The Evolution of Christina Aguilera’s Music Video Fashion in the 2000s

Introduction

Christina Aguilera debuted in the late nineties as a young pop star who performed ‘Genie in a Bottle.’ Over the course of a decade this performer experimented with her image and style in each of her albums and music videos. Christina remained an enigma as she changed her image time and time again, leaving the audience wondering what she had in store for them next.

There is one factor that remained consistent throughout Christina’s various phases in her career – she always provided head-turning, memorable performances in her music videos. From almost invisible chaps to lingerie and gloves, Christina never shied away from experimenting and trying things that would seem daring to most.

Before she was a judge on The Voice and an independent artist, Christina Aguilera was a stunning pop starlet who evolved into a wild and sexy R&B vixen and here are the various video vixen moments of Christina that left us green with envy.

What a Girl Wants” – Playful Schoolgirl (1999)

The music video of the second song that took her to stardom, which is ‘Genie in a Bottle,’ was innocent and fun. As she gyrated in a white blouse, plaid miniskirt, pigtails, knee-highs and tie, she could not have been more appropriate for the song’s lyrics. Though it must also be said that this look represented Christina in her early years as the pop icon of America before revealing her ‘wild’ side.

Key Elements: Pigtails, pleated skirt, knee socks, button-down shirt, tie

Come on Over Baby” – Futuristic Cowgirl Cyborg (2000)

In this redux video from the debut album, Christina incorporated the futuristic fashion that was so popular in the Y2K era. She wore tight silver shorts, a very revealing triangular bra, black leather knee high boots and accessorized the look with a cowboy hat; she turned sci-fi into sexy with a hint of wild wild west. Metallic makeup and temporary cyborg-esque body art tattoos finished this over-the-top look that even now looks like it is from the future.

Key Elements: Metallic shorts, halter bra top, knee-high boots, cowboy hat, body art tattoos

Lady Marmalade – Dancehall Diva (2001)

It’s impossible to discuss Christina’s sexiest and the most memorable outfits in her music videos without mentioning the unforgettable “Lady Marmalade.” In the burlesque style with fishnets, black lace lingerie, a flashing diamond necklace, and evoking Veronica Lake’s hair style, Christina demonstrated a dancehall mama’s ability. This outfit unequivocally paved the way for the Dirrty era that was shortly to come.

Key Elements: Black lace bra and panties, fishnet stockings, garter belt, choker necklace with diamonds, vintage Hollywood curls

‘Dirty’ – Biker Babe Femme Fatale (2002)

There is no dress that can scream louder than this look from the 2002 “Dirrty” music video that Xtina is not a little girl anymore. Fishnet stockings, black underwear and chaps, chains, biker hat and short platinum styled hair converted Christina from a pop star into fem bot biker stripper. Going further than ever before, this outfit claimed Christina as a sexually liberated woman who fully embraces and embodies her independence. It became so popular just because of this rebellious spirit and as the representation of her growth as the performer.

Key Elements: Stripper heels, fishnet stockings, black G-string, leather pants, chains, biker hat, platinum blonde pixie cut

Pin-Up Girl Boxer “Can’t Hold Us Down” – Album: Pin-Up Girl Boxer – Year: 2003

Following that with her “Dirrty” scandal, Christina responded back to the criticism with a more upbeat take on female subjugation in her 2003 hit, “Can’t Hold Us Down”. Dressing like a seductive boxer girl, she wore laced thigh-high stockings, burgundy satin pajamas, boxing gloves, and a belt on her shoulder. At the same time, powerful and seductive with victory curls and red lips to complement her fighter look, this outfit represented women’s power in regaining control over themselves to the music of the song while physically embodying the song at the same time.

Key Elements: Fishnet stockings, black lace trimmed thong, satin briefs, red leather gloves, championship belt, victory rolls

“Beautiful” – Ethereal Ballerina (2002)

To create one of her most frail Ballads, Christina decided to deviate from her usually provocative image. In the touching music video for ‘Beautiful’ she dressed as a graceful ballerina in a beautiful white bodysuit accompanied by a flowy light blue cropped top. Her hair was neatly tied up, and her makeup was natural, and thus the simple yet classy dress afforded attention to the potent lyrics and the soulful singer / performing rather than the fashion statement. In some situations, omission is the best policy when delivering specific messages.

Key Elements: White bodysuit, blue transparent sweater, hair tied in ballet bun, little makeup

Conclusion

One aspect that made Christina Aguilera such a fascinating artist of the 2000s decade was her constant and fearless transformations in her image during every musical phase. She also continuously changed her image as drastically as possible from one music video to another keeping fans engaged and critics guessing.

From her schoolgirl days, to her time as a sexy cyborg cowboy or a vampy burlesque dancer, Christina never hesitated to take big fashion chances and make statements. She took huge risks and some of the most iconic looks and concepts in 2000s music were born because of this, and having challenged what was expected from female performers. More than two decades later, these outfits are still memorable fashion elements which are actively used in present pop culture and trends. Christina’s readiness to shock with her continuous transformation became a foundation for today’s outrageous antics and clothing choices of artists such as Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and Miley Cyrus.

In any case, regardless of which Christina you prefer, one thing is for sure – both have shown us an amazing spectacle of the most memorable and catchy images of the 2000s that can be considered legendary. It’s exciting to see where else she might take it as she continues to push the envelope in the future!