MEL B’S FASHION JOURNEY

When it comes to current British fashion icons, Melanie Brown, more popularly known as Mel B, tops the list. The television personality, singer, actress, and author has been squarely in the public spotlight for nearly 25 years. Over that quarter of a century, her style – and life – has definitely had its ups and downs just like anyone else. No matter the circumstances, she has always maintained a unique, cutting-edge point of view when it comes to her clothing choices.

Mel B is back in the tabloids thanks to some salacious comments about hooking up with the other Spice Girls. Since her name is already on our lips, let’s take a look at her lengthy fashion journey.

WHO IS MEL B?

Mel B is perhaps known to the public as “Scary Spice” in the iconic girl-power singing group The Spice Girls. These 5 scantily clad ladies burst onto the scene in 1994 and became an overnight sensation.

Their catchy, bubbly, and fun pop hits appealed to young audiences everywhere. Their debut album was certified multi-platinum in 27 countries and sold over 30 million copies. The ladies went on to make 3 more albums – and even a movie – before splitting up to pursue solo projects.

More recently, Mel B has had tons of success thanks to a transition to film, stage, and television. Early in her acting career, she had small supporting roles on television shows and also did some voice acting for animated films. She has even appeared on Broadway as Roxy Hart in the famed musical “Chicago.”

During the last decade, she has appeared as a judge and mentor on the international talent show “The X Factor.” She has also found success as a judge on multiple seasons of “America’s Got Talent.”

While she has found consistent success in her career, her personal life has been a bit rockier. Following her fame, she went through a series of short-lived relationships with both men and women. Her most publicized affair was with actor Eddie Murphy, which ended in a paternity scandal.

Now, three children and two divorces later, she has burst back into the tabloids thanks to a recent announcement. Recently, she revealed to reporters that she and fellow Spice Girl Geri Halliwell had a sexual affair during the height of the singing group’s fame. Mel B has since downplayed the claim, and Geri Halliwell has yet to publicly respond.

In between her hectic life of shows and other obligations, she found time to write a book last November appropriately titled, “Brutally Honest” that received positive reviews. The book goes on to explain the aforementioned drama and other trials and tribulations of her roller-coaster life that have been broadcast by others. However, in Brutally Honest, she bears her sole and sets the record straight on many spicy (sorry) topics that have been fodder for tabloids for decades.

MEL B’S FASHION JOURNEY

THE SPICE GIRLS

Mel B’s style in the 1990s is largely defined by her alter ego “Scary Spice.” Like nearly all of the ladies in this girl group, she frequently sported sky-high platforms, loud animal prints, and skimpy outfits. While her looks during this era certainly weren’t modest, they were tons of fun. She usually styled her looks with an untamed afro of curls that was sometimes accented by “horns” wrapped in ribbon.

Sporty Spice was no stranger to bold animal prints. With that said, leopard print seemed to be her favorite. This tight, wildcat-inspired outfit pairs perfectly with her alter ego’s personality.

She was meant to be outrageous, unpredictable, and over-the-top. To me, nothing says “extra” quite like a leopard bra and trouser combination.

When I think “Scary Spice,” this outfit is the one that immediately comes to mind. The bright colors, the extra-long coat, the boots, the hair, the animal print – This is the quintessential Scary Spice look from head to toe.

I’m not exactly sure where Mel B found all of these animal print outfits, but she must have had a great stylist. This deep-plunge leopard print jumpsuit looks even more incredible when paired with matching platform boots.

This glittery, animal print suit is everything – especially when paired with a coordinating push-up bra. Here, Mel B rocks her signature spectacles and wild brown curls.

In fact, every lady in this photo looks off the deep end when it comes to their style. The Spice Girls were a lot of things but understated wasn’t one of them.

Here, the ladies pose with the royal family and flash their signature “girl-power peace sign.” Mel B looks beautiful wearing bright colors and sporting unruly curls. Her jacket and push-up bra combination would be a staple throughout the decade.

MEL B’S LATE 1990S FASHION STYLE

As the Spice Girls got more popular, their look also matured. In the late 90s, the girl group began wearing outfits that were a little more cohesive. While their skirts were still super short and their outfits were still skin-tight, it all got a little more sophisticated.

Mel B still infused every outfit with her outrageous sense of style. She frequently wore eyeglasses as well, which earned her a “Female Spectacle Wearer of the Year” award in 1997.

This monochromatic look allowed each of the girls in the group to express their point of view. Different patterns and prints in the same color scheme make it all look fun, funky, and cohesive.

Mel B’s snake print shows that her style is becoming a little more dynamic and less one-note.

This girl-group outfit is almost so bad it’s good. The all-white suits were probably as collectively covered up as the Spice Girls got. Clearly, push-up bras were having a moment when this photo was taken. Mel B sneaks in animal print in both her bra and her platform boots, but it’s her cane that really takes the cake.

