The Enduring Legacy Of Aaliyah's 'Try Again' Costume: Why It's Still Pop Culture's Ultimate Tribute

The 'Try Again' costume is not just an outfit; it is a cultural touchstone that perfectly encapsulates the futuristic, yet effortlessly cool aesthetic of Aaliyah Dana Haughton. As of December 13, 2025, this look—featuring the famous rhinestone-encrusted bikini top and sleek black leather pants—continues to be one of the most popular and revered tributes in fashion and pop culture, especially during Halloween and themed events, cementing Aaliyah's status as a timeless style icon.

This iconic ensemble, which burst onto the scene in the year 2000 with the release of the *Romeo Must Die* soundtrack single "Try Again," was a deliberate departure from her previous tomboy image, showcasing a new, mature, and powerful femininity. The simplicity of the two-piece look, combined with the dazzling sparkle and Aaliyah's signature sleek hair, created a visually stunning moment that remains instantly recognizable a quarter-century later.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton: A Complete Profile and Biography

Aaliyah Dana Haughton, affectionately known by monikers such as "Baby Girl" and "Queen of Urban Pop," was an American singer, actress, dancer, and model whose career was tragically cut short, yet whose influence continues to shape modern R&B and fashion.

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• Full Name: Aaliyah Dana Haughton
• Born: January 16, 1979
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Parents: Diane and Michael "Miguel" Haughton
• Genre: R&B, Pop, Hip Hop Soul
• Debut Album: *Age Ain't Nothing but a Number* (1994)
• Key Albums: *One in a Million* (1996), *Aaliyah* (2001)
• Key Film Roles: Trish O'Day in *Romeo Must Die* (2000), Queen Akasha in *Queen of the Damned* (2002)
• Accolades: Five-time Grammy Award nominee, won two MTV Video Music Awards for "Try Again" (Best Female Video and Best Video from a Film)
• Died: August 25, 2001, at age 22, in a plane crash in the Bahamas.

The Iconic 'Try Again' Look: A Masterpiece of Futuristic Styling

The "Try Again" music video, directed by Hype Williams, was a cinematic visual that perfectly blended high-octane action with high fashion, largely thanks to the vision of Aaliyah's long-time stylist, Derek Lee.

The Vision Behind the Dazzling Ensemble

The concept for the video, which served as a promotional centerpiece for the action film *Romeo Must Die*, required a single, powerful outfit that could withstand the dynamic choreography and close-up camera work. Stylist Derek Lee understood that the look needed to be strong, instantly memorable, and authentically Aaliyah.

The resulting ensemble was a striking contrast of textures: a custom-made, silver-sequined or rhinestone-encrusted bikini top paired with low-slung, glossy black leather or PVC pants. This combination was a bold statement, moving away from the baggy pants and crop tops of her earlier career, and embracing a more glamorous, yet still edgy, aesthetic. The look was a testament to the early 2000s "bling" era while maintaining a sophisticated, minimalist sexiness.

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Decoding the Costume's Key Components

To achieve the authentic "Try Again" look, the focus must be on three main areas: the core outfit, the dazzling accessories, and the signature beauty look.

1. The Core Outfit: Shine and Edge

• The Top: The centerpiece is a simple, triangle-style bikini or bra top, entirely covered in glittering silver rhinestones, sequins, or a metallic mesh fabric. This piece catches every light, creating the video's signature sparkle.
• The Bottoms: Low-rise, straight-leg or slightly flared black pants in a material like leather, faux leather, or PVC provide the necessary contrast and edge. The fit is crucial—sleek and slightly baggy at the bottom, but form-fitting through the hip.

2. The Accessories: Bling and Simplicity

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The outfit's glamour is amplified by subtle, yet impactful, accessories. Aaliyah wore a matching set of silver accessories, which included a rhinestone belt worn low on the hips, a delicate choker or necklace, and coordinating bracelets. The key is that the sparkle of the accessories must match the dazzling intensity of the top.

