Mariah Carey Turns 55, a Look Back at Her Iconic Fashion Moments: Iconic Ungaro Butterfly Top, Vera Wang Wedding Dress and Gowns That Glitter

Mariah Carey’s style is as noteworthy as her music career. The R&B icon got her start in the 1990s before rising to global superstardom.

Through the years, her style has been defined by glamour and glitz — the legendary songstress is known to favor sequins and rhinestones. In honor of Carey’s 55th birthday on Wednesday, WWD looks back at her best fashion moments from the ’90s to now.

More from WWD

• Mariah Carey Set to Perform ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ at Billboard Music Awards 2023

• Mariah Carey Performs at L.A.’s Pride in the Park in Sculpted Metal Breastplate and Sequin Skirt

• 16 Looks That Defined Each Style Era of Beyoncé's Career: From 'Dangerously in Love' to 'Cowboy Carter'

Grammy Awards, 1991

Carey scored her first two Grammys wearing a Pamela Dennis little black dress featuring bedazzled straps. The singer took home Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for “Vision Of Love.”

Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola’s Wedding, 1993

Carey walked down the aisle in a custom Vera Wang gown inspired by Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress. While her marriage to Tommy Mottola didn’t last, Carey did re-wear the gown in her music video for “We Belong Together.”

MTV Video Music Awards, 1997

Taking another hint from Princess Di, Carey sported a two-piece “revenge dress” by Calvin Klein following her split from Mottola. At the MTV Video Music Awards, she paired a bra top with a high-waisted slit skirt and open-toe heels.

VH1 Divas, 2000

Perhaps Carey’s most memorable look is her Emanuel Ungaro butterfly top. She paired the beaded halter, which came from the designer’s spring 2000 collection, with low-rise jeans featuring a raw hem waistline.

Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party, 2016

Carey wore a one-shoulder Brandon Maxwell gown with bedazzled pumps and fishnet stockings at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party in 2016.

Variety’s Power of Women, 2019

At Variety’s Power of Women event in 2019, Carey wore a plunging glittery black gown from Philipp Plein’s fall 2019 collection.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2022

Carey wore a custom Christian Siriano gown to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022. Her pink frock, which she paired with a tiara, featured draped tulle and a mermaid silhouette.

Grammy Awards, 2024

Carey wore Laura Basci couture for her surprise appearance at the 2024 Grammys, where she presented Miley Cyrus with her first-ever award for Best Pop Solo Performance. Carey’s golden gown featured a plunging neckline and a sultry thigh-high slit.

Launch Gallery: Mariah Carey's Outfits Through the Years: A Style Evolution [PHOTOS]

Best of WWD

• Tina Knowles' Fashion Moments Through the Years: From Runways to Red Carpets

• Kristen Wiig's Style Through the Years, Photos

• 16 Looks That Defined Each Style Era of Beyoncé’s Career: From 'Dangerously in Love' to 'Cowboy Carter'