Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

1997: From Boys to Men

The Backstreet Boys were HUGE in Europe before they even embarked on American soil. In the beginning, they dressed like many all-boy groups, wearing matching or coordinating outfits. This trend is common because it brings harmony not only to their look but also to their routine. Let's see how their style has evolved since this early pic was taken in 1997.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

1997: Embracing Fame

In 1997, the Backstreet Boys was a group of teenagers with wholesome, good looks and great harmonies. This shot from an early photo opp, shows how each tried to squeeze their personal style into a group style. It would take them a couple years to hit the harmonies right with their fashion but their vocals were dead on even then.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

1998: Taking Home the Glory

By the time they had won an MTV VMA for Best Group Video, they had started to personalize their styles a bit more. Each was starting to develop a persona and was dressing for it. Take for example, AJ McLean (pictured far left), who was becoming the group's bad boy. His mesh tank, dark sunglasses and goatee were becoming a part of his signature style.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

1998: A Stand Out

Did someone forget to give AJ (pictured center) the memo? Everyone else is dressed in black suits, everyone... BUT AJ. You would think this make this outfit a tragic mistake, but it actually brings them to life. If all five of them were in plain black suits they would blend and be forgettable, but AJ's white tuxedo and hat really make them something to remember.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2001: Feeling a Bit Beat Up

They wore these black and blue colored ensembles for the opening part of their show, and in many ways it reflected on their current personal lives. Though they are dressed alike, each one added his own touches to the outfit to stand out. By this time though, each one of them was starting to take their career, fans and (worst of all) each other for granted. They needed to regroup and take a break badly.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2001: The Show Must Go On

This photo was shot 9 months after the last one, and shows what a little time off can do for a person. We like how each of them were dressed in pieces that reflect their personalities. But could someone tell Kevin Richardson (pictured center) and Howie Dorough (pictured second from right) that they need haircuts? Those straggly styles are not lookin' good.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2001: Rainbow Room

Just when we thought these guys had found their looks... they fall apart again. Why they wore these crazy colored suits is beyond us. Worst of all is that some of them look like they are velvet! Bright colors and velvet spell d-i-s-a-s-t-e-r.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2002: In Harmony

At the 2002 GRAMMY Awards, the Backstreet Boys looked like they might be coming back. Looking sleek and refined in their various black suit ensembles. What works about this look is the unity they share by looking similar and yet very different. This is one look they should revisit!

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2003: Still Hangin' Tough

We think we know what their stylist tries to do -- Find one common element or theme and pull it through each of their outfits. For the 2003 Billboard Awards, most of them are wearing jackets but they are all wearing earth tones like moss greens and soft browns. There look has been simplified a bit and they almost seem to be leaning towards looking grungy, the opposite of their squeaky, clean beginnings.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2004: Finding Their Way

Even though they hadn't put a record out since 2000, the Backstreet Boys were still singing their hearts out. This 2004 performance at New York's Z100 Zootopia show, proved these boys were now men. Clearly out of their teens, they are dressing in a more mature manner, focusing on putting funky, unique pieces together.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2005: Showing Some Style

How do you dress for the 2005 Glamour Women of the Year Awards? Stylishly of course! It is clear that these boys have finally found a comfort zone with their style. We love the clean lines of their outfits and their great haircuts. Backstreet's back!

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2005: Capping It Off

After five years of no albums, Backstreet toured the United States and Asia to gather support for new material. In typical fashion, they show unity and personality by mixing and matching white hats and jackets with patterned pants and plain t-shirts.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2006: Pros at the Pro Bowl

This would be one of the Backstreet Boys' appearance with all five members. And even with unique personal styles shining through they looked comfortable with each other and their choices! We like Kevin and AJ's choice of hats and the fun colors of everyone's shirts looks FAB

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2007: Then There Were Four

When BSB went into the studio to record their fifth studio album, 'Unbreakable' they had to say goodbye to Kevin Richardson. This new album has broughtt them back to classic style choices like slick sweaters and button down shirts with nice slacks. It would be nice to see AJ McLean conform even a little bit, to match his buds.

Stages of Stardom: Backstreet Boys

2007: The Backstreet Men

Check out how polished these guys look. We love how each is rocking something simple and very stylish like a vest or jacket and yet adding his own spin to it. Their stylist seems to have struck a chord with them and we're mucho impressed!