An iconic person is defined as a representative symbol of something. Aaliyah Dana Haughton is the epitome of what an icon embodies. Not only did her music help to shape a culture, her style remains timeless.

"More Than A Woman"

Aaliyah rose to super stardom in the 90s when the music scene was everything!! The talented hip hop and R&B artists were unparalleled and creating their own movements and trends. Aaliyah jumped onto the scene with her hit "Back and Forth" and it had us vibin' to a whole new sound. She was so fly because of her soft R&B sound fused with her street style aesthetic. Making her mark with a sultry ballad like "4 Page Letter" or over Timbaland's unique beats in "Are You That Somebody", Aaliyah gave the music industry inspiration.

"Street Thing"

Aaliyah's effortless style and signature look was one of a kind. She had a way of making the tomboy sexy as hell. Baggy pants, Nike Uptempos, and crop tops perfectly remixed sassy with street. Showing off her slim waistline while rockin' oversized windbreakers had every girl I know rushing to the mall to cop some new Tommy Hilfiger gear. As Aaliyah's career evolved, so did her style. Trading in her men's jerseys and sports bras during her 1994 Age Ain't Nothing But A Number album for a more grown and sexy persona in 1996's One in a Million album. She continued to add more sex appeal to her outfits while keepin' it G, and remained the queen of versatile looks.

CREATE AND SHOP AN AALIYAH VIBE

Aaliyah's 90s street style transcends a culture and is seen everyday. From big brand campaign lookbooks to some of our favorite social media influencers, we see glimpses of Aaliyah's style intertwined into modern day fashion more often than not. Just this week, MAC Cosmetics announced that a new Aaliyah line will be launching in 2018.

Aleali May channel's an Aaliyah style with mixes of street and sexy. (Image: Sweat The Style) — **Aleali May channel's an Aaliyah style with mixes of street and sexy**. (Image: Sweat The Style)

"At Your Best"

If there is one thing I learned from Aaliyah, it was to have the confidence to be yourself. Be genuinely authentic and don't be afraid to be creative. Even though the songstress tragically passed away 16 years ago on this day, the impact of her music and her style will continue to inspire our culture. When asked in an interview, what she wanted to be remembered for, Aaliyah replied "...I want people to look at me as a full on entertainer, and a good person." As we continue to put our own twists using staple pieces from her 90s fashion, we are reminded that fashion fades, style always remains. Age ain't nuthin' but a number.

Catch CNK Daily's fave Aaliyah sneaker moments HERE.