Mariah’s seventh album, Rainbow–my second favorite in her repertoire, after Butterfly, which is often hailed as her magnum opus (even Ariana Grande wore a T-shirt of this album’s artwork recently)–ushered in a new era of style for the songstress. Embracing a more R&B-pop sound over her signature power ballads, she embarked on something of a fashion evolution. In her 1999 “Heartbreaker” music video, she made waves sporting shredded low-rise jeans paired with a spray-painted white tank top. In the years that ensued, during the release of her albums Glitter and Charmbracelet, Mariah showcased a plethora of denim looks. One standout moment was her wearing of a crystal-embellished top shaped like a butterfly, paired with snug jeans and strappy sandals, naturally.
The athlete
TOKYO – MAY 28: Singer Mariah Carey throws the ceremonial first pitch before Japanese professional baseball match between Yomiuri Giants and Rakuten Golden Eagles at Tokyo Dome on May 28, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/ WireImage)Jun Sato
Earning a spot on Time Out’s list of all-time worst first pitches (a historic moment, nonetheless), Mariah graced the Tokyo Dome in 2011. While her pitching skills left much to be desired, she served up an athletic-adjacent ensemble, including a cropped pink satin varsity jacket, denim cut-off shorts and a white leather pair of heels (oh and oversized shades and ‘sporty’ diamond hoops).
The snow bunny
ASPEN, CO – DECEMBER 23: Mariah Carey is seen on December 23, 2023 in Aspen, Colorado. (Photo by BG041/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)BG041/Bauer-Griffin