01of 12
VIDEO VIXEN, 1985
Neil Matthews/Retna

02of 12EARNING HER STRIPES, 1986Ralph Dominguez/GlobeHer first album, the self-titledWhitney Houston, was an out-of-the-gate success, landing her two American Music Awards and a chance to stand out: The singer selected a sparkling striped blazer and wild curls to collect her first trophies.
02of 12
EARNING HER STRIPES, 1986
Ralph Dominguez/Globe

Her first album, the self-titledWhitney Houston, was an out-of-the-gate success, landing her two American Music Awards and a chance to stand out: The singer selected a sparkling striped blazer and wild curls to collect her first trophies.
03of 12BLAZING UP THE CHARTS, 1987Dirck Halstead/GettyThough the shoulder pads and hairstyles changed throughout the years, Houston remained partial to menswear-inspired jackets, paired with everything from jeans to fancy skirts – sometimes even wearing full suits for formal events.
03of 12
BLAZING UP THE CHARTS, 1987
Dirck Halstead/Getty

Though the shoulder pads and hairstyles changed throughout the years, Houston remained partial to menswear-inspired jackets, paired with everything from jeans to fancy skirts – sometimes even wearing full suits for formal events.
04of 12GOING BIG, 1988EverettMore than 1 billion people watched Houston perform at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert in London, where her big voice matched an even bigger look: a beaded, double-breasted blazer, layered over a turtleneck, plus black gloves and a half-up hairdo.
04of 12
GOING BIG, 1988
Everett

More than 1 billion people watched Houston perform at Nelson Mandela’s 70th birthday concert in London, where her big voice matched an even bigger look: a beaded, double-breasted blazer, layered over a turtleneck, plus black gloves and a half-up hairdo.
05of 12SUPER BOWL STUNNER, 1991Al Messerschmidt/GettyHouston’s rendition of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl is still considered one of the best of all time – though her performance was also notable for the patriotic striped and checked jumpsuit she paired with a wide white headband.
05of 12
SUPER BOWL STUNNER, 1991
Al Messerschmidt/Getty

Houston’s rendition of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl is still considered one of the best of all time – though her performance was also notable for the patriotic striped and checked jumpsuit she paired with a wide white headband.
06of 12HIGH DRAMA, 1992For her first film role, inThe Bodyguard, the star donned a number of jaw-dropping ensembles, including the dramatic black satin cloak seen on the cover of the original soundtrack – which would feature one of her biggest hits, a cover ofI Will Always Love You.
06of 12
HIGH DRAMA, 1992

For her first film role, inThe Bodyguard, the star donned a number of jaw-dropping ensembles, including the dramatic black satin cloak seen on the cover of the original soundtrack – which would feature one of her biggest hits, a cover ofI Will Always Love You.
07of 12STRIKING SENSATION, 1994Vinnie Zuffante/GettyShe already had two Grammys to her name, but the success ofThe Bodyguardsoundtrack nabbed her three more, including album of the year. To pick up her trophies (with songwriter/producer David Foster) she looked the part of a winner in an ivory sequined gown, a loose, curly updo and sparkling gems.
07of 12
STRIKING SENSATION, 1994
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

She already had two Grammys to her name, but the success ofThe Bodyguardsoundtrack nabbed her three more, including album of the year. To pick up her trophies (with songwriter/producer David Foster) she looked the part of a winner in an ivory sequined gown, a loose, curly updo and sparkling gems.
08of 12
FASHION FACEOFF, 1998
Kevin Mazur/WireImage

09of 12THE RISK-TAKER, 2001Kevin Kane/WireImageThough her weight caused a stir at a tribute to pop legendMichael Jackson, Houston proved she still had serious pipes (and moves to match), singing “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'” in a gladiator-inspired fringed ensemble.
09of 12
THE RISK-TAKER, 2001
Kevin Kane/WireImage

Though her weight caused a stir at a tribute to pop legendMichael Jackson, Houston proved she still had serious pipes (and moves to match), singing “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'” in a gladiator-inspired fringed ensemble.
10of 12
FUR FAN, 2001
Frederick M. Brown/Getty

11of 12COMEBACK KID, 2009Kevin Mazur/GettyThough her tour that year wasn’t without its problems, the singer was polished and put-together when she appeared at the American Music Awards, wearing her most elegant look yet – a one-sleeved portrait-neckline white gown – to perform “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.”
11of 12
COMEBACK KID, 2009
Kevin Mazur/Getty

Though her tour that year wasn’t without its problems, the singer was polished and put-together when she appeared at the American Music Awards, wearing her most elegant look yet – a one-sleeved portrait-neckline white gown – to perform “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.”
12of 12SHINE ON, 2011Kevin Mazur/WireImageAt the pre-Grammy gala, Houston sang for longtime friend and mentor Clive Davis in a timeless, shimmering ombré sequin gown and minimal jewels.
12of 12
SHINE ON, 2011

At the pre-Grammy gala, Houston sang for longtime friend and mentor Clive Davis in a timeless, shimmering ombré sequin gown and minimal jewels.
source: people.com