Slay Ride: Mariah Carey’s Timeless Fashion Looks
Mariah Carey is not just a legendary vocalist but also a style icon who has graced us with countless unforgettable fashion moments. From glittering gowns to daring red carpet looks, and some definite unapologetic skin reveals, Mariah Carey’s memorable fashion looks reflect her unique personality, glamour, and larger-than-life presence. With her love for bold statements and timeless elegance, Mariah has secured her place as a fashion icon for decades. Whether she’s dazzling us in sequins or rocking chic subway “streetwear”, her outfits have become just as iconic as her music.
As Mariah Carey once said, “After devoting over half your life to a career, you might end up getting a good look or two.” Of course, even the queen of glam has had her faux-pas, including wardrobe malfunctions, dresses that never arrived, or those “what was I thinking?” moments. Yet, these instances only add to her charm and humanity, reminding us that even a diva’s style journey has its ups and downs. Dive into the world of Mariah Carey’s memorable fashion moments and celebrate the diva’s unparalleled style legacy.
The Slit
Mariah Carey’s appearance at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards was more than just a bold fashion moment—it was a defining step in reclaiming her independence. Recently freed from Mottola’s marriage and control, including his influence over her wardrobe, Mariah used this moment to make a statement about her newfound freedom. The daring two-piece evening dress, designed by Calvin Klein, featured a sleek bandeau top and a dramatic high-slit skirt, marking a significant departure from her earlier, more conservative looks.
This look also sparked what is now popularly referred to as ‘The Butterfly Effect,’ a trend where artists undergo dramatic style transformations mid-career. While the outfit might seem tame by today’s standards, it was considered “outrageous” in the 90s and frequently appeared on lists celebrating bold and risky showbiz fashion. This iconic moment became one of Mariah Carey’s fashion looks that cemented her as not just a vocal powerhouse but also a fearless fashion icon, paving the way for other artists to embrace similar reinventions.
The Butterfly Top
Mariah Carey’s unforgettable butterfly top, showcased during her red carpet moment at the 2000 VH1 Divas Live, is one of her most iconic fashion statements. Created by Emanuel Ungaro, this dazzling, jewel-encrusted piece radiated glamour and confidence while perfectly complementing the themes of freedom and transformation central to her music at the time.
The butterfly design became closely associated with Mariah’s personal and artistic evolution. Even decades later, the butterfly top remains a nostalgic emblem of Mariah’s fearless self-expression and continues to inspire fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike. In a testament to its enduring legacy, Dua Lipa paid homage to the look in 2022 when she wore the iconic butterfly top during her 73 Questions with Vogue interview, highlighting the timeless appeal of Mariah’s style and its influence on a new generation of artists and fashion enthusiasts.
The DIY Low-Waist Jeans
This iconic look, featured in Mariah Carey’s Heartbreaker music video, perfectly captures her playful yet effortlessly chic style. The crochet top paired with low-waist jeans became a defining fashion statement of the late ’90s. In true Mariah fashion, she personally ripped the jeans to “avoid the rolls that nobody needs,” adding her own flair to the ensemble.
Mariah later mentioned how this look sparked a fashion trend, though she received no credit for it and, as she put it, “didn’t get a rigged cent.” Despite this, the outfit remains one of her most recognizable and celebrated, further solidifying her impact on both music and style.
The Golden Diva
Mariah Carey stunned the audience at the 1998 VH1 Divas Live with this dazzling gold gown designed by Vera Wang. The floor-length, form-fitting dress sparkled under the stage lights, highlighting Mariah’s radiant presence and powerful performance. The gown’s elegant simplicity and shimmering design perfectly embodied the essence of a true diva, making it one of her most memorable stage looks.
Interestingly, Vera Wang is also the designer behind Mariah’s Lady Diana-inspired wedding dress for her 1993 marriage to Tommy Mottola. That iconic gown, featuring an extravagant, flowing train, was later repurposed for the We Belong Together music video. While this gold dress was worn during her solo performances of My All and Make It Happen—before she changed into another outfit for her duet with Aretha Franklin and the Divas finale—it remains etched in the memory of major fashion magazines and her hardcore fans as one of Mariah’s most glamorous moments.
