Most Elaborate And Expensive Outfits Ever Worn on Stage

Occasion: Nightclub Performance 
Year: 1978
Estimated Cost: $4,000*

You can always rely on Tina Turner to churn out incredible looks. The iconic hitmaker has been bringing the heat on stage for decades, but did you know that designer Bob Mackie created several of her on-stage ensembles? This flame dress was worn by several superstars, including Tina. 

Tina Turner @skdaidone / @yngyaoi / Pinterest.com

Of course, Tina added some extra pizzazz to it with a huge plume of orange feathers, putting her own stamp on it. It couldn’t have been easy to move in or cheap to make, but nothing was going to stop Tina from rolling down the river. She wore this get-up in 1978 during a performance at a nightclub. 

Occasion: Met Gala
Year: 2015
Estimated Cost: $20,000* 

Turning up to the Met Gala as a guest is one thing, but performing during the evening is something else entirely. Cher brought her A-game in 2015, taking to the stage wearing a giant orange wig, headpiece, and a gladiator-inspired bodysuit. 

Cher @eentertainment / @DEBEDRESCUEMOM / Pinterest.com

Cher has never been shy on stage when it comes to wearing outfits. She’s worn more bizarre, unusual (and in some cases quite hideous) stage costumes than almost any other artist. It’s an essential part of her brand and likely takes up a huge chunk of the budget. 

Occasion: Multiple Performances
Year: 1970s
Estimated Cost: $65,000 each* 

When Elvis first made it big, his fashion was in keeping with other ‘50s stars. Drainpipe trousers slicked-back hair, and button-down shirts. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll changed a lot as his career developed, and by 1970 he had started to wear custom jumpsuits designed by Bill Belew. While some varied in price, most cost $65,000 apiece. 

Elvis @frtodd / @britishgq / Pinterest.com

Jumpsuits quickly became Elvis’ signature look, the more bedazzled the better. From blue ones to white ones and ones with multiple designs on them, these outfits are a huge part of the King’s legacy. Some have been sold for more than $1 million since his passing. 

Occasion: Coachella 
Year: 2018
Estimated Cost: $50,000+* 

When Beyonce performed at Coachella in 2018, it was an event that went down in musical history. As one of the reigning artists of her time, Queen Bey knew that the performance had to pack a punch. She delivered a visual feast, complete with some of the most outlandish costumes she had ever worn. 

Beyonce ©Larry Busacca/Getty Images

The costumes for the set were designed by Balmain, aka a very expensive and exclusive fashion house. While the exact price of the truly Instagrammable outfits were never revealed, the overall cost likely exceeded $50,000. Luckily for Beyonce, she was paid around $12 million for the performance. 

Occasion: Liberation Tour 
Year: 2018
Estimated Cost: $5,000*

Like many pop stars, Christina Aguilera has undergone several transformations over the years. She was a Genie in a Bottle, a chap-wearing, bikini-clad crooner, and even a courtesan for Moulin Rouge. Back in 2018, she embarked on the Liberation Tour, with many outfits taking on a religious undertone. 

Christina Aguilera @georgevreelandhill / @richard5863 / Pinterest.com

This black and white gown had all the trimmings, but it wasn’t the only outlandish costume Xtina wore on stage. Each number was just as incredible as the last, with layers of fabric and some very full skirts. The bigger dresses likely cost around $5,000 a pop, but the Sony star wasn’t complaining. 

Occasion: Billboard Music Awards
Year: 2004
Estimated Cost: $10,000* 

Icons like Diana Ross know that it’s all about the visual element as well as the quality of the music they’re performing. Ross has had her fair share of costume blunders, but in 2004 she lit up the room at the Billboard Music Awards. 

Diana Ross @RilkeRainer1 / @missysrussell / Pinterest.com

The legendary singer walked out dressed in a huge, red ruffled wrap dress with matching shoes and lipstick to match. She looked like a rose plucked straight from a garden, but it can’t have been cheap. Luckily, Diana isn’t worried about the financial side of things. 

Occasion: MTV VMA Awards
Year: 2015
Estimated Cost: $5,000* 

Miley Cyrus’ antics might have calmed down in recent years, but she was in full Miley mode when she hosted the MTV Video Music Awards in 2015. The star made the headlines for her attention-grabbing outfits that left little to the imagination. 

Miley Cyrus @mayooshy / @kskrinar / Pinterest.com

Disney icons rarely make the same transformation that she did. Some of the outfits were far too risque to mention, but this pride-flag-inspired costume went down a treat with followers. It might have made it a little difficult for Miley to move, but the message was received loud and clear. 

