Michael Jackson’s Most Iconic Looks

Michael Jackson is regarded as one of the most important musical figures of the 20th century. Known as the King of Pop, his expansive career was defined by record-breaking achievements, awe-inspiring performances, and philanthropy. It is impossible to distill his genius and impact to a single factor, since his incredible singing and dancing are just the tip of the iceberg. After all, Michael Jackson was also known for his fashion.

In terms of personal style and costumes, he was an icon from head to toe. MJ’s tour outfits, street style, and music video costumes are just as famous as the man himself. Below, let’s break down some of the best and most iconic Michael Jackson looks, as well as their pop culture legacies.

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HIStory Tour

Pushing boundaries on and offstage, Michael Jackson amazed audiences during his 1997 HIStory World Tour. At his concert in Copenhagen, Denmark, MJ emerged in a robotic, full-body suit and helmet. Who needs sunglasses when you have gold-plated armor? This futuristic costume oozes Michael Jackson’s signature charisma. Additionally, it cements his identity as a timeless visual icon, careening through the centuries in costumes other stars could only dream to pull off this well.

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Dangerous Tour

MJ’s second world concert tour began in Munich, Germany in 1992. For the opening show, he dressed in a futuristic black, gold, and white ensemble – with the faintest touch of red on the arm. The costume itself is incredibly militaristic, with a high collar as well as gold accessories resembling bullet casings draped in several layers over his torso. The belt and gold shield increase this imagery alongside tight tailoring and sharp, precise lines on the jacket and trousers.

Dangerous, indeed! The gold crotch and powerful stance showcase ultimate confidence as Michael Jackson steps onstage. With a legendary rotation of outfits, of course the ones he performs live in are seared into our minds.

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“Smooth Criminal” (MTV)

“Smooth Criminal” premiered internationally on MTV. Here, Michael Jackson wears a white suit and fedora to pay tribute to legendary performer Fred Astaire. Inspired by Astaire’s look in The Band Wagon, it is particularly relevant for this stage in his career. The film revolves around an aging musical star who feels increasingly pressured to land roles and please his fanbase. Almost luminescent, MJ proves he’s still got it while also achieving the famed “anti-gravity” lean and adding some bite to his R&B groove.

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Bad

Black leather, excessive buckles, silver spikes … these are the staples of a “bad boy” persona. Michael Jackson curates this image with finesse and sophistication. Following a world tour and a period of reinvention, his Bad costume — the same on the cover and the lead single — promises a more aggressive sound and vibe. Notably, however, the Bad album champions world peace and romance while denouncing racial profiling and media bias. This supposedly dangerous-looking man on the cover only wants justice and kindness. In many ways, this outfit expresses Michael Jackson’s fashion sense as well as his worldviews.

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“Thriller”

The color red should thank Michael Jackson for his service. For the “Thriller” music video, he stuns in a candy-apple-red leather and dark black palette. The silhouette, which features raised shoulders to form an inverted triangle, emphasizes his lithe form without restricting movement. In fact, that red jacket, later dubbed the “Thriller” jacket, became a hot outerwear fad in the 1980s. Now, the jacket is emulated in everything from modern media to Halloween costumes.

But that’s not all “Thriller” has to offer! A revolution in special and visual effects, the “Thriller” music video showcases MJ as a horror-flick character. His teenage doppelgänger wears a fantastic red and yellow letterman jacket. Then, he transforms into a hairy and hulking werewolf with glowing eyes. Masterful and mesmerizing, the creatures and zombies from “Thriller” are looked at as standout additions to the industry.

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Ghosts

Rejoice, horror fans. Michael Jackson returned to the genre in 1996 with the short film Ghosts, directed by the legendary special effects artist Stan Winston. Ghosts was written by Stephen King and Mick Garris, and serves as an allegory for Michael Jackson’s relationship to fame and his own pop culture status. In the story, Michael Jackson’s character is banished as a freak. He wears the typical garb of a ghost story — flowing white shirts and black pants — which may not seem noteworthy. Yet the muted color palette and ruffles add a truly romantic quality to an otherwise terrifying cinematic experience.

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“Beat It”

Let’s hear it for another red jacket! Another ’80s release, “Beat It” also puts Michael Jackson in a vibrantly colored costume. Combined with a multicolored T-shirt (prominently featuring pinks, blues, and greens), the outfit helps him stand out in a dark and dingy set. This is especially significant when the lyrics criticize people who tell teens, “Don’t want to see your face / You better disappear.” Through the power of music, dance, and impeccable style, MJ’s character unites rival gangs, cementing his role externally as an international icon and pop star.

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What do you think is the best Michael Jackson look? Did we forget your favorite? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!