The Most Noteworthy Accessories Worn By Pop Culture’s Biggest Celebrities
Accessories play a huge part in what makes a celebrity's fashion style so distinct. Just think of Mr. T's famous gold chains or Cher's feathered headpieces. From Pee-wee Herman's red bowtie to Debbie Harry's leather boots, these are some of the most famous accessories to ever enter the realm of pop culture.
Elton John's Zany Sunglasses
Elton John has always been a standout, and not just because of his astounding talent. The man loves to wear anything that pops, so of course he's a fan of glitzy sunglasses. We can't imagine anyone pulling off the zany look the way Elton John has over the years.
The musician hasn't just stuck with one pair, either. He's sported all sorts of wild sunglasses over the years. In fact, it's been said that he has more than a quarter-million pairs of glasses in his extensive collection!
Cher's Feathered Headpieces
Cher's larger-than-life attitude is evident in her abundant success and her lavish attire, especially when it comes to headpieces. From early on, Cher liked to wear massive feather headdresses, and they've only gotten more extravagant with time.
It's amazing that the superstar hasn't ever fallen over in one of those things, which is a testament to her talent and professionalism. Cher was definitely born to be a standout, and she does so with her voice and her wildly unique accessories.
Tupac's Bandana
Tupac is considered one of the most influential rappers of all time, so of course, his bandana is iconic. The rapper put a unique twist on the look (literally) by tying it in the front instead of the back. The style became synonymous with Tupac, who was famous for his lyrics advocating social activism.
In addition to music, the rapper also was a successful actor, making him and his bandana all the more recognizable.
Sia's Wigs
The famous singer-songwriter Sia has been renowned for her incredible musical talent, but she also stands out for her wigs. She frequently wears massively oversized wigs that cover her face so that she won't be recognizable in her personal life.
The move has, ironically, garnered a ton of attention over the years. The disguise became uniquely iconic in that it isn't just a style choice, but a message about the downside of fame. The wigs also create an evident marker between her professional persona and her everyday self.
Pharrell's Giant Hat
Pharrell is such a successful musician and producer that he could wear whatever he wants and no one would blink an eye. He proved this when he started showing up to events with a giant hat that looks like it was modeled after Curious George's owner.
Though he didn't start a trend of cool kids wearing giant cats, Pharrell did create a look that people would recognize as being solely his. As we've seen, being iconic isn't just about being replicated. Sometimes, it's about wearing something no one else would dare to.
Madonna's Gloves
Madonna has made many fashion statements over the years, and one thing that's remained consistent is her gloves. Whether they're open-fingered, fishnet, one-handed, elbow-length, or any other variation, Madonna somehow makes each pair her own.
The gloves offer a bit of elegance to her punk outfits, and they have suited her at every turn in her career. There must be something about gripping a microphone with a gloved hand as opposed to a bare one that Madonna just can't get enough of.
John Lennon's Round Glasses
When picturing former Beatle John Lennon, there's one accessory that probably comes to mind: his circular glasses. And yet, when the legendary band first rose to fame, Lennon was bare-faced.
The frontman first received a pair of "granny glasses" when he landed the role of Gripweed in How I Won The War. The look became a part of his style in the years that followed, and the rest is history!
Biggie Smalls' Crown
Though Biggie Smalls didn't exactly wear his crown all around town, it still became an iconic symbol of the rapper. The Notorious B.I.G. posed for a photoshoot in the crown shortly before he passed, and even signed it.
The image went on to become one of the most recognizable photos of the rapper, as it represented him as the King of New York. Due to its significance, the crown sold at an auction for an astounding $594,750 in 2020!
Pee-Wee Herman's Red Bowtie
Though Pee-wee Herman is technically a fictional character, comedian Paul Reubens is so committed to the act that he often shows up to events dressed as the beloved persona. The performance started out on the stage before moving to television in 1981.
Ever since, Pee-wee Herman has been one of the more recognizable pop culture characters, especially with that red bowtie. The accessory pops against the grey suit, and that's for a reason. It's a subtle nod at the outlandish personality hiding behind Pee-wee's slicked-back hair.
Michael Jordan's Hoop Earring
The single earring look dates way back, and was even a trend among pirates! It disappeared for some time, but it came back with a vengeance in the '80s. One of the people who embraced the fashion statement was basketball legend Michael Jordan.
