17 Ways Lady Gaga Has Left Her Mark on Fashion

Lady Gaga’s habit of using re-purposed materials for fashion may be symptomatic of her love of what she refers to as “upcycling” (though critics state she is unclear on the concept), but ensembles like this plastic dress for SXSW 2014 clearly display that anything can be made into a dress. Perhaps recycling is the next fashion trend.

Long before Miley made it her signature style, Lady Gaga reminded us that sometimes, it’s ok to forget your pants (if you have a multi-million dollar record deal and attitude to spare).

Lady Gaga may dress in an eccentric way most days, but she’s not afraid to have a full-on glamorous moment like she did at the 2014 Oscars. Her red carpet style proves that it’s alright to have a princess moment now and then, however that may manifest itself.

However, Gaga also knows the power of a seductive gown, demonstrated here with corseted, peekaboo Versace. Unabashed, provocative ensembles are one of Gaga’s favorite styles, and the modern way she wears them have influenced the way we view modern allure.

Lady Gaga proves once and for all that it’s alright to wear sunglasses at night–and a cape. The cape seems to have caught on after Gaga debuted hers at Musicares in January, as demonstrated by Lupita Nyong’o and Kate Hudson.

Metallics are incredibly trendy, and who was one of the first to debut the trend in 2014? Lady Gaga, of course, on the Epix red carpet.

Lady Gaga constantly reminds us to dress how we feel on a particular day —in this case, Gaga seems to be a having a royal moment with a touch of goth.

Most of us would not have the audacity to rock a cropped bra top without an accompanying shirt. But Lady Gaga takes on the trend boldly with printed pants, a blazer, platforms, and dreadlocks, proving that you don’t actually have to stick to one trend per ensemble.

We know Madonna recently rocked a Game of Thrones-inspired look, but Lady Gaga’s Lady Godiva getup came first. You’re welcome, Game of Thrones fans.

We’re not crediting Lady Gaga with spearheading the vintage trend (in fact, we’re under the impression that no single person is responsible for it). But instead of mixing vintage pieces into a modern ensemble, Gaga often attempts a full-on throwback style, inspiring others to do the same.

Gaga debunks the myth that suits must be boring with this decidedly intriguing Thom Browne ensemble at the 2013 Glamour Women of the Year Awards.

Leave it to Lady Gaga to rock an ensemble that looks like it walked off the set of Fifth Element. Gaga’s dedication to space-age fashion was reflected at Fall 2014 Fashion Week.

We have to love an ensemble that includes steampunk glasses and a vinyl coat. The lesson we can learn from this ensemble is that the more you mix clothing genres, the more impactful a look becomes, for better or for worse.

We thought thigh-high boots were over after Julia Roberts wore them in pretty woman, but they’re back in fashion with Lady Gaga leading the way in this fearless pastel pair.

Lady Gaga’s notorious drone dress was a major step forward for science — and fashion.

If there’s one thing Lady Gaga has truly contributed to fashion, it’s her ability to carry off a hat with every single ensemble. In this fedora, she demonstrates how a jaunty chapeau can transform any outfit into a show-stopper.