13 of Sir Elton John's most memorable outfits
He's not just talented in the music department!
Elton John has become known not only for his incredible songs, piano-playing and singing voice, but also for his taste in fashion. He has worn an array of extravagant outfits over the years, including a jumpsuit which was inspiration for costumes in the film Rocketman. And now he is often seen in embellished suits and matching sunglasses at most events.
Over the years he has built close friendships with famous designers like Gianni and Donatella Versace, Bill Whitten, Bob Mackie and Gucci, and he's had plenty of places to wear his extravagant outfits, from on stage, to award shows and special events.
Speaking to Vogue, Elton explained: "Throughout my career, clothes have been so important. Without the process of dressing up, looking different and having fun, I would have never have been the artist that I became."
While it's hard to pin down his best looks of all time, we've taken a look back at 13 of his most iconic outfits that left the biggest impression....
Here are some of our favourite Elton John looks:
1972 - All denim outfit
In the early 70s, Elton John was seen sporting an all denim outfit complete with badges from the places he had toured. He has since said that he now hates denim and refuses to wear it.
1974 - Watford Football Club
Before he was chairman of Watford Football Club, Elton was a huge fan. In 1974 he performed a concert at Vicarage Road Stadium and wore the team's colours to show his appreciation for the club.
1975 - Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Elton John received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1975, and of course dressed up for the occasion. He wore a suit by Bob Mackie and tinted star-shaped sunglasses, and from this point onwards his bold eyewear became part of all of his outfits.
1975 - Dodger Stadium concerts
Elton played two sold-out concerts at Dodger Stadium in California in 1975. As well as putting on an incredible show for 100,000 people, the event is remembered for the bedazzled Dodgers uniform that he wore, which included a rhinestone covered cap and his name embellished on the back of his top.
This was shown in the film Rocketman, where actor Taron Egerton can be seen sporting a replica of the iconic costume. It was even worn by fans of Sir Elton at his incredible Glastonbury 2023 performance, during which he thanked fans for coming dressed up as him as it made him "feel loved".
1977 - The Muppet Show
One of Elton's biggest, most elaborate outfits of all time - complete with rainbow feathers and a headdress - first made an appearance during Elton's 1974 tour, and was worn again when Elton performed his song 'Crocodile Rock' at The Muppet Show in 1977.
1980 - New York's Central Park
Designer Bob Mackie has worked with Elton numerous times throughout his career. Their relationship started when Elton saw the bold, feathered outfits Bob made for Cher, and reached out to ask if Bob would make something similar for him.
As his fame grew, Elton started wearing flashier outfits which led to some of his stand-out pieces from throughout the 70s and continued into the 80s, like the iconic Donald Duck outfit from 1980.
1986 - Tour de Force
Elton brought some interesting hairstyles into his outfits for his Tour de Force concert tour in Australia, wearing a pink mohawk, a powdered wig and a wig that resembled Tina Turner's famous hairstyle as part of his glittery ensemble.
1994 - All leather outfit
It seems Elton John went through a leather phase, even naming his 1986 studio album 'Leather Jackets'. He took to the stage in a scarlet-red all-leather outfit to perform in Paris in 1994.
1997 - 50th birthday
Elton didn't hold back when it came to his 50th birthday bash, dressing up as Louis XVI for his 600 guests. His outfit even included a 3ft tall wig topped by a silver galleon ship, and a 15ft long feathered train.
2018 - Grammy Awards
Elton John walked the red carpet at the 2018 Grammy Awards in a fully sequinned suit jacket, complete with multicoloured rings that spell out his name. In true Elton John fashion, he did have a second sparkly suit which he changed into to perform with Adele later that night.
2018 - 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour
For his final ever tour 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road', Elton received a custom floral brocade jacket from Gucci, embellished with the message 'Gucci loves Elton'.
As he is getting older, Elton has toned down the outfits he wears on stage, but while what he wears is slightly more understated that the feathered outfits of the 70s, Elton still has a distinct, memorable style and certainly dresses to impress.
2021 - 29th Annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards pre-party
Every year Elton John hosts a pre-party before the Academy Awards, with all profits going to his AIDS Foundation. In 2021 he performed with singer Dua Lipa for his guests, and of course wore a suitably sparkly number.
2023 - Glastonbury headline slot
Sir Elton took to the Pyramid Stage for the first time at Glastonbury 2023, in what was his final live performance for the foreseeable. He gave the performance of a lifetime and did it all in a fashionable, metallic gold suit - complete with some quintessential Elton eyewear.
Goodbye Peachtree Road auction
In January 2024, Elton announced the Goodbye Peachtree Road auction due to take place in February. The auction will see many of Elton John's items from his Atlanta home (Peachtree Road) go on sale in Christie's in New York City, including his jumpsuit used as inspiration for costumes in the Rocketman film.
Now read:
Elton John talks through his boldest outfits from his career
12 of the best Elton John songs of all time
Everything you need to know about Rocketman, the Elton John biopic