Of All Of Madonna’s Looks, This Stands Above The Rest

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images By Mike Nied/July 29, 2021 6:51 pm EST

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. It goes without saying that Madonna is a certified fashion icon. After all, you don’t get to be the Queen of Pop without delivering some serious looks while claiming the throne. The reigning “Material Girl” diva has done just that since emerging on the scene in the ’80s, a fact that has been recognized by the likes of Vogue, Entertainment Weekly and the Independent. You know your sense of style is to die for when Vogue is talking you up.

The praise is well-earned, too. Madonna has given us countless, truly iconic fashion moments over the span of the last four decades. Her edgy, punked-up look of the early ’80s — complete with crucifixes, pearls and fishnet tights — is still replicated to this day (via Barnebys). Then there’s the cone bra, which put an empowering spin on the traditionally soft female form (via Vogue). The list continues as the singer’s style constantly shifted and evolved with every new era. That’s why the Huffington Post dubbed her the “ultimate style chameleon.” She’s had so many moments of fashion excellence, that it should be impossible to pick a favorite. However, one look in particular goes down in history as her most recognizable. 

Madonna’s VMAs look became a staple in pop culture

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Madonna’s titillating bridal look is so iconic that it consistently emerges in popular culture. Famously, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera re-created it during their performance with the Queen of Pop at the 2003 VMAs. You may remember it as the infamous performance where the two ingenues kissed Madonna at the end (via YouTube). Spears loved the dress so much that she wore it (minus the Boy Toy belt and sheer skirt) on the red carpet ahead of the event (via MTV). 

Spears and Aguilera aren’t the only celebrities to pay tribute to one of Madonna’s most iconic looks. The outfit became a staple for celeb Halloween costumes. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Paris Hilton both put a spin on it back in 2013. Audrina Patridge of “The Hills” got the jump on them by wearing a similar look in 2007 (via E! Online). And the dress hasn’t lost its legendary status over the years. If anything, it gained steam. In 2020, pop icon Jennifer Lopez dressed up as Madge for Halloween (via Instagram). The accompanying caption referenced the wrong song (“Crazy For You” instead of “Like A Virgin”), but there was no mistaking the timeless, oft-imitated look.

Of All Of Madonna’s Looks, This Stands Above The Rest

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

By Mike Nied/July 29, 2021 6:51 pm EST

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. It goes without saying that Madonna is a certified fashion icon. After all, you don’t get to be the Queen of Pop without delivering some serious looks while claiming the throne. The reigning “Material Girl” diva has done just that since emerging on the scene in the ’80s, a fact that has been recognized by the likes of Vogue, Entertainment Weekly and the Independent. You know your sense of style is to die for when Vogue is talking you up.

The praise is well-earned, too. Madonna has given us countless, truly iconic fashion moments over the span of the last four decades. Her edgy, punked-up look of the early ’80s — complete with crucifixes, pearls and fishnet tights — is still replicated to this day (via Barnebys). Then there’s the cone bra, which put an empowering spin on the traditionally soft female form (via Vogue). The list continues as the singer’s style constantly shifted and evolved with every new era. That’s why the Huffington Post dubbed her the “ultimate style chameleon.” She’s had so many moments of fashion excellence, that it should be impossible to pick a favorite. However, one look in particular goes down in history as her most recognizable. 

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

The praise is well-earned, too. Madonna has given us countless, truly iconic fashion moments over the span of the last four decades. Her edgy, punked-up look of the early ’80s — complete with crucifixes, pearls and fishnet tights — is still replicated to this day (via Barnebys). Then there’s the cone bra, which put an empowering spin on the traditionally soft female form (via Vogue). The list continues as the singer’s style constantly shifted and evolved with every new era. That’s why the Huffington Post dubbed her the “ultimate style chameleon.”

She’s had so many moments of fashion excellence, that it should be impossible to pick a favorite. However, one look in particular goes down in history as her most recognizable. 

Madonna owned the 1984 MTV VMAs

Frank Micelotta Archive/Getty Images

The media predicted the moment would ruin her. The actual outcome was quite different. “It put Madonna on the map as Queen of Pop,” MTV wrote in 2014. What’s more, it “established MTV’s annual award show as the place where water-cooler moments happen.” Instead of signifying her demise, the performance and its accompanying look have become a staple in Madonna’s legacy.

Madonna’s VMAs look became a staple in pop culture

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Madonna’s titillating bridal look is so iconic that it consistently emerges in popular culture. Famously, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera re-created it during their performance with the Queen of Pop at the 2003 VMAs. You may remember it as the infamous performance where the two ingenues kissed Madonna at the end (via YouTube). Spears loved the dress so much that she wore it (minus the Boy Toy belt and sheer skirt) on the red carpet ahead of the event (via MTV). 

Spears and Aguilera aren’t the only celebrities to pay tribute to one of Madonna’s most iconic looks. The outfit became a staple for celeb Halloween costumes. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Paris Hilton both put a spin on it back in 2013. Audrina Patridge of “The Hills” got the jump on them by wearing a similar look in 2007 (via E! Online). And the dress hasn’t lost its legendary status over the years. If anything, it gained steam. In 2020, pop icon Jennifer Lopez dressed up as Madge for Halloween (via Instagram). The accompanying caption referenced the wrong song (“Crazy For You” instead of “Like A Virgin”), but there was no mistaking the timeless, oft-imitated look.

Spears and Aguilera aren’t the only celebrities to pay tribute to one of Madonna’s most iconic looks. The outfit became a staple for celeb Halloween costumes. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Paris Hilton both put a spin on it back in 2013. Audrina Patridge of “The Hills” got the jump on them by wearing a similar look in 2007 (via E! Online).

And the dress hasn’t lost its legendary status over the years. If anything, it gained steam. In 2020, pop icon Jennifer Lopez dressed up as Madge for Halloween (via Instagram). The accompanying caption referenced the wrong song (“Crazy For You” instead of “Like A Virgin”), but there was no mistaking the timeless, oft-imitated look.

Here’s how to replicate the outfit

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

If you’re putting your own spin on this edgy, bridal look, Coolest Homemade Costumes has an easy-to-follow guide for putting together the outfit. Just don’t forget one of the most important accessories when you put on the costume. No, we’re not talking about the star earrings, which you also must have to pull everything together. What we’re talking about is Madonna’s undeniable confidence. That’s what truly elevates every outfit she ever wears and gives her the ability to pull off such daring looks, year after year.