The Style Evolution of Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is widely recognized for various reasons extending beyond her musical accomplishments, including countless award nominations and victories. It also stretches to her noteworthy influence in the world of fashion.

Labelling this journey as a style evolution might even be an understatement, considering she has never been shy about challenging societal norms regarding who should wear specific attire and in what manner. Missy serves everything from avant-garde looks to blending hip-hop and luxury.

By no means does this discredit Missy's previous efforts, but her ground-breaking fashion statements truly took off during this period.

In 1997 Missy released her debut solo single "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" along with its music video, which featured her in the now-iconic inflatable patent leather suit. This suit resembles a trash bag and serves as a bold statement against critics targeting her for her weight and appearance.

Essentially, Missy stood strong in her individuality and defied body image-related stereotypes within the entertainment industry, establishing her willingness to push boundaries and make a statement through her art and fashion.

Honourable mention to her finger waves!

One thing Missy's going to do is make sure her outfit is coordinated from head to toe.

From the 1999 Grammy Awards to the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in 2002, she sported extravagant outfits that most likely captured the attention of everyone. You knew what time it was when Missy made her entrance.

She displays a playful side, evident in her adoption of Western vibes with a fringed suit but also takes bold risks shown in her choice of a purple razor blade suit.

Missy's versatility extends beyond that, as she's able to seamlessly incorporate a fusion of hip-hop and luxury into her chic looks.

At events like the Honey premiere in 2003 and the Shark Tale premiere in 2004, she pieced together her long coats with the flat caps/newsboy hats complemented by heels, hoop earrings and on one of the occasions a pair of baggy jeans.

Her fashion statements don't always require her to be 'over-the-top'.

Who said you have to dress formally for an awards ceremony? Not Missy! Wearing streetwear on occasions that typically call for a formal look was part of Missy staying true to herself.

Around that time, she outshone everyone when it came to her loud tracksuits as no one else could quite pull it off like her. The Adidas tracksuits were undeniably her go-to, it'd be surprising if she didn't have almost every variation.

She was all about staying comfortable, colourful and accessorizing with jewellery.

Referring to the mid-2010s as her punk era might be a stretch, but her style was predominantly characterized by blacked-out aesthetics, featuring a substantial amount of leather.

While Missy's looks retained a spontaneous flair, they were not excessively eclectic.

Missy remains a dynamic force in the entertainment industry; admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019, collaborating with the likes of girl group Flo and performing at Las Vegas' Lovers & Friends festival last year - striding further in her achievements.

Despite facing challenges throughout the years, even before solidifying her presence in the industry, one enduring aspect has been her commitment to empowering women and her coordinated pieces!