Elvis Costello once said, “I’m in show business. If I want to wear big glasses and a hat, I will. That’s why we’re in it; it’s dress-up.” Take his word for it: pop music has always been 50% visual. Much of the time, that means clothes—outrageous or otherwise. Like love and sex, they even write songs about dress-up.

New Shoes—Paolo Nutini, 2006

Short Skirt/Long Jacket—Cake, 2001

The Lady in Red—Chris de Burgh, 1986

Sharp Dressed Man—ZZ Top, 1983

Leather and Lace—Stevie Nicks and Don Henley, 1981

Fishnet Stockings—Stray Cats, 1981

Boogie Shoes—KC & the Sunshine Band, 1975

You Can Leave Your Hat On—Randy Newman, 1972

Hot Pants—James Brown, 1971

The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys—Traffic, 1971

Coat of Many Colors—Dolly Parton, 1971

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’—Nancy Sinatra, 1966

Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat—Bob Dylan, 1966

Devil with the Blue Dress On—Frederick Earl “Shorty” Long, 1964

Big Legs, Tight Skirt—John Lee Hooker, 1964

Hi-Heel Sneakers—Tommy Tucker, 1963

Cowboy Boots—Dave Dudley, 1963

A White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation)—Marty Robbins, 1957

Blue Suede Shoes—Carl Perkins, 1955

Button Up Your Overcoat—Ruth Etting, 1928