Mariah Carey Style Breakdown – What’s Right, What’s Wrong, and How to Fix It

Mariah Carey's voice is unmistakable -- and so is her signature style.

The high-octave diva has gone up and down with her weight over the years, but she doesn't always adjust her sizes or clothing choices to fall in line with her changing shape. However, when Mimi is on, she's on.

This short, bell-shaped black coat is Mimi at her best: polished, proportionate and pretty. The sunnies and black peep-toes appropriately scream "diva," and the monochromatic look flatters her olive skin.

She also favors one-shouldered gowns when at red carpet events, like this crimson concoction.

Carey falters when she tries to stuff her voluptuous body into too-tight outfits, like so.

It's clear she's going for sexy, but she stumbles -- and not because of the size of the heel on the thigh-high boots. The cropped, ruffled jacket mimics a shrug and all you see is the jacket and boots.

She's channeling some sort of butt-kicking apocalyptic diva that's far too out of character.

What's Right:

When Carey goes short, she often does it right. This high collar navy frock she wore to the Project Canvas event a few years back suits her and she's not making like a fugitive and bustin' out. The scalloped detail on the hem and the ankle-strap peek-a-boo heels were divine.

Dem Babies' mother poured her frame into this LBD and wasn't afraid to show that curvy girls run this motha. The hem is unusual but her left fun bag is disproportionate to the right one.

Carey isn't shy when it comes to red and she rocked another short trench. It was a pulled together ensemble for her and she accessorized with flair.

When she renewed her vows with hubby Nick Cannon, Carey chose a fishtail Dolce & Gabbana ivory gown with a black sash that played up those curves.

This shimmering white gown with a sweetheart neckline at the 2010 PCAs hugged Carey's hourglass figure.

The blue Valentino she wore to the Oscars in 2011 worked, even if the girls could use a little more breathing room in that ruched bodice. The slit is super sexy, while the blingy detail, capped sleeves and staggered hem made it stand out.

What's Wrong:

Mimi was a snow bunny performing at an outside show in a cold climate, so she dressed for the weather, but her gear was way too tight. Two words: camel toe.

Think that's a stretch? Oh, take a longer look. Once more, with feeling.

This gold outfit with all those frilly ruffles on the skirt is too cutesy and fussy. This is what a high school sophomore would wear to her first formal. Granted, for Carey, it's a performance outfit, but it does not play to any of her strengths.

Herve Leger bandage dresses are like girdles that hold EVERYTHING in, which is why celebs fancy them so. They are meant to be above-the-knee, but Carey wore one in a floor-sweeping length to the Golden Globes.

Her "mommaries" were popping out and it's clear she's a woman trying to wear a dress that was way too tiny.

Where to begin, where to begin?

Did Mimi just win the WWE title and that's her championship belt? The black and white checkered picnic table print is too loud and garish, while that thick belt pushes her boobs up.

It's great for defying gravity, but the width doesn't, uh, play nicely with this maxi dress.

How to Fix It:

An LBD can look good on women of all sizes -- it just depends on the cut. Mariah was certainly filling this lace frock out, but it's still apropos. It also reminds us that Carey does have some killer gams.

Carey went retro and revisited her tight curls and predilection for black clothes from when she first arrived on the scene as a 'Vision of Love.' This satiny Balenciaga gown was simple and didn't compete with that wild mane.

This is when she works it in the right way.

Carey remained red hot, even after birthing twins. She slipped into this slinky red dress for her Jenny Craig debut and the silhouette was so right for her shape.

When Carey goes casual, wearing things that fit is crucial. Monochromatic looks are a "yes," as long as they have some room and some give.

Her beloved one-shouldered gowns are also preferred in black since it's a slimming shade.

As long as she goes with dark colors or wears bright ones with her signature confidence, contains the twins (and we don't mean Roc and Roe, either) and shows those legs, she'll grab our attention.