Few artists in history have merged music and fashion as seamlessly as Prince. More than just a musician, he was a sartorial revolutionary, using clothing as an extension of his artistry, sexuality, and defiance of norms. His outfits weren’t just costumes—they were statements, blending androgyny, opulence, and avant-garde tailoring in ways that still influence designers today.
From the ruffled blouses of the 1980s to the high-waisted trousers of the 1990s, Prince’s wardrobe was a masterclass in gender-fluid fashion long before the term entered mainstream lexicon. His looks were equal parts provocative, spiritual, and theatrical, often custom-made by collaborators like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Versace. Even decades later, his style remains a blueprint for artists from Harry Styles to Lil Nas X.
This deep dive explores 10 of Prince’s most iconic outfits, dissecting their design, cultural significance, and the stories behind them. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a fashion historian, these looks prove why Prince wasn’t just a musician—he was a fashion icon.
The 1970s: Laying the Foundation for a Style Revolution
Before the purple rain and lace blouses, Prince’s early style was a mix of funk, glam rock, and disco. His 1970s looks were raw, experimental, and heavily influenced by artists like David Bowie and Sly Stone. Here’s how he set the stage for his later extravagance:
1. The “I Wanna Be Your Lover” Era (1979)
For his second album’s promotional appearances, Prince embraced a tight, high-waisted suit with a sheer mesh shirt underneath—a look that was both sexy and subversive for the time. The outfit featured:
- Color: Black or deep burgundy, often with gold accents.
- Silhouette: A fitted blazer with exaggerated shoulder pads, paired with trousers that hugged his slender frame.
- Accessories: A thin mustache, stacked heels, and occasionally a fingerless glove—a nod to funk’s theatricality.
Why it mattered: This look introduced Prince’s signature blend of masculinity and femininity, challenging the hyper-masculine norms of R&B and funk. It also foreshadowed his later use of sheer fabrics and body-hugging tailoring.
2. The “Dirty Mind” Tour (1980)
By 1980, Prince’s style had grown bolder. For the Dirty Mind tour, he wore:
- A black leather trench coat (often unbuttoned to reveal a bare chest).
- Bikini briefs or spandex shorts—a provocative choice that shocked conservative audiences.
- Knee-high boots with heels, emphasizing his petite stature while adding dominance.
Cultural impact: This era cemented Prince’s reputation as a sexual provocateur. The look was so controversial that some venues refused to book him, yet it also attracted a devoted following of fans who admired his unapologetic androgyny.
The 1984 “Purple Rain” Outfit: The Look That Defined a Decade
No discussion of Prince’s fashion is complete without the purple raincoat from the 1984 film Purple Rain. This single outfit became synonymous with Prince’s brand, blending rockstar edge with romantic flair.
Breakdown of the Iconic Look
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The Coat: A double-breasted, knee-length trench in a custom shade of purple (later dubbed “Prince Purple”). The coat was designed by Louis Wells, Prince’s longtime costume designer, and featured:
- Epaulets on the shoulders for a military-inspired touch.
- A high collar that framed his face dramatically.
- Gold buttons that caught the light onstage.
- The Shirt: A ruffled poet blouse in white or lavender, with billowing sleeves that added movement during performances.
- The Pants: High-waisted, peg-legged trousers that elongated his legs—a signature Prince silhouette.
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The Accessories:
- A purple scarf draped over one shoulder.
- Fingerless gloves (a recurring motif in his style).
- Stacked heels to enhance his stage presence.
Why This Outfit Was Revolutionary
1. Color as Identity: Prince didn’t just wear purple—he owned it. At a time when male musicians stuck to black leather or denim, his choice of a regal, feminine hue was radical. The color became so associated with him that Pantone later created “Love Symbol #2” in his honor.
2. Gender-Fluid Tailoring: The combination of a military coat (masculine) with a ruffled blouse (feminine) challenged binary fashion norms. This was decades ahead of today’s genderless fashion movement.
3. Performance Functionality: Every element—from the flowing sleeves (for guitar movements) to the heeled boots (for stage dominance)—was designed for theatrical impact.
Legacy of the Purple Rain Look
This outfit has been:
- Recreated by fans at Halloween and tribute concerts.
- Referenced by designers like Marc Jacobs (Spring 2017) and Gucci (2020).
- Immortalized in art, including murals in Minneapolis and London.
