In my 14-year-old-mind, Mýa's video for "My Love is Like… Wo" was the perfect example of a girl next door—if you're neighbor is incredibly attractive—becoming a sexy, confident woman. Which, looking back, is a bit awkward. The song, co-penned by Missy Elliott, was all about loving yourself, in the most physical way possible—a theme that Mýa acts out in the video too that was fittingly directed by Paul Hunter, the man who brought together Mýa and Missy for "Lady Marmalade"'s iconic video.Back in 2003, the styling for "My Love is Like… Wo" was just as outrageous as the idea behind the video—if it was released today, after Miley's similarly suggestive "Adore You" video and the topless parade that is "Blurred Lines," it likely wouldn't have the same effect. Mýa allegedly dressed herself for the clip, putting together the top hat-clad gangster look, and, in the process, inspired my back-to-school shopping list for all of the clothes I wanted to wear upon entering high school. Here's what I learned from her stylistic choices.
ALWAYS MATCH YOUR BACKGROUND
As much as what you wear matters—rocking a fancy dress to McDonald’s isn’t the best idea, unless maybe it’s Moschino—setting is just as important. At the beginning of the video, Mýa is framed by bold lines as she sits in a chair smoking a cigar, it’s sexy and a bit intimidating. You won’t get the same effect in the doorway of your high school cafeteria, but I definitely tried and was pushed out of the way a number of times by people rushing to get chicken nuggets.
LAYER, LAYER, LAYER
Layers keep you warm. Layers add more to an outfit. But layers are also fun to remove. Mýa's idea of layering was all about taking off all of your clothes. She changed outfits a number of times all by ripping off her pants, jacket, shirt, etc. It was dramatic and added flare and was perfectly timed for the era when side-snap track pants were all the rage.
GOLD HOOPS AND CHEWING GUM ACCESSORIES
I couldn’t help being enchanted by the huge hoops Mýa wore in the video with her Adidas track suit and shoes. There’s a moment in the video where Mýa dances in her track suit and hoops while chewing gum, which, of course, I tried. My sad imitation became my second near death experience when I inhaled the gum and almost choked to death. The lesson I learned that day: gold hoops complement track suits perfectly and dancing while chewing gum is really dumb.
CURL MOST OF YOUR HAIR, STRAIGHTEN THE TIPS
The late 90s and early aughts were full of weird hair trends. Crimped, put into tiny buns, or full of chunky streaks, hair endured a lot of questionable styles (admittedly, a few I’d try again). Mýa briefly goes punk rock lite in the video with white ripped jeans, a distressed band tee, and leopard print underwear on display. But, it’s her hair that takes the cake. Curly with straight pink tips, reminiscent of the crimped style before it, it was perfection. And, to this day it’s a look I have yet to be able to fully replicate.Sydney Scott is waiting for Mýa's comeback. She's on Twitter - @sydneymscott.--Want more music video style takeaways?What I Learned About Style From Iggy Azalea's "Black Widow" ft. Rita OraWhat I Learned About Style From Headgirl's “Please Don’t Touch”The Singles Club with Mish Way: Babeo Baggins' "Breakbeast"I Finally Got Kiss
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As much as what you wear matters—rocking a fancy dress to McDonald’s isn’t the best idea, unless maybe it’s Moschino—setting is just as important. At the beginning of the video, Mýa is framed by bold lines as she sits in a chair smoking a cigar, it’s sexy and a bit intimidating. You won’t get the same effect in the doorway of your high school cafeteria, but I definitely tried and was pushed out of the way a number of times by people rushing to get chicken nuggets.
Layers keep you warm. Layers add more to an outfit. But layers are also fun to remove. Mýa's idea of layering was all about taking off all of your clothes. She changed outfits a number of times all by ripping off her pants, jacket, shirt, etc. It was dramatic and added flare and was perfectly timed for the era when side-snap track pants were all the rage.
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I couldn’t help being enchanted by the huge hoops Mýa wore in the video with her Adidas track suit and shoes. There’s a moment in the video where Mýa dances in her track suit and hoops while chewing gum, which, of course, I tried. My sad imitation became my second near death experience when I inhaled the gum and almost choked to death. The lesson I learned that day: gold hoops complement track suits perfectly and dancing while chewing gum is really dumb.
The late 90s and early aughts were full of weird hair trends. Crimped, put into tiny buns, or full of chunky streaks, hair endured a lot of questionable styles (admittedly, a few I’d try again). Mýa briefly goes punk rock lite in the video with white ripped jeans, a distressed band tee, and leopard print underwear on display. But, it’s her hair that takes the cake. Curly with straight pink tips, reminiscent of the crimped style before it, it was perfection. And, to this day it’s a look I have yet to be able to fully replicate.Sydney Scott is waiting for Mýa's comeback. She's on Twitter - @sydneymscott.--Want more music video style takeaways?What I Learned About Style From Iggy Azalea's "Black Widow" ft. Rita OraWhat I Learned About Style From Headgirl's “Please Don’t Touch”The Singles Club with Mish Way: Babeo Baggins' "Breakbeast"I Finally Got Kiss