Occasion: Blue Smoke Tour 
Year: 2014
Estimated Cost: $10,000*

Not only is Dolly Parton one of the nicest stars in country music, but she’s also one of the most recognizable. As she once said, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” The blonde beauty may be well into her 70s now, but she still looks a million dollars. 

Dolly Parton @gumbochaff / @btladesign / Pinterest.com

In 2014 she began her Blue Smoke Tour and really pushed the boat out with costume design. She wore multicolored dresses, orange suits, and more – all carefully encrusted with sequins, gems, and everything in between. The Netflix star has a costume collection worth an eye-watering amount of money. 

Occasion: Hammersmith Apollo Show
Year: 2008
Estimated Cost: $1,000* 

You can say a lot of things about Bjork, but you certainly can’t call her shy and unassuming. The Icelandic singer is well-known for her weird and wonderful stage outfits, but she outdid herself in 2008 while performing at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. 

Bjork @bustledotcom / @blossom77 / Pinterest.com

The Comcast Universal songstress took to the stage wearing a multicolored pom-pom hat with matching ensemble. It’s not the first time that she’s been seen wearing a truly awe-inspiring outfit on stage, and it certainly wasn’t the last. Some say she’s a style icon, but others might not be so quick to agree!

Occasion: Who’s That Girl Tour 
Year: 1980s 
Estimated Cost: Unknown

In reality, the Material Girl could have taken up all of the spots on this list, as Madge has had quite a few shocking stage outfits. She wore this one on her Who’s That Girl Tour in the 1980s. This tour was in support of True Blue, Madonna’s third album, as well as the soundtrack to the movie Who’s That Girl.

@absolutemadonna/Instagram

Though this bustier wouldn’t be as iconic as the Jean Paul Gaultier conical bra that everyone talked about, it was still unusual, fitted with doll heads and random odds and ends. The Who’s That Girl Tour would give rise to the New Madonna, who would have even more outlandish stage uniforms.

Occasion: Hollywood Bowl 
Year: 2009
Estimated Cost: $2,000* 

Mention Grace Jones to anyone and the first thing they’re likely to mention is her powerful aesthetic and Goddess-like stature. The musical artist might not be churning out hit after hit in the modern era, but people still flock to her shows to see her on-stage charisma – and incredible costumes. 

Grace Jones @delinquentredpanda / @carolinablu3 / Pinterest.com

In 2009 during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl, Grace wore a patterned catsuit with a white headpiece and wig that made her look like an animal stalking its prey. The audience was ready to be eaten whole thanks to her mesmerizing talent. Nothing is bizarre when it comes to Jones. 

Occasion: The Muppet Show/On Tour 
Year: 1997
Estimated Cost: $5,000+* 

For a man that sits behind his piano on stage most of the time, Elton John has always pushed boundaries with his costumes. The ‘70s was perhaps his most adventurous decade, where he wore some truly awe-inspiring suits adorned with all sorts of things. 

Elton John @julaa_b / @lovellsbells / Pinterest.com

For a performance on The Muppet Show in 1977, he looked like a human fruit bowl. Elsewhere that same year, he put on a onesie with high heels and called it a look. There’s not much Elton can’t do, even in today’s world. 

Occasion: Brixton Academy 
Year: 2017
Estimated Cost: $1,000* 

As the frontwoman of Blondie, Debbie Harry established herself as one of the most beautiful women in the music industry. Many decades after the band’s debut, the star is still going strong with her trademark platinum locks. Her stage outfits have become slightly more daring – and unusual – over time. 

Debbie Harry @dailymirror / Pinterest.com

In 2018 she took to the stage at a Brixton Academy gig wearing a mask that looked like a bee alongside a cape adorned with flies. Her voice is still as sweet as ever, but can the same be said for her fashion sense? That’s up for debate.  

Occasion: NYE Performance
Year: 2020
Estimated Cost: $50,000+* 

When it comes to fashion, Jenny from the Block knows her worth. The 50-something entertainer has been dressed by the most famous names in fashion, so when she performed on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in 2020, she didn’t disappoint…even if it was slightly more avante-garde than some fans expected. 

J-Lo @fantasia13 / @phandrewz / Pinterest.com

J-Lo wore a Valentino Couture tiered feather coat that was at least twice her size, with a diamond-encrusted cage around her face, all while standing on a giant podium. Many likened the look to a wedding cake, but it’s definitely not a budget bake you can pick up in Walmart.