Janet Jackson Is Back—And at 51, Rewriting the Rules for Post-Baby Fashion

Nothing is better than a pop icon returning to the stage, and for the Los Angeles dates of her “State of the World” tour, Janet Jackson has been in rare form. Last night, she made her first post-baby red carpet appearance for an after-party at Lure and defied existing notions of age-appropriate dressing. In a sheer off-the-shoulder top and belted leather skirt, Jackson was at her best, showing off a toned physique and daring style sensibility.

Famously fit throughout her career, Jackson has never been afraid of baring skin. But instead of showing off her abs last night, she kept things subtle by focusing on a hint of transparency and the inherent cool of black leather. With a simple Eddie Borgo diamond choker and bright red lips, Jackson kept the rest of her look simple—but the end result was incredibly sexy. At 51, Jackson is capping off a milestone year—celebrating the 20th anniversary of her classic album, The Velvet Rope, and the birth of her first son, Eissa. Never one to let others dictate her tastes, Jackson is helping to redefine not only the age at which women can become new mothers, but the way they can dress afterward.