Ranking Madonna's 19 most standout looks from her 4-decades-long pop music career

Maria NoyenJun 15, 2022, 00:14 IST

Madonna has rocked many eccentric looks throughout her 40-year career.Ross Marino/Icon and Image/Getty Images, George Pimentel/WireImage, Gie Knaeps/Getty Images

A biopic is in the works about Madonna's launch as a solo music artist in 1981, Variety reports.
To celebrate the news, we're looking through some her most iconic — and daring — looks of all time.

In 2011, Madonna attended the Met Gala in a silk, embroidered, Stella McCartney gown that was elegant but ultimately underwhelming.

Madonna at the 2011 Met Gala.Kevin Mazur/WireImage

The Queen of Pop's outfit for the European Music Awards in 2005 was sporty, but not as daring as other signature looks.

Madonna at the 2005 MTV European Music Awards in Lisbon.Toni Anne Barson/WireImage

As the new Mrs. Ritchie, her diamante-emblazoned jacket was playful, if kitschy.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie at the premiere of "Snatch" in 2001.Chris Weeks/Liaison, SGranitz/WireImage

Madonna showed off her love of androgynous fashion with this outfit worn at the Live Aid benefit concert in 1985.

Madonna takes part in the Live Aid benefit concert at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, in July 1985.Vinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Madonna went for a seductive look featuring an eye patch during her Eurovision performance in 2019, which invited parallels with the then-popular television show "Game of Thrones."

Madonna performs after the 64th Annual Eurovision Song Contest in 2019.Michael Campanella/Getty Images

Madonna went for a seductive look featuring an eye patch during her Eurovision performance in 2019, which invited parallels with the then-popular television show "Game of Thrones."

Madonna wore a revealing version of a traditional German dirndl dress to the 1992 launch for her book, "Sex."

Madonna at the book party for her novel, "Sex."Kevin Mazur Archive/WireImage

One of Madonna's 1991 Cannes Film Festival outfits consisted of a grey tutu paired with a blazer.

Madonna at Cannes in 1991.ARNAL/GARCIA/PICOT/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Madonna and her son, David Banda, looked sharp in matching Ralph Lauren suits at the Grammy Awards in 2014.

Madonna and her son, David Banda, at the 2014 Grammy Awards.Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS

Not all iconic looks are memorable for the right reasons, and Madonna's kimono-inspired look from the Grammy Awards, in 1999, is a prime example.

Madonna performs at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards in 1999.Ron Wolfson/Getty Images

Madonna said her Met Gala outfit in 2016 was "a political statement" and it certainly had people talking.

Madonna attends the Met Gala in 2016.George Pimentel/WireImage, Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Madonna brought the drama to the 1998 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards by wearing this vampy, yellow corseted gown.

Madonna backstage at the 1998 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards in New York City.Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect

Madonna wore a feminine, Versace dress to Vanity Fair's Academy Awards afterparty in 2006.

Madonna leaves the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Mortons on March 5, 2006, in West Hollywood.Mark Mainz/Getty Images

Madonna's costume designer credited her with developing the idea of wearing a Marie Antoinette-style gown while performing "Vogue" at the MTV Awards in 1990.

Madonna performing "Vogue" at the 1990 MTV Awards.Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect

The performance by Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2003 was memorable for many reasons, including style.

Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera during MTV VMAs in 2003.Chris Polk/FilmMagic

Madonna was the epitome of 1980s fashion with this colorful ensemble worn during her "Virgin Tour" in 1985.

Madonna on stage during the "Virgin Tour" in 1985.Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Ross Marino/Icon and Image/Getty Images

The Queen of Pop went for regal goth with her red carpet appearance at the Met Gala in 2018.

Madonna attends the Met Gala in 2018.John Lamparski/Getty Images

Long before Kim Kardashian, Madonna took notes from Marilyn Monroe, including for Madonna's 1991 Oscar's afterparty look.

Madonna and Michael Jackson at the Academy Awards afterparty in 1991.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

In 1984, her "Like a Virgin" Video Music Awards look blended punk and fairytale wedding perfectly.

Madonna poses at the first MTV VMAs in 1984, held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images

Nothing screams Madonna as much as the busty, pale-pink leotard she wore throughout her Blonde Ambition tour in 1990.

Madonna on the Blonde Ambition tour in 1990.Gie Knaeps/Getty Images

Hilton created a 160-square-foot movable hotel room and put it directly on a golf course as travelers continue to flock to unique stays — see inside

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Ranking Madonna's 19 most standout looks from her 4-decades-long pop music career

In 2011, Madonna attended the Met Gala in a silk, embroidered, Stella McCartney gown that was elegant but ultimately underwhelming.

The Queen of Pop's outfit for the European Music Awards in 2005 was sporty, but not as daring as other signature looks.

As the new Mrs. Ritchie, her diamante-emblazoned jacket was playful, if kitschy.

Madonna showed off her love of androgynous fashion with this outfit worn at the Live Aid benefit concert in 1985.

Madonna went for a seductive look featuring an eye patch during her Eurovision performance in 2019, which invited parallels with the then-popular television show "Game of Thrones."

Madonna wore a revealing version of a traditional German dirndl dress to the 1992 launch for her book, "Sex."

One of Madonna's 1991 Cannes Film Festival outfits consisted of a grey tutu paired with a blazer.

Madonna and her son, David Banda, looked sharp in matching Ralph Lauren suits at the Grammy Awards in 2014.

Not all iconic looks are memorable for the right reasons, and Madonna's kimono-inspired look from the Grammy Awards, in 1999, is a prime example.

Madonna said her Met Gala outfit in 2016 was "a political statement" and it certainly had people talking.

Madonna brought the drama to the 1998 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards by wearing this vampy, yellow corseted gown.

Madonna wore a feminine, Versace dress to Vanity Fair's Academy Awards afterparty in 2006.

Madonna's costume designer credited her with developing the idea of wearing a Marie Antoinette-style gown while performing "Vogue" at the MTV Awards in 1990.

The performance by Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2003 was memorable for many reasons, including style.

Madonna was the epitome of 1980s fashion with this colorful ensemble worn during her "Virgin Tour" in 1985.

The Queen of Pop went for regal goth with her red carpet appearance at the Met Gala in 2018.

Long before Kim Kardashian, Madonna took notes from Marilyn Monroe, including for Madonna's 1991 Oscar's afterparty look.

In 1984, her "Like a Virgin" Video Music Awards look blended punk and fairytale wedding perfectly.

Nothing screams Madonna as much as the busty, pale-pink leotard she wore throughout her Blonde Ambition tour in 1990.