With ten Grammy’s and eight multi-platinum albums, it’s no wonder that Billboard ranks Mary J. Blige as the most successful female R&B artist ever. She didn’t get to where she is by chance– Mary J. Blige is a woman of incredible talent and intelligence, not to mention style.
This post may contain affiliate links*Though some of her fashion choices have been a little over-the-top, we’ve loved every ensemble, because, on her, it just works. After all, she’s about the only person on the planet who could get away with wearing sunglasses inside. Want to know the secret to her one-of-a-kind style? We’ve got the lowdown here.
How to Dress Like Mary J Blige
Give them something to talk about
Photos: Retna.com, Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Soline
Often times, Mary J. Blige steps out in numbers that just about any other celeb might wear to an event… minus one little accessory. A chunky belt with a glittering gown, a beret with a chic cocktail number, and yes, sunglasses: these are the little things that transform an outfit from something anyone could wear, to something only Mary J. Blige would wear. Set your otherwise un-shocking outfits apart with one bold accessory.
Wide Woven Leather Belt, $55, Ralph Lauren
Add a little edge… or a lot.
Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty | Lia Toby/WENN | Gamma
A little leather for day, a lot of metal by night– this is about as close to a “rule” as it gets with Mary J’s style. Never make too dramatic of a statement during the daytime– you’ll just look silly. Instead, pick one edgy garment or accessory and offset it with simpler pieces. By night, though, let loose with head-to-toe leather and enough metal to dress a gladiator.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Faux Leather Skirt, $85, Lord & Taylor
Mary’s favorite cut: cut outs.
Credits: Bennett Raglin/WireImage | Kyle Rover / Startraks Photo |Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Kim Kardashian loves strapless minis, Taylor Swift loves sparkling gowns, and Mary J. Blige loves cutouts. We all have that one type of ensemble that we keep coming back to, and this musician is not afraid to rock hers all the time. One tip: if you too have one garment feature you love to wear on repeat, mix it up with different colors, fabrics and silhouettes. This way, like Mary J. Blige, you’ll keep it fresh every time.
Body-Conscious Cut-Out Dress, $43.10, Asos
Sometimes, just look pretty
Credits: Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic | Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene | WireImage.com
Queen of R&B or not, Mary J. Blige is still a sucker for a gorgeous dress, and this is one of the reasons why her style earns so much style respect. While she occasionally rocks head-to-toe leather and enormous feathered boleros, she also knows when to choose timeless elegance on the red carpet. There’s a time for everything, ladies. A time for sunglasses inside, a time for a leather, and yes, a time for every woman to bring out her inner Cinderella. The only difference between our girl and a Disney princess? Really, really great earrings.
Karen Millen
Thursday 28th of July 2011
That body, that dress, perfect!!
Edith Scheie
Wednesday 27th of July 2011
I agree that her accessories are great, and she wears everything well, but those tattoos are strikingly attractive, too. They add a little extra something. And they look classy, not renegade.
karen
Wednesday 27th of July 2011
I love this article!! Great job deconstructing her look.