Michael Jackson's Signature Military Jacket

Michael Jackson electrified audiences with his smooth dance moves and his over-the-top style. Just take a look at the heavily festooned black lamé jacket he first wore to his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star dedication in 1984. (He also wore it at other public appearances throughout the '80s.) In recent months, celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Taylor Swift have been standing at attention in a similar style of jacket, albeit considerably toned down. For flashier stars like Beyoncé, only Balmain's eye-catching incarnation would do. Michael's influences were all over the runways this past season: in Givenchy's gold-studded jackets and in Louis Vuitton's sequined gloves. And for Michael's upcoming tour, Swarovski, who bedazzled the jacket above, was slated to embellish the costumes. Glitter, glam and theatrics—all Michael!

To see Jessica, Taylor, Beyoncé and Rihanna modeling Michael, keep reading. For more M.J. fashion, click here for the gallery.

                                      Jessica and Taylor both suited up in military jackets.

                                                  Beyoncé as Balmain bombshell

Rihanna's red leather jacket was no doubt inspired by Michael's iconic "Thriller" version. Costume designer Deborah Landis said recently that when she learned the video consisted of a huge dance number with dusty, ragged ghouls, "I thought, what would make Michael pop? I went through the palette and came up with red."