So Nostalgic

My Roman Empire.

Back in the 90s, however, only the most daring of style stars dared traverse translucent ground.

One such icon, who was always ahead of her time, was Britney Spears.

Britney Spears during The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.

Her appearance at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, however, changed that.

Spears wore a long, fur-trimmed cardiganthat swept the floor.

Despite having yards and yards of fabric, the garment was utterly see-through.

Britney Spears wears a sheer cardigan during The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.

She hooked one button and left the rest of the gauzy garment open, fully exposing her belly button.

She merchandised the all-black look with low-rise trousers (because 90s) and sandals encrusted with crystals.

She rocked frosted,baby blue eyeshadowwith black eyeliner and dusted her entire face with shimmering bronzer.

Britney Spears during The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.

Oops!…

Im talking about the barely-there masterpiece: her glistening Toxic bodysuit.

Spears has always had a spicy streak.

Britney Spears during The 1999 MTV Video Music Awards.

That 1999 look, however, was her gateway.

This article was originally published onOct.

Britney Spears performs with a whale tail at the 2000 MTV VMAs.

Britney Spears in her “Toxic” music video.