The Ruffled Blouse: Prince’s Signature Feminine Touch
If the purple coat was Prince’s most recognizable look, the ruffled blouse was his most repeated. He wore variations of this style from the early 1980s until his death, proving that delicacy could be powerful.
Key Examples of Prince’s Ruffled Blouses
1. The “Kiss” Era (1986)
For the Parade tour and “Kiss” performances, Prince wore a black lace blouse with:
- Extreme pirate-style ruffles at the cuffs and neckline.
- A deep V-neck that showed off his chest.
- Paired with tight black pants and a wide-brimmed hat for a dandy-meets-rockstar vibe.
Why it worked: The lace softened his androgynous appeal while the ruffles added drama and movement—perfect for his high-energy performances.
2. The “Sign o’ the Times” Tour (1987)
Here, Prince opted for a white ruffled blouse with:
- Asymmetrical ruffles (one side longer than the other).
- A corset-like fit that cinched his waist.
- Paired with yellow harem pants and a gold lamé jacket for a Moorish-inspired look.
Cultural context: This era was peak Prince as a fashion chameleon. He mixed historical references (ruffles from the Renaissance) with futuristic elements (metallic fabrics), proving his range.
How to Wear Ruffles Like Prince Today
Prince’s ruffled blouses weren’t just for the stage—they were a philosophy of fearless dressing. To channel his style:
- Start small: Try a ruffled shirt under a structured blazer (like Prince did in 1985).
- Play with textures: Pair lace with leather or denim for contrast.
- Own the androgyny: Don’t shy away from sheer fabrics or bold colors—Prince never did.
The “Love Symbol” Era (1993–1996): Minimalism Meets Provocation
In the 1990s, Prince underwent a sartorial shift. After years of opulence, he embraced minimalism, monochrome, and symbolic imagery—coinciding with his name change to an unpronounceable symbol.
The “Slave” Outfit (1995)
For the Gold Experience tour, Prince wore a look that was stark, political, and deeply personal:
- A black bodysuit with the word “SLAVE” written on his cheek in protest against Warner Bros. (his record label at the time).
- A high-collared, long-sleeved top with gold embroidery—a nod to his royal persona.
- Baggy, drop-crotch pants (a departure from his usual tailored fits).
- No shoes—he often performed barefoot during this era, symbolizing vulnerability and freedom.
Why it was iconic:
- It turned fashion into activism, using clothing to make a statement about artistic control.
- The monochrome palette was a sharp contrast to his 1980s vibrancy, reflecting his spiritual and personal evolution.
- The barefoot performances were a rejection of industry expectations—pure Prince.
The “Gold” Phase (1996)
Later in the decade, Prince returned to luxurious fabrics but with a more restrained approach:
- A gold lamé suit with a high-necked, mandarin-collared shirt.
- Wide-leg trousers that flowed as he moved.
- Minimal jewelry—just a single symbol pendant.
Legacy: This era proved Prince could be equally impactful in simplicity as in extravagance. The looks influenced 1990s hip-hop fashion (see: Missy Elliott and Andre 3000).
Prince’s Most Unforgettable Red Carpet Moments
Prince didn’t just dress for the stage—he owned the red carpet with looks that were artistic, controversial, and always memorable. Here are three of his most talked-about appearances:
1. The 1985 Grammy Awards: The Yellow Cloud Suit
For the 1985 Grammys (where he won for Purple Rain), Prince wore a custom yellow suit that looked like a cross between a cloud and a sunset:
- Fabric: A billowy, almost weightless material that moved like liquid.
- Silhouette: Oversized shoulders, a dropped waist, and peg-legged pants.
- Accessories: A purple cane and matching gloves.
Reaction: The outfit was polarizing—critics called it “ridiculous,” but fans saw it as pure Prince. It later inspired Alexander McQueen’s 1996 “Dante” collection.
2. The 1991 MTV VMAs: The Assless Pants Controversy
Prince’s 1991 VMAs appearance is legendary for one reason: the assless yellow pants. The look included:
- A cropped, ruffled blouse in black.
- High-waisted, wide-leg trousers with a sheer back panel (revealing his underwear).
- Knee-high boots with a stacked heel.
Why it shocked the world:
- It was one of the first times a male celebrity wore something so explicitly revealing on a major awards show.
- MTV blurred the outfit during broadcasts, sparking debates about censorship.
- It normalized male sexuality in fashion, paving the way for artists like Lenny Kravitz and Harry Styles.
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