3. The Beauty Look: Sleek and Smokey

Aaliyah's beauty look for the video was the final piece of the puzzle, emphasizing her natural beauty with a touch of drama.

• Hair: The hair must be pin-straight, glossy, and center-parted, often tucked behind the ears or allowed to fall just past the shoulders. This sleekness provides a clean frame for the dazzling top.
• Makeup: The eyes were typically defined with a smokey, neutral shadow palette—browns, blacks, and grays—and a strong eyeliner. The lips were kept neutral with a brown or nude liner and a touch of gloss, a quintessential R&B look of the era. Fans often reference the MAC Aaliyah Collection for recreating the exact tones.

The Ultimate DIY Guide to Recreating the 'Try Again' Costume

Recreating the "Try Again" costume is a popular project because, while its impact is massive, the components are relatively accessible. It’s a perfect DIY project that allows for creativity in sourcing materials.

Step-by-Step Costume Assembly

1. Sourcing the Sparkle Top:

Instead of trying to find an exact replica, look for a black bikini top and purchase silver rhinestone trim or mesh ribbon. You can use a strong fabric glue to meticulously cover the entire surface of the top with the rhinestones, creating a custom, high-shine effect. Alternatively, many online costume shops now sell pre-made replicas.

2. Finding the Perfect Pants:

Search for black faux leather or pleather pants. Key search terms are "low-rise black leather pants," "PVC pants," or "90s club pants." The material should have a slight sheen to mimic the video's look. If high-quality leather is too expensive, a simple pair of black dance pants can be modified with a high-gloss spray for a similar effect.

3. The Essential Accessories:

The rhinestone belt is mandatory. Look for a thin, multi-row rhinestone strip that can be worn loosely around the waist or hips. Complete the look with simple, silver-toned hoop earrings or stud earrings and a few matching rhinestone bracelets. The goal is coordinated sparkle, not competing statements.

From Controversy to Cultural Tribute: The Costume's Enduring Influence

The "Try Again" look has transcended its music video origins to become a powerful symbol of Aaliyah's fashion legacy, inspiring countless tributes from fans and high-profile celebrities alike. This enduring popularity speaks volumes about her lasting impact on style.

High-Profile Celebrity Recreations

Every Halloween season, the "Try Again" costume reliably appears on social media, often worn by major stars. These tributes serve as a constant reminder of Aaliyah's iconic status.

• Keke Palmer's Viral Tribute: Actress and singer Keke Palmer earned high praise for her detailed and respectful recreation of the "Try Again" look, even going so far as to recreate scenes from the music video. Her tribute was celebrated for its accuracy and genuine admiration for Aaliyah.
• The Kim Kardashian Incident: Years ago, Kim Kardashian dressed as Aaliyah for Halloween, specifically choosing the "Try Again" outfit. While the costume was technically accurate, it sparked a significant backlash and accusations of cultural appropriation. Kardashian later issued an apology, acknowledging that she was sorry if she had offended anyone, highlighting the sensitivity and respect required when paying tribute to cultural icons.

The difference in reception between these two tributes—one lauded, the other criticized—underscores a crucial point: the "Aaliyah Try Again" costume is more than just a skimpy outfit; it is a tribute to a Black R&B legend whose style was deeply rooted in the culture she helped define. When recreating the look, fans are advised to approach it with reverence for Aaliyah's artistic and fashion legacy.

The enduring popularity of the "Try Again" costume, even decades after its debut, is a powerful testament to Aaliyah's unparalleled influence. It’s a look that perfectly balances sexy confidence with street edge, a formula that continues to define modern fashion. By recreating this outfit, fans not only celebrate Aaliyah's style but also keep the memory of "Baby Girl," the Queen of Urban Pop, alive for a new generation. Her music and her fashion continue to inspire us to keep trying, keep shining, and keep her legacy burning bright.