Fashion
Comeback Queen Missy Elliott Shows Us All How To Work It — Come Tracksuits Or Double Denim
It all happened so fast. We knew it was coming, but once the beat from "Work It" started bumping, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott took the stage during Katy Perry's killer Superbowl Halftime Show on Sunday, and reminded us just how cool she is, was, and always will be. From the aforementioned "Work It," to "Get Ur Freak On," to "Lose Control," Missy pretty much dominated the dance floors of the early 00s, giving us all some fantastic fashion moments in the process.
Be it her penchant for Adidas tracksuits, her bold accessorizing, or her ability to pull off a gigantic trash bag, the rapper inspires with a personal style that perfectly encapsulates the fearlessness of her music. To deem Missy's fashion "unconventional" would prove a gross understatement. Because throughout her time in music, Missy has bucked all trends — creating her own trademark look in the process. Whatever she wears... well, she can work it.
Alexander Wang For H&M Party, 2014
Before the Superbowl Halftime Show, Missy Elliott gave her most recent performance at the launch party for Alexander Wang’s H&M collection. Singing all the hits in a much lauded comeback of sorts, Missy unsurprisingly served her typical fashion ferocity, decked out in the designer’s all-black goods, adding a burst of color with her bright yellow nails and iced out mic.
BET Hip Hop Awards, 2009
Opting for a more structured silhouette, Missy Elliott still packs a lot of rebellious punch into this leather-heavy look at the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards. This outfit is far from a tracksuit — but with the orange accents adorned with studs and spikes, the leather-paneled pants, and the custom Adidas, it certainly still screams Missy.
Grammy Awards, 2003
As with most Missy Elliott outfits, there’s a lot happening here, but as always, she somehow makes it work. Not too many people could pull off a matching baby pink velour Adidas track suit, let alone one with a matching fuzzy newsboy cap, pink bandana, and a gold necklace with a personalized piece. It might be a bit extreme, but Missy Elliott isn’t one to be tame. She really does pull each element of this look off, all the way down to the leg tucked into the ankle socks.
Grammy Awards, 2006
Accepting a Grammy Award on behalf of her song "Lose Control," Missy Elliott makes yet another red carpet statement with this all-denim ensemble. Setting aside her typical tracksuit look for a jacket and jean combo, Missy sports a look intrinsic to the year 2005. But even so, the outfit still makes for a memorable fashion moment.
BET Awards, 2005
In this 2005 BET Awards performance of “Lose Control,” Missy Elliot put an unexpected spin on her usual tracksuit, deciding to pay air brush homage to Michael Jackson, an artist whom she has often times cited as a huge creative inspiration.
Spike TV Video Game Awards, 2005
The Spike TV Video Game Awards may not be the most obvious stage for Missy Elliott, but the rapper nonetheless steals the show with this this color blocked number. Maybe it’s the bright hues or the turntable piece hanging from her necklace, but despite being more on the tamer side (at least by Missy standards), this outfit definitely ranks as one of her more memorable looks.
Grammy Awards, 2004
Hitting the Grammy red carpet in 2004 (where “Work It” would go on to win Best Female Rap Solo Performance), Missy Elliott decides to forego convention for a look that’s more her style. In this case, that means a black and white leather jacket with distressed denim jeans, a rhinestone encrusted belt and t-shirt, with a matching newsboy cap on top. It’s certainly a look of the time, but nonetheless still stands as timeless Missy.
MTV Video Music Awards, 2006
Reprising an unforgettable look from her "The Rain (Supa Dupa)" video, Missy reminds us that she can wear a puffed up leather jumpsuit that looks dangerously close to being a garbage bag and can, in fact, pull it off. Work it, Missy.
'Get Ur Freak On,' 2001
Released in 2001, ”Get Ur Freak On“ loosely marks the beginning of the Era of Missy. Her first top ten hit, the catchy chorus and Timbaland beats provide a great introduction to an already established catalogue (”Me and Timbaland been hot since twenty years ago/What the dealio?”). The video matches the song in its creativity, demonstrating just how important fashion is to Missy’s message. Here, she sports a denim vest and jeans, both covered in a rhinestone paisley pattern along with some bold jewelry and bright white nails, creating a tough-glam look that would soon be as classic as her hit songs.
Image: YouTube
'Work It,' 2003
When most people think of Missy Elliott, they tend to think of “Work It,” attempting to quote the gibberish chorus with the lyrics ”Put your thing down, flip it and reverse it,” played in reverse. Therefore, it’s only fitting that the video presents Missy at her most memorable, in a custom and colorful Adidas tracksuit, with chunky gold chains added in for good measure.
Image: YouTube
'Gossip Folks,' 2002
Another classic Missy song, another classic Missy tracksuit. In the ”Gossip Folks“ video, Missy puts and electric spin on her traditional music video attire, making things pop with this neon blue and yellow number. Plus, how cool is that fuzzy yellow hat?
Image: YouTube
MTV Video Music Awards, 2001
Descending from the Metropolitan Opera House ceiling via falling chandelier, Missy Elliott’s 2001 VMA performance is one for the books. Rocking this metallic gold and camouflage ensemble with red spiked hair and huge diamonds on her fingers, Missy adds even more flash to a brilliant, beat-bumping rendition of “Get Ur Freak On.”
