New Kid on the Block

Fresh from Long Island, Mariah Carey was just a newbie in 1990 when her a self-titled debut album, spurred on by the instant hit 'Vision of Love,' sailed up the charts. But while the emerging diva and one-time backup singer was a star with fans and critics, she was still the girl next door as far as her image was concerned. Here, she looks almost au natural in curly locks and an understated black dress.









Pretty in Pink

In 1991, with her second album 'Emotions' (Watch the title track's video!) cementing her reign on the charts, the five-octave diva started to take her fashion statements seriously. Here, she embraces her newfound sex-kitten style in a low-cut mini dress and sexy up-do.












Black and White and Gorgeous All Over

Frizz be gone! In 1996, Mariah truly embraced her superstar stature, straightening her trademark locks and taking a liking to elegant gowns, like this stylish Giorio Armani creation.
















Leather Queen

In 1997, a newly-single Carey began expanding her musical palette by embracing hip-hop on her 'Butterfly' album. Her newly-found urban appeal starts to explain this ultra-tight black leather number, accented by her perfectly coiffed auburn locks. See her spread her wings in the 'Butterfly' video.













Ice Ice Baby

By 1999, the same year she dropped the 'Rainbow' CD, Mariah had hit on her classic look; the curve-hugging halter dress. Now recognized as the greatest diva of the decade, her choice of style was cleverly chosen, as it recalls the classic divas from an earlier age.
















American Girl

Months after being hospitalized for what was widely reported as an emotional breakdown, Mariah emerged from a screening of her film 'Glitter' in Sept. 2001. Normally a glamour girl, Mariah opted for a subdued political top and jeans, showing her support for the victims of 9/11.














Busting Out

Showing off her dazzling figure, Carey picked up a Life Achievement Award from NYC radio station Z100 in a bikini top, hot pants and ...not much else. The year was 2003, and her current effort, 'Charmbracelet,' was getting panned by critics. Remember 'My Saving Grace'?











Grin and Bare It

The 2003 World Music Awards rewarded Carey with a Diamond Award for selling more than 150 albums worldwide. She, in turn, rewarded the international crowd with this revealing, plum-colored dress, accented by well-placed pasties.




















She's Got Legs!

In 2004, Carey turned up the va-va-voom in this satin frock to celebrate the anniversary of Jay-Z's 40/40 Club. The two are old friends; the Jigga Man was one of the first rap artists Carey worked with on 1997's 'Butterfly.'












Free Mariah!

After years of struggling on the charts, 'The Emancipation of Mimi' marked Mariah's return to dominance, and ended 2005 as the year's high-selling CD. A pink wrap shirt, a favorite color of Mariah, is paired with short shorts for a performance celebrating her comeback. 'It's Like That'!
















Red Carpet Perfection

Carey donned a black halter dress with a plunging neckline in curve-lovin' satin to wow her fans, and the cameras, at the 2006 Golden Globes. Long Island seems so far away.