The Emancipation
As if one emancipation weren’t enough, Mariah Carey’s second emancipation followed the Glitter “debacle” and the comparatively mild performance of Charmbracelet. She returned with a vengeance, not only musically but with a collection of high-quality videos and a wardrobe that defined the era.
This stunning black asymmetrical dress, designed by DSquared2, featured daring cutouts and jeweled accents, exuding both confidence and sophistication. With its thigh-high slit and glamorous silhouette, the dress showcased Mariah’s return to form, both as a musical powerhouse and a style icon. This look, featured in the It’s Like That music video, symbolized her fashionable comeback and became one of the standout ensembles of her The Emancipation of Mimi era—a wardrobe and album to be remembered for ages.
Versace in Bold
This striking photo captures one of the most unforgettable Mariah Carey fashion looks, taken at the Versace Spring/Summer 2004 fashion show during Milan Fashion Week on October 4, 2003. Standing alongside Donatella Versace and Beyoncé, Mariah graced the event in a daring yet elegant white gown designed by Versace. The dress, with its intricate details and bold design, highlighted Mariah’s confidence and glamorous persona, making it one of her most adventurous fashion statements of the time. The gown’s tasteful yet revealing cut reflected her ability to embrace bold style choices while maintaining an air of sophistication.
This iconic moment at Milan Fashion Week showcased not only Mariah’s impeccable taste but also her influence as a style icon on and off the red carpet. Known for blending timeless elegance with daring designs, Mariah Carey fashion looks like this one continue to inspire fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her collaboration with Donatella Versace further cemented her status as a fearless trendsetter, proving that her presence could elevate any event to legendary status.
The Sling
In July 2013, Mariah Carey turned an unfortunate shoulder injury into an iconic fashion moment. While filming the music video for “You Don’t Know What to Do,” which has sadly never been released, Mariah suffered a serious fall that required her to wear a sling. However, in true Mariah style, she elevated the medical necessity into a series of high-fashion statements. Most notably, during the premiere of Lee Daniels’ The Butler, she dazzled on the red carpet in a chic black dress accessorized with a custom crystal-studded sling. The glamorous design transformed what could have been a mundane medical device into a bold, trendsetting accessory, proving Mariah’s ability to infuse style into every aspect of her life.
Throughout her recovery, Mariah continued to showcase her dedication to elegance by donning a variety of luxurious slings that complemented her wardrobe. From a crystal-studded piece to a plush fur-covered version and even a delicate feathered design, she ensured that each sling was a seamless part of her outfits. Though the designers of these bespoke slings remain undisclosed, the creativity and effort put into their designs were widely admired. Mariah’s ability to maintain her signature glamour, even under challenging circumstances, further solidified her status as both a fashion icon and a symbol of resilience.
Strut, Slit, and Shine
At the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Mariah Carey made a bold fashion statement in a stunning green printed chiffon gown designed by Philipp Plein. The floor-length gown featured a dramatic waist-high slit that showcased her right leg and paired perfectly with her strappy Christian Louboutin heels. With a nipped waist and a daringly deep V neckline, the gown highlighted Mariah’s curves, walking the fine line between elegance and edginess while risking a potential wardrobe malfunction.
Mariah accessorized the look with effortless glamour, wearing a Bulgari white beaded necklace, diamond bracelets on both arms, and stacks of rings that added sparkle to the ensemble. Her choice of accessories was understated yet luxurious, letting the dramatic gown take center stage. This look cemented her status as a red-carpet icon, blending high fashion with her signature flair for daring and unforgettable moments.
Try It On Me!
This unforgettable fashion moment took place at the 1999 Academy Awards, where Mariah Carey joined Whitney Houston to present an award in a coordinated style moment. Mariah’s stunning burgundy gown, designed by Vera Wang, featured a plunging neckline and a figure-hugging silhouette that exuded both elegance and boldness. What made this moment even more iconic was that the long gown was playfully stripped away on stage to reveal this shorter, leg-baring version, adding an element of fun and spontaneity to the evening.
