We say that we tune into the Grammys every year to watch the performances and root on our favorite musicians. But really half the fun is seeing what the stars choose to wear for music's big night. And at the Grammys more than at any other award show, celebs make sure to put on their crazy pants. (We guess it
shows that they're artistes or something.) Keep clicking to see what we're learned about fashion from Grammy nights past.
Should you be stuck on Grammy day with no dress, toilet paper serves as a fine replacement. Just ask Toni Braxton. That's what she did in 2001.
Who says there's no place for stripper style when formal attire's called for? If Christina Aguilera could wear skankified braids and a lace-up dress with a high-slit up the front in 2001, by golly, so can you.
The band that dresses together stays together. Right,Destiny's Child, circa 2001? Oh, wait ...
There are two ways to make sure everyone at the Grammys see you -- win an award so you can get onstage or dress like a bird dipped in highlighter. In 2004 Mary J. Blige did both.
Going bare-chested on the red carpet is A-OK as long as you're wearing black leather gloves and a gold medallion to make up for the bare skin. At least that's what Kanye West did in 2006.
Think Lady Gaga started the no-pants craze? Think again! Lil' Kim actually pioneered that ridiculous "trend" at the 1998 Grammys. It was stupid then, and it's still stupid now.
Need an outfit for the Grammys? No worries! Follow Alicia Keys's example from 2002 and just wrap some mosquito netting around your wife-beater and jeans. Voila! You're Queen of the Nile.
If you're nine months pregnant and really want your baby to come out, dress in the most humiliating outfit imaginable, a la M.I.A. in 2009. That baby will try to separate from you as quickly as possible.
The best way to keep people's minds off the fact that you're wearing an old band T-shirt to a major awards show is by tying shredded rope around your hips and legs. Hey, it worked for Erykah Badu in 2003.
Want to score an invite to the Grammys? Here's Bai Ling's tried-and-true method. Call the organizers and promise them that if you can come you'll ensure that you're the worst-dressed there so that no "real" celebrities receive that embarrassment. Hey, it worked in 2008 and 2009!
Even bizarre role-play costumes can pass on the Grammy red carpet. Just check out Annie Lennox's dominatrix Minnie Mouse getup from 1995.
Coats are always welcome as an accessory on the red carpet, but they're more effective at keeping you warm when you're wearing a dress in between it and your corset. Just something Sheryl Crow might have kept in mind before leaving the house for the 2002 Grammys.
You never know when it may rain ... inside ... in Los Angeles. So Imogen Heap was totally spot-on toting an umbrella with her in 2007. (Is it just us, or is Imogen the Helena Bonham Carter wacky bag lady of the Grammys?)
Black ACE bandages are great for a DIY dress, a la Amy Lee of Evanescence's 2004 goth getup.
