THE VELVET ROPE CODE
How Janet Jackson embraced risk and femininity during “The Velvet Rope” era—and how to dress like her too.
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When I think of sexuality and quiet confidence, I think of “The Velvet Rope” by Janet Jackson. Cherry red hair. Latex that clings like a second skin. Bold textures. Cashmere-soft vocals crooning over a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis beat.
Janet Jackson was, and still is, the moment.
“The Velvet Rope,” the 1997 R&B album, finds Jackson at a crossroads. One side of the road is her pursuit and longing for a lover, both emotionally and physically. The other side provokes the listener to look beyond a proverbial velvet rope: this inherent need to feel desired by others. She confronted the parts of humanity that felt too taboo, from the HIV/AIDS epidemic to abusive partners to bisexuality.
It’s personal, provocative and Jackson’s magnum opus.
The album’s sonic and visual fingerprint still lingers within artists like Aaliyah, Britney Spears, Tinashe and more.
From African-inspired motifs to subtle gothic aesthetics, Jackson pushed the boundaries on what desire and rebellion looked like in the 90s. She balanced feminine and masculine attire through her structured tailoring, latex bodysuits and a lot of midriff. Wayne Scot Lukas, Jackson’s close friend and stylist, was the main executor of these looks.
She wore her sexuality on her sleeve, both metaphorically and literally.
The body is neither masculine nor feminine in the conventional sense; it is sculptural. It exaggerates strength. It emphasises bone, muscle, geometry. It refuses to collapse into softness.
Welcome to A-List Attire, a new series where I delve into the stylistic attributes of our favorite creatives and show how you can incorporate their style into your wardrobe.
I have a strong affinity for celebrities with great style—from Rihanna in her iconic Swarovski-embellished dress to Carrie Bradshaw strutting down Manhattan in a Dior slip dress. A-List Attire reframes celebrity style and makes it accessible to you.
And who better to dig into than Janet Jackson?
Silk married with structured tailoring was a paradigm look for Jackson during “The Velvet Rope” era. And it still works well.
The top, a fitted blazer with padded shoulders, is angular, masculine and serious. The bottom? Feminine and flowing. It’s a look that stands out in and outside of an office.
If you’re in the workforce, this is an easy add to your wardrobe. Pair a waist-cinching blazer with a silky pair of trousers for a similar texture. Keep jewelry minimal though, instead adding a set of clogs or platform loafers to top the look off.
Alternative aesthetics were popular in the 90s, and Jackson was an underrated figure in that movement. Though they’re common now, facial piercings, tattoos and overall body modifications were still taboo. She still embraced it all, even a silver septum piercing, with plunging necklines and midriff.
A mildly risqué look means a maximalist, floral-print shirt is your centerpiece. Similar to many of Jackson’s off-duty looks during this era, a pair of baggy black pants will complement this. Chunky rings are also a must.
Leather jackets are a seasonal transition staple and can elevate even the most basic outfits. The hidden ingredient is in how you accessorize it.
One thing I love about Jackson during “The Velvet Rope” era is how she’s lowkey an outfit repeater. The army green cargo pants she’s wearing are identical to the ones she sports in the “Together Again” music video.
This is a sign to bring out some old statement pieces, like a fringe collar necklace, for some juxtaposition against the leather jacket and cargo pants. A set of chunky boots will elevate it even more.
Lyrically, Jackson strips back the layers to expose a more introspective side of herself. It, of course, bleeds into her visuals.
This is one of those outfits I love but know there’s no occasion where I would wear a feathered vest with a lacy bra. So instead of baring it all, try incorporating jeans with feathered detailing for that added texture. If you want to go all out, a loose-fitting silk shirt will also pair well with these pants.
A quintessential 90s outfit with the chunky boot, this look feels both nostalgic and right on time.
An oversized blazer is a staple. Combine this with some Dr. Martens and a corset for that quintessential blend of masculine and feminine textures and looks.
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“The Velvet Rope” era was all about restricted colorways, bold accents and a sense of futurism. Vulnerability meets seduction meets confrontation.
What’s minimal in color is maximal in print.
I’m a big fan of thrifting pieces like this Intempo jacket or finding other, more structured pieces from a retailer like ThredUp. Zip down the jacket and lace up a pair of stiletto heels for a modern version of a night-out look.
Notice the similar silk skirt from Janet’s album listening party? I love seeing how Jackson repurposed pieces to give her outfits a different vibe for each event she attended. You can, too.
The original outfit worn at the 1997 VMAs went for $3,840 at auction, but luckily you can replicate this with a velvet red collared shirt and a floor-length skirt. A leopard-print bucket bag will be the cherry on top of this timeless outfit, too.
