Grammys Fashion Preview

The currently solo Gwen Stefani is known for her offbeat takes on style, patterns and colors (offstage, in February; on, in December). The “What You Waiting For?” singer (nominated for best female pop vocal) is even launching a new accessory line called Harajuku Lovers, featuring characters based on the Japanese girls she’s had in tow recently. Look for Stefani to live large on the red carpet: big hair, big jewelry, big heels.

Like a true player, the dapper Usher wears his threads like he delivers his music: nice and smooth. The “Yeah!” singer (offstage, in September; on, in January) has already picked up more than 25 trophies for his CD Confessions and is up for eight more at the Grammys, including record of the year. Look for the Armani fan to button up in couture on the red carpet.

Sexy and revealing – it’s the Britney fans know and love. Spears, who isn’t shy about showing off her toned assets (offstage, in December; on, in April), is nominated for best dance recording for “Toxic.” If she makes a Grammy appearance, look for the singer to show off plenty of skin – and maybe she’ll bring her little dog, too.

Well-heeled and well-groomed, Prince suits up with flamboyant flair. Nominated for best male RampB vocal for “Call My Name,” the singer (onstage in January and in 2004) is the party king of late: His private post-Golden Globes soiree was the hot ticket for Usher, Leo and other A-listers. Look for the Purple One to make a royal entrance in a flashy yet fitted suit.

Eclectic and elegant, Alicia Keys mixes street smarts with a tailored fit – and does it tastefully (offstage, in November; on, later that month). Look for the eight-time Grammy nominee, whose Diary of Alicia Keys is in the running for album of the year, to slip on something chic by a high-profile designer like Versace and give it a refined urban edge.

In skinny pants and wild ties, Green Day rocker Billie Joe Armstrong walks a lonely fashion road among the slick Ushers and Kanye Wests. But Armstrong (offstage, in January; on, in December), whose band is up for six Grammys, including album of the year for American Idiot, revels in standing out. Look for the former punk to punch up a tailored suit with studs and eye makeup.

British soul singer Joss Stone rocks a neo-hippie style, blending batik prints with worn-in jeans. At the Grammys, the best new artist nominee (offstage, in December; on, in February) will join Melissa Etheridge for a tribute to ’60s icon Janis Joplin. Look for the “You Had Me” singer to pay homage in a loose and earthy dress.

Argyle never looked so hot. The College Dropout rapper, who is up for 10 Grammys including album of the year, eschews gangsta style for preppy bling (off- and onstage, in November). Look for West to keep his colors bright and his collar up come Grammy night.

For a woman whose dress unfolded into a map at the Olympics (right), fashion is nothing if not experimental. Bjork, nominated for best female pop vocal for “Oceania,” wore 30,000 square feet of fabric for her infield Athens performance. Look for the daring singer (left, in July) to be just as fearless if she graces the Grammys red carpet.

Beyoncé indulges her inner fashionista with luxe furs off- and onstage (in December and November). She even covered herself in a lavish wrap in the video for Destiny’s Child’s “Lose My Breath,” nominated for best RampB/soul single. Unfortunately, the singer says she’s skipping the Grammys for tour rehearsals, so fans won’t get to ogle her latest look.