Supa Dupa Fly: Missy Elliott’s Trendsetting Style

Welcome back, Missy!

Welcome Back, Missy! - This week, Missy Elliott made her triumphant return to the dance/hip hop landscape with the banger “WTF (Where They From),” feat. Pharrell Williams, and the Internet collectively lost its mind. And rightfully so, because we’re talking about one of the most innovative minds in music today. Just as inspirational is her quirky fashion sense, an enticing mix of glam, ‘80s hip hop and a little something-something that only Missy herself could accurately describe. See some of our favorite moments in her history of supa dupa flyness. By Britt Middleton  There are almost too many good style moments to mention in the clip for “WTF,” and this custom jersey and “Biggie” beanie, a likely homage to the late rap icon Notorious B.I.G., is definitely one of them.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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Welcome Back, Missy! - This week, Missy Elliott made her triumphant return to the dance/hip hop landscape with the banger “WTF (Where They From),” feat. Pharrell Williams, and the Internet collectively lost its mind. And rightfully so, because we’re talking about one of the most innovative minds in music today. Just as inspirational is her quirky fashion sense, an enticing mix of glam, ‘80s hip hop and a little something-something that only Missy herself could accurately describe. See some of our favorite moments in her history of supa dupa flyness. By Britt Middleton There are almost too many good style moments to mention in the clip for “WTF,” and this custom jersey and “Biggie” beanie, a likely homage to the late rap icon Notorious B.I.G., is definitely one of them. (Photo: Atlantic Records)

Lit - Then there’s the mirrored hoodie and sweatpants combo, also featured in “WTF,” that she set off with silver lip decals that made her look like a dancing disco ball — because no Missy vid is complete without a little shock value.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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Lit - Then there’s the mirrored hoodie and sweatpants combo, also featured in “WTF,” that she set off with silver lip decals that made her look like a dancing disco ball — because no Missy vid is complete without a little shock value. (Photo: Atlantic Records)

Pop Art - “WTF” is so good, we have to squeeze in one more memorable look. You can’t deny how dope this makeup is, especially while wearing the coordinating Adidas warm-up.   (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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Pop Art - “WTF” is so good, we have to squeeze in one more memorable look. You can’t deny how dope this makeup is, especially while wearing the coordinating Adidas warm-up. (Photo: Atlantic Records)

Get Ur Freak On - Perhaps teasing the arrival of her new music, the MC has been playing gigs here and there recently. Her satin two-piece for the 2015 Isle of Wight Bestival gives subtle nods to her wilder days in the ‘90s.   (Photo: Ollie Millington/Redferns)

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Get Ur Freak On - Perhaps teasing the arrival of her new music, the MC has been playing gigs here and there recently. Her satin two-piece for the 2015 Isle of Wight Bestival gives subtle nods to her wilder days in the ‘90s. (Photo: Ollie Millington/Redferns)

Primetime Live - Folks went nuts after Missy ripped some bars during Katy Perry’s Super Bowl performance last year. She does her thing in this form-fitting black leather jumpsuit and tail-length copper mane. It's sporty with a hint of sexy.   (Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

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Primetime Live - Folks went nuts after Missy ripped some bars during Katy Perry’s Super Bowl performance last year. She does her thing in this form-fitting black leather jumpsuit and tail-length copper mane. It's sporty with a hint of sexy. (Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Photo By Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

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Golden Girl - At the 2006 BET Awards, the “One Minute Man” songstress takes home the prize for Best Female Hip Hop Artist in a flashy gold satin suit, matching fitted and her favorite all-white Adidas Superstars. When you’re #winning, you can’t help but shine.  (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Golden Girl - At the 2006 BET Awards, the “One Minute Man” songstress takes home the prize for Best Female Hip Hop Artist in a flashy gold satin suit, matching fitted and her favorite all-white Adidas Superstars. When you’re #winning, you can’t help but shine. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Denim Dreams - Now really, we can count on one hand the number of people who can pull off head-to-toe denim. Missy does it and does it well at the 2006 Grammys.   (Photo: UPI Photo/Phil McCarten /Landov)

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Denim Dreams - Now really, we can count on one hand the number of people who can pull off head-to-toe denim. Missy does it and does it well at the 2006 Grammys. (Photo: UPI Photo/Phil McCarten /Landov)

Boho Beautiful - This boho tunic and pants set, worn at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, is a bit of a departure from Missy’s bold style, but we love the softness it gives her. The edgy hoop earrings and piece-y bob with warm auburn highlights contrast nicely.   (Photo: Jason Squires/WireImage)

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Boho Beautiful - This boho tunic and pants set, worn at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, is a bit of a departure from Missy’s bold style, but we love the softness it gives her. The edgy hoop earrings and piece-y bob with warm auburn highlights contrast nicely. (Photo: Jason Squires/WireImage)

My Adidas - It’s no secret that she’s a fan of ‘80s breakdancing culture, and we love how she makes it her own. Her baby pink velour Adidas track suit, fuzzy newsboy hat and white tube socks totally steal the scene at the 2003 Grammy Awards.  (Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage)

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My Adidas - It’s no secret that she’s a fan of ‘80s breakdancing culture, and we love how she makes it her own. Her baby pink velour Adidas track suit, fuzzy newsboy hat and white tube socks totally steal the scene at the 2003 Grammy Awards. (Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage)

One in a Million - This spiked pixie cut and cranberry hue are counted among her signature hairstyles. Missy is also known for paying homage to close friend Aaliyah, who passed away in 2001. She wore this customized leather jacket emblazoned with Aaliyah’s face that same year as a testament to their bond.  (Photo: Evan Agostini/ImageDirect)

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One in a Million - This spiked pixie cut and cranberry hue are counted among her signature hairstyles. Missy is also known for paying homage to close friend Aaliyah, who passed away in 2001. She wore this customized leather jacket emblazoned with Aaliyah’s face that same year as a testament to their bond. (Photo: Evan Agostini/ImageDirect)

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So Sharp - Look closely enough and you'll see that her eggplant pantsuit, worn at the 2000 Grammys, is actually adorned with real razor blades. It works.  (Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

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So Sharp - Look closely enough and you'll see that her eggplant pantsuit, worn at the 2000 Grammys, is actually adorned with real razor blades. It works. (Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

In Your Face - You didn’t think we would wrap up this homage to Missy without the clip that started it all, did you? Directed by Hype Williams, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” is the epitome of ‘90s opulence. Gratuitous fish-eye camera lens, heavily lined lips, bedazzled, bug-eyed specs and an inflated plastic jumpsuit we still can’t figure out...this will go down as one of the coolest art concept videos ever.  (Photo: Atlantic Records)

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In Your Face - You didn’t think we would wrap up this homage to Missy without the clip that started it all, did you? Directed by Hype Williams, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” is the epitome of ‘90s opulence. Gratuitous fish-eye camera lens, heavily lined lips, bedazzled, bug-eyed specs and an inflated plastic jumpsuit we still can’t figure out...this will go down as one of the coolest art concept videos ever. (Photo: Atlantic Records)