automatic princess” diamond chain belt.
2005
She attended her album launch and birthday party at Tantra in London, Great Britain wearing a fur-trimmed white shawl, a white maxi dress, and lots of jewels.
2006
Carey stepped out to walk her dog in New York City wearing high heels, a yellow bandage dress, and sunglasses. Is this her version of casual?
2008
Carey wore heels and Daisy Dukes to throw the first pitch at a 2008 baseball game—because, what else would she wear?
2008
Carey was seen outside of the MTV Studios in 2008 in a rainbow mini skirt and diamond belt and a blue button-up shirt.
2013
Carey didn’t even let a broken arm get in the way of her glamour. Here she is at The Butler New York premiere in a studded sling.
2018
Glittering sequins and piles of diamonds are a Carey signature.
2024
Im Schiaparelli, Carey brought an ethereal touch to nude dressing.
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