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YEARS OF SPEARS

Britney Spears’ most iconic looks as she hits 40 – schoolgirl to racy Vegas dress & THAT Justin Timberlake denim outfit

FOR Britney Spears, this milestone birthday is set to be extra special.

Finally free of a 13-year conservatorship, the American songstress can celebrate her 40th in style - and opted to do so in a vibrant pair of red knee-high boots.

Britney with her boyfriend Sam Asghari in a snap shared yesterday to mark her 40th birthday
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Britney with her boyfriend Sam Asghari in a snap shared yesterday to mark her 40th birthdayCredit: Instagram

The hitmaker has been a trendsetter since she burst onto the music scene in the late 90s, dressed as a schoolgirl in her Baby One More Time video.

Never been one to shy away from making a style statement, since then she's experimented with red latex suits, raunchy showgirl costumes and a standout double-denim ensemble.

Now in her forties, Britney continues to embrace bold, different looks as she attempts to redefine herself.

Here we take you down memory lane as we look back on the pop icon's most memorable looks over the decades.

1998 - Schoolgirl Britney

Back in 1998 fresh-faced Britney burst onto the pop scene with Baby One More Time
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Back in 1998 fresh-faced Britney burst onto the pop scene with Baby One More TimeCredit: PA:Press Association

Britney was an overnight sensation when her debut album Baby One More Time went straight to number one in the United States in January 1999.

She dressed like a Catholic schoolgirl in the video for its title track - which has since been copied by fans across the world and numerous stars including Tyra Banks.

2000 - Red Martian Britney

Britney in her Oops, I Did It Again red outfit
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Britney in her Oops, I Did It Again red outfit

A fresh-faced and fun Britney looked ready for anything in a red latex suit for her Oops, I Did It Again video.

She was just 19 years old at the time and the dream of stardom that she'd had since the age of three was coming true.

2000 - Short hair Britney

Britney - and her late 90s/early noughties get up - hit the stage at the Grammys
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Britney - and her late 90s/early noughties get up - hit the stage at the GrammysCredit: Reuters

The star swapped her famous schoolgirl locks for a more grown-up look when she took to the stage at the Grammys in 2000.

Her casual get-up - a cropped pink jumper and black jeans - was the kind of outfit her fans would wear in everyday life, making her the ultimate girl-next-door.

2001 - Double denim Britney

Britney and Justin Timberlake pose in A LOT of denim in 2001
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Britney and Justin Timberlake pose in A LOT of denim in 2001Credit: Reuters

The loved-up singer and her then boyfriend Justin Timberlake turned up to the American Music Awards in matching denim outfits.

Britney and Justin Timberlake dated between 1999 and 2002, while he was a member of boy band N*Sync.

2001 - Slave 4 U Britney

Britney charmed the audience with her python at the 2001 MTV awards
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Britney charmed the audience with her python at the 2001 MTV awardsCredit: Getty

A far raunchier Britney arrived on the scene for the release of her eponymously titled third album.

For the single she slipped into a skimpy bra and when she performed the track at the MTV Music awards she draped a python over her shoulders - but all eyes were on Britney's stunning figure.

2003 - Madonna snog

Her kiss with Madonna has been described as one of the hottest moments on TV
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Her kiss with Madonna has been described as one of the hottest moments on TVCredit: Getty

There was no stopping Britney in the early Noughties; her hit single Toxic won a Grammy in 2003 and her fourth album, In The Zone, went straight to number one.

She stole the show at the MTV Music Awards again by snogging Madonna during a rendition of Like A Virgin.

2007 - Britney's breakdown

A dark time for Brit as she shaves her head in the middle of a breakdown
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A dark time for Brit as she shaves her head in the middle of a breakdownCredit: X17Online.com

After splitting from her rapper husband Kevin Federline in 2006, the troubled star suffered a breakdown.

Britney was persuaded to try rehab again after she shaved off all her hair in an act of defiance when Kevin reportedly wouldn't let her see their two sons, Sean and Jayden.

2008 - Brunette Britney

Britney went brunette in 2008
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Britney went brunette in 2008Credit: Wenn

The hard-working performer secured her place in the Guinness Book of Records by becoming the youngest female artist to have five albums debut at number one when Circus was released in 2008.

At the same time she dyed her blonde locks brunette in a radical change of image.

2016 - Vegas Britney

The singer went full showgirl with this sparkly Las Vegas showstopper in 2016
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The singer went full showgirl with this sparkly Las Vegas showstopper in 2016Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Even though a conservatorship put restrictions on her freedom, Britney performed a two-year residency in Las Vegas from 2013.

She returned to the casino city in 2016 for her Piece of Me tour, wowing audiences with her energy, commitment and sparkly costumes.

2020 - Crop top Britney

The singer shared a series of photos from her garden last year as she battled to regain control of her life
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The singer shared a series of photos from her garden last year as she battled to regain control of her lifeCredit: Instagram / britneyspears

Britney posted a series of snaps to over the past year wearing off-the-shoulder crop tops.

Some fans believed she was sending hidden messages with her clothes after they urged her to wear yellow if she needed help - and she obliged.

2021 - Topless Britney

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Fans were concerned about Britney's state of mind when she started posting images of herself naked on social media.

In a cryptic message she said you will "have defeated age" when you tap into your mind, talents and the "lives of the people you love".

But perhaps it was an act of rebellion as she continued to fight dad Jamie to end her court-ordered conservatorship - a battle she ultimately won.

2021 - Festive Britney

Britney has been showing off her fun side in the past weeks
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Britney has been showing off her fun side in the past weeksCredit: Instagram

The singer looks ready to celebrate this Christmas having been handed back control of her life - and her £45million fortune.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Now she has her voice back, Britney says she's going to tell all on Oprah Winfrey's talk show and plans to marry boyfriend Sam Asghari.

The star also wants to use her voice to help people in need - and could possibly target the laws around conservatorships.

Britney Spears teases blistering Oprah Winfrey TELL-ALL on her 'abusive' family and 'demoralizing' conservatorship
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