Daring and Iconic: Best BRIT Awards Outfits

Daring and Iconic: Best BRIT Awards Outfits

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The BRIT Awards return this weekend and is one of the most glamorous events in the music industry.

With all the wild and wacky fashion from the UK's biggest stars, the red carpet can always be relied upon for some eye-catching looks. 

Since its first ceremony in 1977, celebs have donned some incredible outfits at the annual hit awards show.

Whether for good or bad reasons, they have pushed fashion boundaries to land themselves on the best-dressed list. 

While some looks have stood the test of time, others are best left in the past.

Here, the Daily Mail takes a look at some of the ensembles that have hit the high and low of fashion notes.

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Daily Mail reveals the most daring, iconic and bonkers ensembles from The Brit Awards ahead of the 2026 ceremony (pictured: Maura Higgins at the 2025 event)

Maura Higgins - 2025 

Maura Higgins ensured all eyes were on her as she donned one of her raciest looks yet.

The Love Island star arrived on the red carpet in a completely sheer black gown that left her sensational figure on full display and boasted black pipe detailing to accentuate her curves.

Opting to forgo a bra underneath the fitted number, Maura preserved her modesty with several strategically-placed intricate embroidered flowers.

However, as the TV star posed up a storm on the red carpet, she made sure to flash a cheeky glimpse at her lacy black thong underneath.

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She gave herself several extra inches with a pair of black high heels and kept her accessories simple to allow her show-stopping outfit to have all the attention.

Geri Halliwell-Horner – 1997

1997: When Geri Halliwell burst onto the stage at the 1997 BRITs in a bottom-grazing Union Flag dress, she more than secured her place in pop fashion history

When Geri burst onto the stage at the 1997 BRITs in a bottom-grazing Union Flag dress, she more than secured her place in pop fashion history.

The iconic dress was actually a plain black Gucci dress to start with, but Geri thought it was too boring and got her sister to sew a Union Flag tea towel on the front to jazz it up.

The dress, which has its own Wikipedia page, catapulted her and the Spice Girls into the spotlight and sold at auction for £41,320 the following year.

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Sam Smith - 2023

2023: While Sam Smith isn't afraid of pushing fashion boundaries, he still shocked onlookers in 2023 when he rocked up to the ceremony in an inflatable latex jumpsuit

While Sam isn't afraid of pushing fashion boundaries, he still shocked onlookers in 2023 when he rocked up to the ceremony in an inflatable latex jumpsuit.

The outfit featured a high neck, balloon-like sleeves and inflatable-looking legs and a zip-up design over the chest.

Sam, who is non-binary and uses the pronouns they/them, teamed the look with a pair of platform latex boots and a drop earring. 

Destiny's Child - 2001 

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2001: Following the release of their chart-topping single Survivor, Destiny's Child paid homage to the music video by attending the BRITs in sexy green ensembles

Following the release of their chart-topping single Survivor, Destiny's Child paid homage to the music video by attending the BRITs in sexy green ensembles.

Opting for the same fabric but in different designs, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams looked sensational as they posed together. 

As well as lighting up the red carpet the group lit up the stage when they performed for the excited crowd. 

Martine McCutcheon - 1999 

1999: BRIT Award attendees didn't know where to look when Martine McCutcheon opted for a very cheeky ensemble

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BRIT Award attendees didn't know where to look when Martine opted for a very cheeky ensemble. 

The Love Actually star wowed in a sexy black gown with lace panels on the bottom that showcased her peachy derriere. 

Martine looked every inch the trendy young pop star at the event, which came shortly before she scored a number one on the UK Singles Chart with her ballad, Perfect Moment.

Lizzo - 2020

2020: Lizzo looked good enough to eat when she donned a dress designed like a Hershey's milk chocolate bar

Lizzo looked good enough to eat when she donned a dress designed like a Hershey's milk chocolate bar. 

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The dark brown sleeveless garment featured the familiar Hershey's logo along with a bar code and a list of the chocolate's ingredients along the side.

Lizzo looked flawless as she posed up a storm on the red carpet, adding to her look with a bar-style clutch bag with a '100%' print on it that the star playfully pretended to take a bite out of.

Jessie J - 2014

2014: Jessie J looked near hypothermic when she stepped out with ice blue lipstick

With the BRITs traditionally taking place in the winter, the celebrities are often left feeling the chill on the red carpet. 

Yet Jessie J looked near hypothermic when she stepped out with ice blue lipstick.

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The singer was a vision in a figure-hugging, plunging gold catsuit but all eyes were on her plump pout as she posed for snaps. 