The athlete didn't just go with a stud, though. He went full-throttle with a hoop earring that became part of his signature look. The accessory brought a touch of street style to Jordan's sleek suits, making him look more approachable and down-to-earth.
Rihanna's Chokers
Rihanna's style has morphed considerably over the years, going from island child to edgy hip hop queen. One accessory that helped to mark the transition was her love for chokers.
The short necklaces complement the singer's rebellious yet elegant style. The accessory is just as adaptive as the singer is. Sometimes it's a diamond choker she's wearing to a gala, and other times it's a black fabric choker paired with a t-shirt and leather pants.
Samuel L. Jackson's Kangol Beret
Samuel L. Jackson's style is as suave as the characters he plays in movies. His signature accessory is, without a doubt, the Kangol beret. He has the hat in multiple colors to suit his various outfits, similar to Queen Elizabeth II and her floral hats.
The thing that makes the hat look so iconic on Jackson is the way it fits any occasion. Whether he's strolling downtown or arriving at a Hollywood premiere, the actor looks great when he completes his ensemble with a favorite cap.
MC Hammer's Hammer Pants
It doesn't get any more iconic than MC Hammer's Hammer pants. The rapper not only pioneered rap-pop, but did so while simultaneously bringing a new style of pants to the forefront. As a dancer, MC Hammer needed something he could easily move around in.
The baggy pants he wore ended up becoming massively popular, even to this day. Thanks to the music video of his hit song "U Can't Touch This," kids even today know who the famous pants are named after.
Gwen Stefani's Bindi
When the band No Doubt rose to prominence in the '90s, Gwen Stefani absolutely popped as the band's eclectic frontwoman. Her style set her apart from other famous singers, and part of her signature look was her bindi. She started wearing the accessory as an homage to her bandmate and then-boyfriend, Tony Kanal.
For a time, Stefani's bindi was just as much a part of identity as her bleached hair or her baggy pants. The singer eventually dropped the accessory, but it still symbolizes the band's early days on the music scene.
Mr. T's Gold Chains
Mr. T is a character in the truest sense of the word. Everything about him has become recognizable-- from his haircut to his catchphrase "I pity the fool!" Among the many things that make Mr. T Mr. T, his gold chains are definitely high on the list.
We can't think of a single celebrity who wore more jewelry than Mr. T used to back in his heyday. He stopped wearing the iconic necklaces after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, out of respect for those who were suffering.
Run-DMC's Adidas
Run-DMC emerged in the '80s and went on to become one of the most iconic hip hop groups of all time. From the moment they arrived on the music scene, the group loved to wear all things Adidas. From tennis shoes to tracksuits, they revolutionized the hip hop style.
As the music group gained popularity, Adidas began to recognize their positive impact on business. To pay them back, the company has collaborated with Run-DMC to create a line that honors the legendary artists.
Harry Styles' Headbands
Harry Styles has been praised for his gender-blurring style, and headbands were one of his first examples of it. The singer often ties bandanas or other fabric around his head so that it pushes his hair back like a headband.
One reason he may have started the look is to soak up perspiration during concerts, especially since he has longer locks. Harry's hair has gained a ton of attention, especially when he decided to grow it out, so his headband became a part of his fame.
Debbie Harry's Knee-High Black Boots
Debbie Harry is famously the frontwoman of Blondie, and her rocker style hasn't dissipated over the decades. Even today, the singer can still be found belting it out on the stage in a pair of black leather boots.
The singer can pull off her knee-high accessory on any occasion, whether she's at a Hollywood event or just strolling down the street. They are emblematic of Harry's style as a whole, which toes the line between casual and edgy.
Beastie Boy Mike D's VW Emblem Necklace
The Beastie Boys made a huge splash when they emerged in the '80s, and not just because of their music. When they were doing a promotional photoshoot for their debut album, member Mike D wore a VW chain necklace that went down in accessory history.
Fans were so big on the necklace that some started vandalizing cars to get the VW emblem and mimic the necklace. The car company cleverly turned the scenario around with a magazine ad that informed the public they would give anyone a free VW emblem if they asked.
Slick Rick's Eyepatch
Slick Rick rose to prominence in the '80s and since then, he's become one of the most sampled hip hop artists of all time. His ability to make catchy tunes made him so cool that he could pretty much rock anything, including an eyepatch.
Aside from Slick Rick, eyepatches are almost exclusively affiliated with pirates. And yet, the rapper managed to make it a blingy part of his style that didn't at all distract from his status. If anything, it actually embellished it.