Apparently, suits were a big deal in the late 90s. Here, Mel B rocks a cool pinstripe suit and is once again spotted with an edgy cane. Here, her hair is swept into a chic up-do, which shows that she’s slowly breaking out of the mold set by Scary Spice.

Mel B steals the show in this day-off Spice Girls pic. Their looks got a little less “costume,” which is somewhat refreshing. Scary Spice ditches her animal prints for cool color blocking and a retro-inspired jumpsuit.

This photo was taken at the Brit Awards in 2000, just as her Spice Girl career was drawing to a close. It perfectly shows that even though she was still into animal prints, her look was becoming slightly more refined.

THE POST “SCARY SPICE” ERA

Before we judge these outfits too harshly, the 2000s were an unusual decade when it comes to fashion. The transition from the late ‘90s bubblegum / futuristic aesthetic to late ’00 glamour wasn’t smooth for anyone. If you’ve ever un-ironically worn a choker with low-rise bell bottoms, you’ll certainly understand.

With that said, Mel B definitely looked chic considering the era. During this time, her transition from Scary Spice to glam Brit style icon was just getting started.

The look Mel B wore to a VH1 Party in London was probably pretty great in the early 2000s. Here, she paired destroyed flare jeans and a cropped peasant top with pastel neon colors. She even threw in a body chain for good measure, because in 2000 no one had ever heard the word “subtle.”

While a visible nude bra is never a fashion “Do,” Mel B looks pretty cute in this neutral outfit. Especially considering this was a 2000 event celebrating South Africa Freedom Day. Her adorable curls add the perfect finishing touch.

Mel B has always been a fan of statement-making bodysuits. She wore this shiny jumpsuit and moto boots onstage at a 2001 LGBT concert event.

Even though this look from 2003 still maintains some early ‘00s trends that I’m glad are long gone, she’s starting to show fashion growth. This floaty pink peasant top and black pants look great with her sparkly statement necklace.

At this movie premiere in 2004, Mel B looks classy, sexy, and sophisticated. This pink, embellished bandage dress shows off her curves and makes her look incredible.

MEL B’S LATE 2000S FASHION STYLE

The late 2000s was when everything started to look a little more “normal” by today’s standards. While there was still a bit of an over-polished aesthetic going on, fashion got decidedly more streamlined. This was at the peak of when Mel B was going through some tough stuff emotionally. Divorces and paternity tests all made her tabloid fodder. Despite the circumstances, Mel B looks pretty spectacular.

Here, she poses with her ex-husband in 2007. The bustier top and red pants make for some cool color-blocking. While this look is still filled with late 2000s trends, her style is definitely getting more sophisticated.

This photo from a red carpet event in 2007 hints that there were maybe some personal issues going on. With that said, there are definitely moments that show her fashion is getting more mature. Sure, she’s still sporting green, but her sequins and smoky eye makeup were perfectly on-trend in 2007. Plus, she traded in her natural hair for longer, darker locks.

Whatever issues she was working through in 2007, she must have left them there. This 2008 look is gorgeous, glam, and incredibly refreshing. Her straight, long locks pair perfectly with the colorful embellishments on her mini dress.

This adorable dress from the 2008 VMAs shows that she has successfully learned to channel her Spice Girls style. Her dress is cute, colorful, and sparkly, but still looks chic and elegant (rather than Scary!)

In 2010, she ditched her animal prints entirely for an awesome LBD. This sleek, sophisticated number shows off her body and makes her look like a true fashion superstar.

MEL B’S MODERN STYLE ERA

Mel B’s gig on “America’s Got Talent” truly turned her career around. Although she’s reaching an age where women in Hollywood are unfairly scrutinized, Mel B’s fashion choices aren’t getting more matronly. If anything, she is once again channeling the “Scary Spice” charm that originally made her famous.

She radiates natural beauty in this look from 2015. Her beautiful hair and skin tone pair perfectly with this tight red dress.

This look from 2016 shows that she never truly grew out of wearing bright, colorful jumpsuits. The difference between now and then, however, is the color, fit, and styling. Mel B looks flawless in this on-trend color and cutting-edge design.

This shimmery, sequin jumpsuit proves that you can take the woman out of the Spice Girls but not vice versa. Mel B’s sleek pony and metallic sparkles pair perfectly together – especially when you add some big ‘ol hoop earrings. This look reminds me of Cardi B in the best way possible.

Here, some of Mel B’s original charm is coming back around. The pink pleather dress, wild hair, and statement heels could look like a mess when paired all together. On the OG Scary Spice, however, this is business as usual and looks picture-perfect.

This look comes from one of her most recent red carpet-appearances. The nude sparkly dress is incredibly fierce – so too is her pink lip and her awesome curls. I have to say, I don’t love that it looks like she’s gotten some work done – to me, aging gracefully is an honor and a privilege. With that said, the woman standing next to her is her own daughter! If I look half as good as Mel B does when I have an adult child, I’ll consider that an s