Lost Legend: Remembering Whitney Houston’s Style

By Morgan C. Schimminger

80s

Images: DJDM / WENN.com, George Chin / WENN

Whitney became a mega-star in this decade after releasing her first album back in 1985. She attended the American Music Awards in Los Angeles the following year in a black one-shoulder gown with a touch of that infamous 80s excess in the form of an oversized blue ribbon shoulder accent. Her stage outfits for The Moment of Truth World Tour favored shoulder pads, sequins, and big prints. When she took the show over to London’s Wembley Arena in May 1988, she sported an embellished all-grey skirt suit with coordinating boots.

Images: George Chin / WENN

She also rocked a leather jacket and polka dot print while onstage in London. At the 1989 BPI Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall in London in February of that year, Whitney worked this head-to-toe white fringe ensemble.
 

90s

Images: DJDM / WENN.com, WENN.com

In this decade, Whitney not only continued to show off her pipes as a singer, but she also ventured into the realm of acting. When she performed what would become one of her signature tunes, “I Will Always Love You,” from her film, The Bodyguard at the 1994 Grammys, she shined in a sequin long sleeve, form-fitting white gown. Whitney even took on the role of the Fairy Godmother alongside Brandy’s Cinderella in the Disney TV movie in November 1997. Her ornate costumes might have been a part of the script, but there seemed to be an element of Whitney’s commanding style woven into each piece.

2000s

Images: WENN.com, Nikki Nelson / WENN

Images: Theboombox.com, FayesVision/WENN.com

The ombre strapless Zuhair Murad gown Whitney donned for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in February 2009 had a floral sequin detail and side slit. She was back in black for the 2011 Pre-Grammy Gala last February. She let her sequin high-neck number be the center of attention by adding in an understated pair of black heels.

Morgan C. Schimminger
Morgan C. Schimminger

​As passionate about feminism as she is about fashion, Morgan C. Schimminger spends much of her time writing and editing pieces on everything from celebrity style to the fight to keep funding for Planned Parenthood. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in publishing from Rosemont College. Morgan has contributed to a variety of publications, including StyleBakery, Uptown, metro.pop and Sister 2 Sister. Every week for theFashionSpot, she profiles the Top 10 Best Dressed Celebs and provides a daily dose of stylish stars via Look of the Day.

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