Lady Gaga – 2010 

2010: Lady Gaga treated her fans to two stunning looks when she attended the 2010 BRIT Awards - a white tiered Francesco Scognamiglio dress and a racy one-legged catsuit

Gaga treated her fans to two stunning looks when she attended the 2010 BRIT Awards. 

The singer appeared on the red carpet sporting a white tiered Francesco Scognamiglio dress with a white pompadour wig that towered above her.

Once inside, she swapped the gown for a racy one-legged catsuit with lace panels that protected her modesty. 

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Prince - 1985 

1985: Prince was never one to blend into the background with his outfit choices and the 1985 BRITs were no exception

Prince was never one to blend into the background with his outfit choices and the 1985 BRITs were no exception. 

The Purple Rain hitmaker turned heads with an eye-catching sequinned suit that he paired with a ruffled shirt and bright pink stole.

He added to the look with satin white gloves and his hair styled in his trademark curly bouffant. 

Denise van Outen - 2000

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2000: While the Noughties isn't a time known for its chic fashion looks, Denise Van Outen seemed to have pulled an outfit out of the fancy dress box for the 2000 BRITs

While the Noughties isn't a time known for its chic fashion looks, Denise seemed to have pulled an outfit out of the fancy dress box for the 2000 BRITs. 

The presenter appeared to be chanelling Scooby Doo's Daphne when she rocked up in a lilac and aqua satin ensemble paired with red hair. 

Nevertheless, she still rocked the look and was a picture of confidence and happiness as she partied up a storm at the ceremony. 

Kelly Brook – 1999 

1999: Glamour model Kelly Brook looked like she'd stepped off the set of Moulin Rouge when she slipped into a sexy red corset and black mini skirt

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Glamour model Kelly looked like she'd stepped off the set of Moulin Rouge when she slipped into a sexy red corset and black mini skirt. 

The former Page 3 girl highlighted her sensational figure in the skimpy ensemble, which she paired with a longline black fur coat. 

In true Nineties style, the brunette beauty finished off her look with a choker and bejewelled barely-there heels. 

Ellie Goulding - 2024

Ellie Goulding stepped away from her usual style and donned a huge Moncler Genius snow themed puffer gown at the 2024 show

 stepped away from her usual style and donned a huge Moncler Genius snow themed puffer gown at the 2024 show.

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The eye-catching garment flowed to the floor for her moment in the spotlight. 

The singer's impressive outerwear, which was from the brand's catwalk collaboration with designer Lulu Li, was worn over a white dress and teamed with a pair of classic white court shoes and accessorised with large hoop earrings. 

DJ Semtex - 2021 

2021: While many stars use the BRIT Awards as a chance to go all out, the same couldn't be said for DJ Semtex

While many stars use the BRIT Awards as a chance to go all out, the same couldn't be said for DJ Semtex. 

Clad in a hoodie and jeans, the presenter looked as though he'd wandered into the event after a day out running errands. 

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Yet he stayed true to his signature low-key style and was definitely more comfortable in his outfit than many of his fellow attendees. 

Carol Vorderman - 2001 

2001: While she's known for slipping into sexy figure-hugging ensembles in recent years, Carol Vorderman opted for something a bit more reserved at the 2001 BRITs

While she's known for slipping into sexy figure-hugging ensembles in recent years, Carol opted for something a bit more reserved at the 2001 BRITs. 

Ensuring she wouldn't feel the chill either inside or outside the venue, the Countdown star opted to wear a brown satin coat dress that she paired with a large, functional handbag. 

She still added a touch of sex appeal, however, as she slipped into a pair of racy, fishnet tights. 

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Rita Ora - 2018 

2018: While Rita Ora may have recently tied the knot with director Taika Waititi she looked ready to walk down the aisle at the 2018 BRITs

Rita looked ready to walk down the aisle at the 2018 BRITs. 

The Poison hitmaker dazzled in a voluminous white gown adorned with stunning feather detailing in tiered layers. 

Proving you don't need to flash the flesh to stick in people's minds, Rita's gown was one of the most talked about looks of the night. 

Rita Ora -  2024

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Rita Ora combined androgynous and steampunk inspired fashion for her eye-catching as she looked almost unrecognisable on the red carpet at the 2024 show 

The 2018 ceremony wasn't Rita's only memorable BRITs look as she made sure to turn heads at the 2024 awards too.

The singer arrived on the red carpet sporting an androgynous grey suit with a striped shirt and pink tie.

