20 Years of Christina Aguilera! Why The Singer’s 1999 Style Is More Relevant Than Ever

I’m a genie in a bottle! Believe it or not, it’s been 20 years since Christina Aguilera first landed on the music scene with her 1999 self-titled debut album. Released on August 24 of that year, the record skyrocketed the singer into pop superstardom, spawning some of her biggest singles, including “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girl Wants,” “Come On Over (All I Want Is You),” and “Reflection.” And while those tunes may continue to be smash hits to this day, her personal style from that year is equally noteworthy—even two decades later.

A quick deep-dive into Aguilera’s red carpet moments from her first year as a pop star proves she’s had a distinctive style outlook right from the beginning. On the mood board back then? Loads of crop tops. The singer had an obsession with revealing her abs, wearing everything from a fringe-trimmed Vegas tee—worn with a maxi skirt, which is very 2019 Paco Rabanne—to a glittery tank paired with embellished jeans.

Another of her go-tos from that time period? Sexy cardigans—often worn with nothing underneath and accompanied by the tiniest of miniskirts. (A vibe Bella Hadid has no doubt plucked from the ’90s to revive in the present day.) And if all that wasn’t enough, some of her key performance looks from her first album promotional tour served up plenty of currently trending pieces, too, such as leopard-print coats and feather-trimmed knits—both of which are, yet again, undergoing a revival right now. Below, dive into our favorite 1999 Aguilera looks—and prepare for some serious wardrobe inspiration.