Britney Spears's fashion and beauty looks through the years, from '90s schoolgirl to queen of red carpet glam
If Britney Spears is not living in your head rent-free these days, then quite frankly, where have you been?
The 39-year-old pop icon is the subject of many impassioned conversations, the #FreeBritney movement, and the New York Times documentary that has got the whole world talking, Framing Britney Spears.
But we're not here to talk about the inhumane conservatorship, what a sh*tbag Justin Timberlake is, or anything to do with Britney's music or life story. No, dear members of the Britney Army. We are here today to discuss what an absolute fashion and beauty icon Britney Spears is (and has always been).
How many times have you dressed up (or wanted to dress up) as baby Britney in the 1999 music video for Hit Me Baby One More Time, all knee-high socks and fluffy scrunchies and crop top galore? It's an absolutely classic Halloween outfit. And did anyone rock low-rise jeans and shorts in the early 2000s better than Britney? The answer is unanimously 'no, not even close'.
More recently, Britney's red carpet dressing is a lesson in timeless Hollywood glam. Her California-blonde hair is often tonged into beachy waves, coupled with a glossy nude lip, peachy blush with subtle natural-looking brows and a heavy smokey eye make-up that makes her deep brown eyes pop. She often marries this staple beauty look with a chic little black dress or a crystal-embellished gown. Told you Britney was all timeless Hollywood glam nowadays.
So, here are some of our favourite Britney Spears fashion and beauty moments over the years, from '90s school-girl chic in Hit Me Baby One More Time to queen of red carpet glam...
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Rex FeaturesOur first taste of Britney Spears came at the start of 1999, when the barely 17-year-old popstar burst onto screens worldwide sporting pigtails and a school uniform, complete with knee-high socks and crop top.
Rex FeaturesAs her star-status climbs, Britney Spears drops the gawky schoolgirl look for a more mature style – with a choppy bob and timeless make-up.
Rex FeaturesAh-ha. A fully-fledged popstral begins to appear. Britney Spears, now an award-winning, platinum-selling artist and one half of the Spears/Timberlake media love machine, goes all out with über -blonde extensions, an all-American golden tan and a wash of bold make-up.
Rex FeaturesThen Brit launched into her first world tour, with a whistle-stop appearance at the MTV awards, where she raised ‘brows the world over again by ripping off a black suit to reveal a jewel-encrusted, barely-there bra and matching trews. Still just 18, Britney’s lengthy sun-kissed locks (with much-copied crimped sections), flash lashes and mega-watt smile made her the belle of the MTV Awards 2000 ball.
PA PhotosJust an hour later and a new Britney emerged on the stage. For her performance of Slave 4u, she wore a bejewelled bikini and smoky eye make-up with wet-look hair. And a snake.
Rex FeaturesLooking sleek and polished at the NRJ Music Awards in 2002, with glam make-up and her staple California-blonde hair.
Rex FeaturesTeen romance with Justin over, Britney Spears – looking like a natural beauty – opts for natural make-up, still-lengthy locks but with flattering highlights and a ‘bed-head’ parting. We love this look.
Rex FeaturesShowing off her all-American girl credentials, Britney enters the Bronze Age with golden-hued make-up and sun-kissed locks. We're not too sold on the oversized hat but you do you, Brit.
Rex FeaturesAs she announces her second pregnancy, new mum Britney looks radiant and rather chic with her satin bow.
Rex FeaturesAt her fifth MTV Music Awards appearance, Britney sported her classic megawatt smile, flawless finish and shimmering golden waves.
Rex FeaturesQueen Brit wowed the crowds in Germany with her Madonna-esque costume choices and energetic dance routines. Her fans came from all walks of life, and included (now sadly deceased) Karl Lagerfeld. Who’d have known!
Rex FeaturesOn the Femme Fatale tour, Britney rocked her trademark look to perfection – smoky, bedroom eyes, beachy blonde waves and a nude lip.
PA PhotosWe can't get over these Hollywood curls.
PA PhotosAt the VMA Awards cover girl Britney Spears was looking completely flawless with glossy long blonde locks and subtle smoky eye make-up.
GLAMOUR unveil the gorgeous Britney Spears as our October 2011 cover girl.
PAAt the The X Factor US season two premiere in LA, we love her super-long side-swept blond locks and kohl-rimmed eyes.
Britney showed off her colourful new hair shade in the form of this fun dip-dyed blue/purple ponytail.
Rex FeaturesHere she is rocking a classic wavy 'do with smoky eyes and nude lips.
Getty ImagesBritney sported long lashes and slightly glossy lips during the MTV VMAs.
Getty ImagesWe love Britney in a high pony and silver crop top.
Getty Images2016 Britney knew how to work the hell out of a caged belt and teeny-tiny denim shorts. Also, those waves.
Getty ImagesBritney epitomised classic glam at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards with beachy waves, an LBD and a pink lip.
Getty ImagesAttending the GLAAD Media Awards in 2018, Britney went for straight hair, a nude glossy lip with a grey-charcoal smoky eye and an intricately embellished metallic mini dress.
Getty ImagesWe love the peachy-pink lip with matching blusher and a heavily-shadowed eye here. More is definitely more.
ShutterstockAt the Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood premiere in 2019, Britney looked chic in a bright red one-shoulder dress, crystal necklace and hair swept into a half-up, half-down style.