The hitmaker also wore several steampunk-inspired rings and bracelets while her blonde locks were styled into a quiff.

Rita told reporters her outfit is inspired by punk music, and the late David Bowie. 

Harry Styles – 2021

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2021: Harry Styles took inspiration from the Seventies with his bold, geometric print Gucci suit at the 2021 BRIT Awards

Harry took inspiration from the Seventies with his bold, geometric print Gucci suit at the 2021 . 

Never one to be afraid of playing with fashion, Harry ensured all eyes would be on him as he strutted down the red carpet in cream brogues and clutching a handbag. 

He is set to perform at this year's ceremony and fans are gearing up to see what bold look he pulls out of the bag this time around. 

Whitney Houston - 1999  

1999: Most people would struggle to pull of head-to-toe leather, but not the iconic Whitney Houston

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Most people would struggle to pull of head-to-toe leather, but not the iconic Whitney. 

The late singer performed It's Not Right But It's Okay at the 1999 BRITs and chanelled the outfit she wore in the music video. 

Clad in a leather gown with a fitted bodice, Whitney looked sensational as she tore up the stage.  

Rihanna - 2024

Rihanna stole the show at the 2024 awards when she arrived on the red carpet with her partner A$AP Rocky

Rihanna stole the show at the 2024 awards when she arrived on the red carpet with her partner A$AP Rocky. 

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Putting on a very busty display, Rihanna wore a pale blue fluffy coat over a black gown which featured a lacy tail. 

Completing the look with a huge blue furry hat and black Paula Rowan leather gloves, the star beamed as she held her arm around the rapper. 

Bros - 1989

1989: Before Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake made couples' outfits a must-do, Bros' Luke and Matt Goss were breaking boundaries with their matching looks

Before Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake made couples' outfits a must-do, Bros' Luke and Matt Goss were breaking boundaries with their matching looks. 

The brothers ensured all eyes were on them when they arrived at the 1989 BRITs in leather jackets and distressed jeans. 

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Even their accessories were paired, with the brothers donning matching belts and leather gloves.  

Girls Aloud - 2005

2005: After receiving their first BRIT Award nomination, Girls Aloud arrived at the 2005 ceremony dressed to impress

After receiving their first BRIT Award nomination, Girls Aloud arrived at the 2005 ceremony dressed to impress. 

While hoping to pick up  Best Pop Act, Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, Sarah Harding and Cheryl hit the red carpet in complementary gold and white ensembles. 

They may not have won the award but earned themselves a place in red carpet history.  

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Kate Moss - 2014

2014: Supermodel Kate Moss looked every inch the rock star when she stormed the stage in David Bowie's iconic Ziggy Stardust playsuit

Supermodel Kate looked every inch the rock star when she stormed the stage in David Bowie's iconic Ziggy Stardust playsuit. 

The catwalk star was on hand for the ceremony to stand in for David, who stayed at home in New York rather than attend the event to pick up his Best British Male award.

Kate had arrived secretly, avoiding the red carpet, to surprise guests at the event.

Billie Piper - 1999  

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1999: Billie Piper appeared to be taking inspiration from Seventies band ABBA when she rocked up in a flared satin catsuit

Billie appeared to be taking inspiration from Seventies band ABBA when she rocked up in a flared satin catsuit. 

The eye-catching one-piece featured sexy cut-out detailing on the bodice to show off her toned stomach and she donned platform boots to boost her frame. 

While she may be famed for her blonde locks these days, the Doctor Who star looked striking with her brunette locks in the Nineties.  

Grace Chatto - 2014

2014: While attendees are banned from bringing pets, Clean Bandit's Grace Chatto found a way around the rule (pictured with bandmates Luke Patterson and Milan Neil Amin-Smith)

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While attendees are banned from bringing their pets along to the ceremony, Clean Bandit's Grace found a way around the rule. 

The musician swapped a traditional handbag for a fishbowl, attending the ceremony with a goldfish in tow. 

She had opted for a plain white dress on the red carpet but ensured she still hit the headlines with her quirky accessory. 

Cher - 1999 

1999: Ever the showgirl, Cher brought a touch of sparkle to the 1999 BRITs when she rocked up in a glittering silver mini dress

Ever the showgirl, Cher brought a touch of sparkle to the 1999 BRITs when she rocked up in a glittering silver mini dress. 

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She added to the look with a bejewelled headpiece worn upon a platinum blonde wig. 

Ensuring she wouldn't feel the cold, Cher added to the look with a black cardigan and velour trousers. 

