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Mary J. Blige Style Evolution: Her Most Memorable Outfits

Huffington Post   First Posted: 12/04/11 08:55 AM ET Updated: 12/04/11 10:54 AM ET

The last thing you want to hear when someone is describing your style is "Ghetto Fabulous," referring to the nouveau riche look marked by wearing one's wealth in as tacky a manner as possible. Most definitely a fashion faux pas.

But singer Mary J. Blige doesn't mind the comparison, especially since she helped pioneer the fashion trend almost 20 years ago.

During a recent profile on "CBS Sunday Morning," the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul talked about being labeled "ghetto fabulous" and how it has shaped her career.

"That was something that I was happy about, because it's all I had in identity," Blige told CBS. "You know, I didn't know who I was. So if ghetto fabulous and keeping it real and all of that was what I was, I was cool with that ... until I learned that I can be more than that."

And we're glad she did. Over the past few years, Blige has left behind those shredded denim ensembles, head-to-toe gold getups and leopard-print catsuits for a more sophisticated look. Never straying too far from her street style flare (bling will always be in vogue), we've watched Blige blossom into a true style star.

Here's a look at her transformation from ghetto fab to simply fab.

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The last thing you want to hear when someone is describing your style is "Ghetto Fabulous," referring to the nouveau riche look marked by wearing one's wealth in as tacky a manner as possible. Most de...
The last thing you want to hear when someone is describing your style is "Ghetto Fabulous," referring to the nouveau riche look marked by wearing one's wealth in as tacky a manner as possible. Most de...
 
 
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WestOfTheMoon
Micro-bio: Invisible to the naked eye.
11:24 AM on 12/11/2011
Those tattoos ruin even the most beautiful gown.
07:55 PM on 12/10/2011
Loving Mary J. Blige because she is such a real woman. She had real drama, real hard times and was able to come out at the top as a better woman. In her voice you can here the passion and soul in the songs that she sings because she truly has been there and can share from her heart. Long live Mary J. Blige, an icon for black women.
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TheNewShadeofBlue
Anger is one thing, violence is clearly another.
08:23 AM on 12/06/2011
She doesn't appear to be aging. What magic is this?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Jai Hro
08:53 PM on 12/04/2011
I love me some MJB...
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Leon Holston Sr
06:39 PM on 12/04/2011
can you say hot?
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BlindChance
Have another cherry...
02:06 PM on 12/04/2011
I definitely like her more recent looks.
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Absolute
Teacher and Old-School Liberal
12:36 PM on 12/04/2011
I love her style, except for the blonde hair.
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Jai Hro
08:53 PM on 12/04/2011
Yeah, that color is harsh sometimes.
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RobinJoJo
10:31 AM on 12/04/2011
Mary's been in the game for 20 years, her style predates. Some of these photos. Either way, she can wear a sack, the woman has confidence for days, that accessory makes anything look better. Go Mary.
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Mrs Norman
The system only works if everyone is included.
10:26 AM on 12/04/2011
Looks like she found a stylist around 2005..
04:03 PM on 12/04/2011
Agreed.
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jmoser1973
It is what it is.
06:42 AM on 12/09/2011
or at least a better one.