With Pokémon making a comeback, Blink182 in the charts, and a Clinton in the race for president, you could be forgiven for thinking it was 1999. On top of that, today Britney Spears announced she has a new single out.
Yes, the queen of the hide chaps and abs you could store water in is back and she's looking more 'hun' than ever on her latest single's artwork. The single – a dancefloor ear-wormer of a track, "Make Me" ft. G-Eazy – has a seemingly stranded Britney stood in a desert with nothing on but a chiffon loin cloth and a one-shouldered matching bra; the poor thing looks alone and thirsty. This 'Me-Tarzan, You-Jane'-style outfit makes for a relatively conservative entry into the Britney Spears holy-shit-what-is-that? canon of the pop star's music video garb, especially when you place it next to some of her early wardrobe choices. We're talking leather pants, cowboy hats galore and more transition lens sunglasses than you can shake a Bono at. So, to celebrate Britney's high-octane fashion statements over the years, here's a look-book of Brit's most intense and beguiling looks.
Warning: contains strong scenes of Daisy Dukes and knotted t-shirts.
"Hit Me Baby One More Time" 1998
The classic, much imitated, Emma Bunton meets St Trinian's look that we attempted far, far too early for our dad's comfort at every party in the years 1998-2003. Sorry, dad.
"Me Against The Music (Ft. Madonna)" 2003
"A collar, a blazer, a tie...and no shirt," said the stylist on this video (who was themselves clearly dressed in bootcuts, vest and possibly a Stetson) to a suddenly hushed dressing room of people, before, one by one, Britney's team stood to slow-clap. Maybe.
"Oops!...I Did It Again" 2000
'Looking like an extra from the Blue Man Group at their Valentine's Day special performance' is what we've entitled this sweaty look. It's almost offensive how tight the whole suit is only to allow breathing space at the ankles in the form of a kick flare. Off to have a shower.
"Crazy" 1999
We're going to cite the first usage of metallic pastel colours in spandex form in the year 1997 with the release of Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. Here Brit deconstructs the look with an off-the-shoulder green lamé crop top. Ideal for body-popping.
"Toxic" 2003
A few well-placed gems over a body stocking. Iconic.
"I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" 2001
Nothing like some me-time on a rock in some pube-skimming flares and a prairie girl bra. Yeehaw!
"Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" 2000
A crochet bikini and cut-offs to rival Mariah's off-duty look. Just add a man and a tree and some leg stroking and you've got a seminal music video.
"I'm a Slave 4 U" 2001
You know that terrible recurring nightmare you have about turning up to work in your leather trousers with your knickers over the top of them? Brit turned it into a statement for this music video – life hacks. Her torso wore a series of pink ribbons, rather loosely, for decency.
"I Love Rock 'N' Roll" 2001
Never go full Village People is my Friday night pre-drink rule to live by. Unless, of course, you're Britney, in which case a shredded leather basque and matching baker boy is totally mandatory.
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