PRINCE'S LEGACY LEAVES BEHIND HEELS AND NECKLACES

Prince’s passing last Thursday left the world in shock. Yet, the musical icon’s clout was about more than just music: his out-of-the-box style helped to mold perceptions of fashion (and gender) for decades. His outfits were bold. They were tight, sparkly, distressed and worn with high heels.Most importantly, they were the opposite of trendy.  He was positively original and fearless in his style-- something that is lacking in our cookie-cutter world. In memoriam, here are some of Prince’s greatest outfits that helped  mold our perceptions of fashion today.

1981- Prince wears a 60’s-inspired romper/ top with pins and thigh high socks. There is a great contrast in styles between the rips of the romper and the trench coat. He makes is even bolder with numerous accessories including a bandanna and a metal chain.

1984- Prince released his chart-topping album, Purple Rain, and began his tour in November of that year. This on-stage costume shows a large transition from his earlier, more revealing outfits.

1985- After the large success of Purple Rain, Prince struts with his heels on. Heels became a normal accessory for the singer both on and off the stage.

1986- Prince showed off his body fearlessly at a concert in L.A. with this tight crop top and matching pant combination.

1988- Prince decided to spice up his outfit at a Philadelphia concert with the juxtaposition of black and white dots. This outfit highlights his fashion flirtation with feminine detailing through the bows on his blouse.

1993- Prince wears cop-inspired accessories, even using a microphone shaped like a gun, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The hat and accessories are reminiscent of the shop he opened a year earlier, New Power Generation, in his hometown of Minneapolis. The store was filled with interesting accessories like this one.

1994- At his VH1 performance, Prince used a cane as one of his accessories, along with a matching white outfit and a gold necklace.

1997- Prince mixes the feminine nature of lace with more masculine touches like a letterman jacket at a concert in San Jose, California.

1998- Prince shows off his new symbol, a combination of both gender signs, in necklace form. This symbol later became a signature of the singer—he even had a guitar made in a similar shape.

2007- This all-black look is from an All-Star basketball game in Las Vegas. Prince spiced up this simple look with a sparkly jacket and a tilted hat.

2008- Prince chooses to opt-out of a flower crown while performing at Coachella. The singer chose a simple, white tunic for his performance at the music festival—much different than his usual performance outfits.