A look back at the signature fashion of Whitney Houston, who died Feb. 11 at 48, reveals a choice selection of the best trends from the ’80s and early ’90s. The legendary talent’s glowing skin, big hair, and forward-thinking wardrobe was both trendsetting and refined—so much so that her looks are still being repurposed on the street and in films today. Here’s a recap of some of her best ensembles.
L-R: Getty Images (2), AP Photo
At the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, Houston performed alongside husband Bobby Brown in cobalt leather pants and a white fur shrug.
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In this 1986 promotional image, Houston dons a gown embellished with oversize gilded flowers. Sarah Jessica Parker wore a similar style in the Sex and the City film more than two decades later.
Dirck Halstead, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images
Wearing an ensemble that defines a decade worth of excessive glitz, Houston performs on New Year’s Eve, 1987.
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In June 1986, Houston performs in a Georgio Sant’Angelo look that embodies the designer’s trademark style. 1986 may have been the singer’s breakout year in music, but it also signified her entry into the world of fashion.
Mario Suriani / AP Photo
While performing in Chicago in August 1986, Houston wears an all-white ensemble embellished with pearls and accessorized with Cinderella-worthy heels.
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Sporting longer locks, Houston attends a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1986—the first year that King’s legacy was celebrated with a national holiday. The late singer was a serious fan of fur and often wore brightly dyed styles that were almost always fabricated in coyote or fox.
Ron Galella, WireImage / Getty Images
With husband Bobby Brown, Houston attends the Met’s Costume Institute gala in 1999 wearing Dolce & Gabbana. That year the annual exhibit, titled " Rock Style," and was sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger.
Ron Galella, WireImage / Getty Images
Attending Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy bash in Los Angeles in 2008, Houston wears one of her signature sparkly gowns. In an act of remembrance, Davis dedicated this year’s party to Houston’s legacy.
Chris Pizzello / AP Photo
Houston performs in Chicago with teased hair and wearing a patterned sequined suit.
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One of the performer’s bolder outfits, Houston wears a graphic bodysuit onstage in London during a 1991 concert.
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Houston poses for a promotional image in 1991 wearing an outfit that would be au courant in Williamsburg today.
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At the 1999 MTV Europe Music Awards in Dublin, Houston performs in a chinoiserie-inspired look, bearing the influence of then-Gucci designer Tom Ford. That year she took home the award for Best Female R&B Artist.
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Houston performs on stage in Inglewood, Calif., during her 1991 "I’m Your Baby Tonight" tour, the first time she incorporated costume changes into one of her traveling productions.
Bertrand Guay, AFP / Getty Images
Dressed down for Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in 1996, where Houston was officially inducted into the network’s hall of fame.
Ron Galella, WireImage / Getty IMages
At the 2000 Grammy Awards, Houston goes for an all pink palette while accepting the award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Scott Gries, Image Direct / Getty Images
