Prince: The icon's fashion through the years

Looking back at the 'Purple Rain' singer's most iconic fashion choices

Author: Katie RosseinskyPublished 23rd Oct 2023

Music icon Prince was no stranger to an iconic fashion statement, that's for sure. Achieving worldwide fame back in the 1980s, we enjoyed over 40 years filled with colourful, vibrant and inspirational outfits.

A true musical innovator whose career encompassed almost every genre (and created a few new ones too), Prince made an indelible mark on the world with songs like '1999', 'Raspberry Beret', 'When Doves Cry' and 'Cream' which was on his 'Diamonds and Pearls' album, which has been re-issued, along with 'Live At The Glam Slam'. But beyond the music, he was also king of the aesthetic, and also a bona fide fashion icon.

The singer was a style chameleon and an undeniable trendsetter. Prince's style included the ruffled blouses and coloured suits of the 'Purple Rain' era (perhaps one of the singer's most iconic looks), to the flamboyantly patterned co-ords, feather boas and perfectly executed eyeliner. The singer was an unabashed maximalist, unafraid to push sartorial boundaries, he experimented with colour, with fabric, with accessories. In short, he was a style god.

Sadly, Prince passed away in April 2016, at the age of 57. In order to celebrate the wonderful life of the 'Raspberry Beret' singer, we've gathered together some of his most iconic fashion moments of all time.

Have a scroll through and take a trip down memory lane...

1970

Performing in a typically extravagant matching jacket and trousers set.

1985

Wearing a sequinned paisley jacket and trousers performing at the Hollywood Palace to promote the opening of his film 'Purple Rain'.

1985

A white, sheer bodysuit, complete with ruffles, for his performance at the Fabulous Forum in California.

1988

Wearing polka dot co-ords while performing in Philadelphia.

1993

Prince performs at Radio City Music Hall donning a stripy waistcoat.

2005

Prince performs onstage in LA wearing a two-toned shirt and a bright yellow guitar.

2005

Matching with wife Manuela Testolini at the pre-Grammys party.

2006

Colour clashing while performing at the American Idol Season 5 finale.

2006

A tailored pinstripe assemble as he accepts the Male R&B Award onstage at the BET Awards.

2007

Wearing a sharp white suit at the Grammy Awards.

2007

Cool blue suit and an even cooler guitar for a performance at the Super Bowl.

2012

Prince performs with singer Mary J. Blige on-stage with matchy prints and solid gold glasses.

2015

Prince onstage during The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, making head-to-toe orange metallics cool.

Read more:

10 of Prince's must-see performances

Prince: The pop star who gave us hits such as 'Purple Rain' and 'Raspberry Beret'

Prince's 'Diamonds and Pearls' album re-issued with unreleased tracks

How to listen to Magic:

From Ed Sheeran to ABBA, and Take That to Madonna, Magic Radio plays more of the songs you love! Listen on our app, on DAB nationwide, on this website (click the play button below), or try us on your smart speaker – just say ‘Play Magic Radio’.