Daniel Lismore -2019

2019: There was no missing Daniel Lismore when he attended the ceremony in one of his 'wearable art' outfits

There was no missing Daniel when he attended the ceremony in one of his 'wearable art' outfits. 

The British designer turned heads with his quirky voluminous gown that featured flowing swathes of tulle and even armour. 

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Yet it was his headpiece that truly caught the eye - a large perspex bowl balanced upon his skill.

Anastacia - 2002

2002: With the boho trend in full swing, Anastacia went all out at the 2002 BRITs

With the boho trend in full swing, Anastacia went all out at the 2002 BRITs. 

The Sick and Tired hitmaker flashed her bra in a plunging crochet crop top that she paired with a suede skirt and platform boots. 

She completed the look with a patchwork jacket and by styling her blonde locks into cornrows.  

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Olly Alexander - 2019

2019: Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander wowed in a full-length feathered cape at the 2019 ceremony

Years & Years frontman Olly wowed in a full-length feathered cape at the 2019 ceremony. 

While the singer looked majestic, he had a bit of trouble catching the cloak on his statement glittery boots, narrowly avoiding falling on his face. 

He made it work for the cameras, however, swishing his cloak around and posing up a storm.  

Amy Winehouse - 2007

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2007: One of Amy Wi nehouse's most iconic looks came at the 2007 BRIT Awards when she lit up the red carpet like a ray of sunshine

One of Amy's most iconic looks came at the 2007 BRIT Awards when she lit up the red carpet like a ray of sunshine. 

Amy looked incredible in a canary yellow mini dress that she paired with a red heart shaped handbag and heels. 

Her signature tattoos were on display and she stuck with her trademark beehive hairdo.  

Arctic Monkeys - 2008

2008: While it's not uncommon for bands to dress in similar outfits and with a theme, the Arctic Monkeys baffled fans with their 2008 ensembles

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While it's not uncommon for bands to dress in similar outfits and with a theme, the Arctic Monkeys baffled fans with their 2008 ensembles. 

The singers looked more like farmers than rock stars as they larked around on the red carpet in flat caps and tweed jackets.  

While they may have been dressed in their finery, they weren't on their best behaviour, causing chaos at the ceremony by throwing their microphones into the crowd and trying to hurl the lectern on the floor.

Dua Lipa - 2018 

2018: Dua Lipa was dressed for her fairytale moment at the 2018 BRITs when she donned a sweeping pink princess gown

Dua was dressed for her fairytale moment at the 2018 BRITs when she donned a sweeping pink princess gown. 

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The voluminous garment featured swathes of tulle and ruffles that skimmed over her lithe figure and formed a large train.  

In support of the #MeToo campaign sweeping the year's awards season, Dua clutched a single white rose while striking a playful pose. 

2002: Kylie Minogue 

2002: A year after making fashion history with her sexy white catsuit in the Can't Get You Out of My Head music video, Kylie Minogue was at it again

A year after making fashion history with her sexy white catsuit in the Can't Get You Out of My Head music video, Kylie was at it again.

The Australian singer was back in white but in the form of a very sexy corset dress that she paired with silver thigh high boots. 

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The outfit came as a shock to fans as Kylie had arrived on the red carpet in a thick coat that hid the look.  

Katy Perry - 2009 

2009: She's known for her quirky ensembles and love of kitsch, which Katy Perry displayed when she hit the red carpet in a corset embellished with diamante Hello Kitty designs

She's known for her quirky ensembles and love of kitsch, which Katy displayed when she hit the red carpet in a corset embellished with diamante Hello Kitty designs. 

Opting for a more casual look, the singer teamed the top with wet look leggings and  a pair of black heels. 

Katy later revealed that she was suffering with the flu at the ceremony and spent much of the night being sick in the toilets.  

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Victoria Beckham - 1997 

1997: Posh Spice became saucy spice when she performed at the 1997 BRITs in a white bikini top paired with a mini skirt

Posh Spice became saucy spice when she performed at the 1997 BRITs in a white bikini top paired with a mini skirt. 

Victoria looked incredible as  she showed off her moves while dancing around in towering heels. 

While she may have looked calm and confident, Victoria later revealed that she was terrified during the performance after hearing loads of balloons popping and believing it was gunshots.  

Rihanna - 2011

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2011: While Rihanna rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion she divided fans with her 2011 look

While Rihanna rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion she divided fans with her 2011 look. 

The singer caught the eye in a bold gown with a purple patterned bodice and voluminous aqua skirt all tied together with a green sash.  

Adding even more colour, Rihanna sported scarlet locks and donned blue heels.  

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