LooksFrom one glove to white socks to military jackets, see how Jackson set trends for a generation
MUST-HAVE JACKET
For his 1982 teen gang video "Beat It," the singer picked a casually cool outfit that would inspire millions to wear zipper-accented red leather jackets in a decade-defining look for the '80s.
SUITED UP
From the moment Jackson danced across the lighted floor in the 1983 video for "Billie Jean," legions of teenagers wanted his slick leather suit, pink shirt and red bow tie.
MOONWALK MOMENT
Debuting the moonwalk live at the Motown 25th Anniversary celebration in 1983, the dancing star wore his signature cropped pants – designed to show off his intricate footwork to its fullest – with sparkling socks, shirt and his omnipresent penny loafers.
FITS LIKE A GLOVE
Setting off a massive trend, Jackson wore just one bedazzled glove to the 1984 Grammys along with a sequined military jacket, complete with gilded sash. Not only did he get fashionistas buzzing, he also picked up a record-breaking eight awards that night.
'BAD' MOVE
The singer went for a distinctly edgier style for his Bad album in 1987, adding heavy eyeliner to a buckled leather jacket and skintight jeans.
DANGEROUSLY STYLISH
Jackson hearkened back to an earlier era for his '20s-inspired video for "Smooth Criminal" in 1987. Forget the tommy guns – fans were blown away by his sharp tailoring and matching fedora!
STRAPPED IN
Never one to shy away from theatrical embellishments for his stage costumes, the singer hit the road in 1988 in second-skin outfits covered in S&M-inspired straps.
STAGE SHOW
Flanked by similarly dressed backup dancers, Jackson took to the stage of the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards in a black suit, skinny black tie and – ever provocative – white arm band.
WHITE OUT
Talk about a united front! The singer enters for a court date, with his sisters LaToya and Janet, in white head-to-toe in 2004.
GOLDEN AGE
In the past several months, Jackson began stepping out in fashionista-favorite womenswear labels, including Balmain and this Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci studded T-shirt and blazer.
