Life In Looks: Pamela Anderson's Iconic Style
Hulu’s new limited series Pam & Tommy was released earlier this month, and we cannot get over Lily James’s uncanny transformation into the Baywatch star. In honor of the show, we’ve decided to break down some of Pamela Anderson’s most iconic looks.
From tight red bathing suits to outrageous pink feathered hats, Pam Anderson had some of the most questionable (yet fashionable) looks of the 90s, along with her ex-beau Tommy Lee, who’s played by Sebastian Stan in the show.
SOURCEs: Twitter, Dazed, VOGUE FRANCE
Let’s take a look at some of Anderson’s best looks throughout her life.
Casual & Cute
SOURCEs: cosmopolitan & Tumblr
These may not be her most iconic fits of all time, but they are definitely super reminiscent of 90s fashion. Pam Anderson had the ability to turn casual, sporty-looking outfits into cute, and of course, super trendy looks that everyone (including the tabloids) loved.
The ability to rock a super sweet babydoll tank with baggy camo pants and some chunky brown boots, and turn a Reebok work-out piece into a super chic look, screams fashion icon.
BIG HATs for big hair
SOURCEs: YAHOO NEWS & People
Ok—these two looks are the most pivotal Pamela Anderson outfits in history. Perhaps we might be a little biased, but come on, who doesn’t love a big hat moment? Or two? The picture to the left with Anderson and Lee was taken at the 1997 AMA’s, where the duo proved no hat was too big.
Probably one of Pamela’s most memorable looks is pictured to the right, at the 1999 VMA’s. She turned tacky into iconic by styling questionable pieces, with yet another big (this time pink and feathered) hat.
KEeping it Cropped & Mini
SOURCEs: cosmopolitan & Vogue
Name a better combination than a cropped top and a mini skirt. If you can’t, it’s probably because there aren’t many out there—especially when referencing 90s fashion.
Pamela Anderson was obviously a fan of this combo, and the added knee-high boots to match. Both of these cropped top and mini skirt looks also happen to be monochromatic (which we’ll discuss a little later) proving her matching skills were just as on point as her accessorizing skills.
SWIMMINGLY STYLish
SOURCEs: cosmopolitan & People
Obviously, the red Baywatch bathing suit is her most iconic look. The show is what really jumpstarted her career. The red bathing suit has become a summer classic because of the Baywatch and is worn by many including Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Lopez.
But, what makes an outfit iconic is how the person wears it. Anderson and the rest of the Baywatch cast wore those bathing suits like it was the most prized piece in their wardrobe.
A monochromatic moment
SOURCE: cosmopolitan & PEOPLE
Black is a classic, so there is no question as to why Pam Anderson might have chosen to sport the color several times. She channeled her inner 60s style in the picture to the left by pairing an all-black micro dress with all-black pointed-toe knee highs.
At a conference for the National Association of Television Program Executives in 1995, she decided to whip up an all-black business-ready ensemble. It was equally as stylish as any of her other looks.
TIGHT & SHINY
SOURCEs: VOGUE & Twitter
We all know Anderson was no stranger to tight and body-snatching dresses, so these looks had to be included. The pink and red dress gives all the Valentine’s Day vibes— and we are totally here for that.
The silver/metallic dress with the high-neck is giving futuristic-bombshell, and her hair in an updo only adds to the effect. Even with minimal accessories, she still managed to create looks that were super bold, and obviously memorable.
BARB WIRE BOMBSHELL
SOURCE: PEOPLE
Last but not least, we have her outfit from the 1996 film Barb Wire, and the look she wore to the Cannes Film Festival in 1995. Her look from the film was so iconic that many, including Kendall Jenner, recreated the look for Halloween.
The leather lace-up corset and matching bottoms, as well as the big blonde hair, is what made the outfit. She channeled the character‘s look at the Cannes Film festival, wearing a similar black cinched leather corset and a pair of black opera gloves.
Icons are considered icons for many reasons—what they’ve accomplished, what they’ve written, and of course, what they’ve worn. Pamela Anderson deserves to be recognized not just for the roles she’s played in TV shows and films, but because of her extremely bold and influential 90s and early 2000s style.
Which iconic Pamela Anderson look is your favorite? Leave a comment below.