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VIDEO VIXEN, 1985

Neil Matthews/Retna

VIDEO VIXEN, 1985

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.

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EARNING HER STRIPES, 1986

Ralph Dominguez/Globe

EARNING HER STRIPES, 1986

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.

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BLAZING UP THE CHARTS, 1987

Dirck Halstead/Getty

BLAZING UP THE CHARTS, 1987

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.

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GOING BIG, 1988

Everett

GOING BIG, 1988

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.

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SUPER BOWL STUNNER, 1991

Al Messerschmidt/Getty

SUPERBOWL STUNNER, 1991

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.

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HIGH DRAMA, 1992

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.

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STRIKING SENSATION, 1994

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

STRIKING SENSATION, 1994

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.

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FASHION FACEOFF, 1998

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

FASHION FACEOFF, 1998

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.

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THE RISK-TAKER, 2001

Kevin Kane/WireImage

THE RISK-TAKER, 2001

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.

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FUR FAN, 2001

Frederick M. Brown/Getty

FUR FAN, 2001

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.”

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COMEBACK KID, 2009

Kevin Mazur/Getty

COMEBACK KID, 2009

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.

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SHINE ON, 2011

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