Remember when Britney Spears invented the sheer skirt?

Britney Spears and the VMAs. An iconic combination. In 2001 she gave her infamous snake performance. In 2003 she kissed Madonna. But in 2002? Well, the singer’s stunt was of a sartorial nature. This was the year of Britney’s Leather Bar look, and it was glorious.

Cast your mind back to those halcyon days of dial-up and flip phones as you gaze upon this skintight fit. 

Knee-high lace-up stilettos, a miniskirt with a lace panel, fingerless lace gloves, a snap-front bustier-vest, a diamond choker and a leather officer’s cap. Julia Fox could never. Demi Lovato wishes. Bella Hadid, get in line.

If Jennifer Lopez’s look at this event was sexy corporate-core, Britney is doing Leather Mommy. The pop star didn’t sing that night; she was on hand to present an award to Michael Jackson, which we don’t need to talk about!

Lately, Spears has gravitated toward girly dresses and separates as she enjoys life in SoCal with her new husband, Sam Asghari. Rather than an edgy flirt, she’s a happy dancer who wants to show off her body. As she should! But maybe this Halloween, Bad Girl Brit can make another appearance? Pretty please?

Then again, she might not have time to dress up. She’s got a bunch of new projects in the works. Her collaboration with Elton John drops on Friday, and her tell-all memoir is reportedly finished but delayed due to a paper shortage, per TMZ. Oh, who am I kidding? Britney Spears will always make time to put on an outfit.

If the above isn’t enough for your daily dose of the early aughts, feast your eyes on the absolute mishmosh (that kinda worked?) that was Christina Aguilera’s ensemble that night. Abs-baring scarf top, denim micro-mini, and of course, the two-tone hair that would live in infamy. Xtina, your retro moment has come as well.

Keep an eye out for Glamour UK’s coverage of the 2022 VMAs, happening this Sunday, August 28, here. 

This story was originally published in GLAMOUR (US).