Mary J. Blige Style Evolution: Her Most Memorable Outfits

The last thing you want to hear when someone is describing your style is "Ghetto Fabulous," referring to the nouveau riche look marked by wearing one's wealth in as tacky a manner as possible. Most definitely a fashion faux pas.

But singer Mary J. Blige doesn't mind the comparison, especially since she helped pioneer the fashion trend almost 20 years ago.

During a recent profile on "CBS Sunday Morning," the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul talked about being labeled "ghetto fabulous" and how it has shaped her career.

"That was something that I was happy about, because it's all I had in identity," Blige told CBS. "You know, I didn't know who I was. So if ghetto fabulous and keeping it real and all of that was what I was, I was cool with that ... until I learned that I can be more than that."

And we're glad she did. Over the past few years, Blige has left behind those shredded denim ensembles, head-to-toe gold getups and leopard-print catsuits for a more sophisticated look. Never straying too far from her street style flare (bling will always be in vogue), we've watched Blige blossom into a true style star.

Here's a look at her transformation from ghetto fab to simply fab.