Mariah herself has shared that this dress was so exclusive it required a police escort to the event, highlighting its value and significance. The dramatic transformation and her radiant confidence made this one of the most iconic Mariah Carey fashion looks. Paired with minimalist accessories and her signature charm, this look remains a standout example of how Mariah effortlessly combines glamour and playfulness on the world’s biggest stages.
Mariahntoinette
This stunning photo captures Mariah Carey during her Angels Advocate Tour, showcasing one of the most memorable Mariah Carey fashion looks. She performed wearing this opulent, Marie Antoinette-inspired gown, which featured a luxurious gold ruffled skirt and an intricately beaded bodice. The design evoked a regal and timeless aesthetic, reminiscent of 18th-century French court fashion. This masterpiece was created by Zuhair Murad, a renowned designer celebrated for his glamorous and intricately detailed creations.
Mariah’s choice of this gown for her swing performance elevated the theatricality of the moment, blending her iconic vocals with an unforgettable visual. The dramatic silhouette and shimmering embellishments made this dress one of the standout Mariah Carey fashion looks, perfectly embodying her flair for extravagance and elegance. This look remains a favorite among fans, representing Mariah’s ability to combine historical inspiration with modern glamour.
The Metal Grindr
This photo captures Mariah Carey during her electrifying performance at LA Pride 2023, where she stunned the audience in a striking ensemble designed by Bryan Hearns. The outfit featured a black structured corset with gold accents paired with a sparkling, thigh-high slit silver skirt, perfectly blending boldness and elegance. This iconic look was accompanied by her live performance of Obsessed, complete with a cheeky background video showcasing a Grindr dialogue that read, “Why are you so obsessed with me?”
Yes, we’re absolutely obsessed with this ensemble! Mariah’s choice of this dazzling outfit not only highlighted her signature glamour but also celebrated the vibrant and inclusive spirit of Pride. Her radiant confidence and attention to detail made this moment an unforgettable highlight of the event, cementing her status as a true diva and ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Golden Finale
During her 2024 Las Vegas residency, The Celebration of Mimi, Mariah Carey stunned audiences with a series of jaw-dropping couture looks, but none were as regal as this golden masterpiece by Sophie Couture. This princess-cut gown featured a dramatic, voluminous skirt with a daring slit down the middle, allowing Mariah to showcase her glamorous silhouette. The shimmering fabric, with its rich golden hue, exuded luxury and sophistication, perfectly complementing Mariah’s radiant stage presence.
To elevate the look further, the “Fantasy” singer paired the dress with stockings adorned with intricate appliqués, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance to the ensemble. As she transitioned through different albums and eras during the show, Mariah’s commitment to haute couture and timeless fashion became undeniable. This dazzling golden gown is a testament to how Mariah Carey continues to deliver fashion realness, proving that her style legacy remains as iconic as ever.
As we conclude our journey through some of the most breathtaking and daring Mariah Carey fashion looks, it’s evident that her style evolution has solidified her status as a true icon. From princess-cut gowns with dramatic slits to bold, shimmering couture creations, Mariah consistently pushes boundaries with her fearless approach to fashion. While she has jokingly admitted that there have been a few faux-pas in her past, there are still many looks that will remain in her heart forever—even if, as she once quipped, “someone stole this from my wardrobe.”
Whether stepping out in glittering gold masterpieces or showcasing bold designer outfits that command attention, Mariah Carey’s fashion moments are a testament to her versatility and boldness and we’re obsessed with it. These iconic wardrobe choices transcend mere aesthetics—they reflect her fearless personality, her commitment to reinvention, and her lasting influence on pop culture. Through every era, Mariah continues to inspire fans with her glamorous and daring ensembles, proving that her legacy as both a vocal legend and a sartorial queen is here to stay.
