ABCIf Miley Cyrus could have freed the nipples last night, she probably would have.
The 22-year-old star and provocateur completed her talk-show fashion evolution on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday, showing up with no shirt under her dazzling rainbow jacket, a pair of heart-shaped pasties the only thing separating her bare breasts from the world.
Not to mention Jimmy Kimmel himself, who needed a few moments to get past the sartorial shock in front of him. (Just kidding, he never got past it.)
Jimmy probably should've seen it coming, though, since the last time Miley appeared she barely wore pants. And yet, she did wear both halves of the key one-pant, one-shirt continuum.
Now, Miley is damn proud of her place in the zeitgeist, the singer and host of Sunday's 2015 MTV Video Music Awards thoroughly basking in this moment that's allowing her to reveal what she wants, when she feels like it and how she feels like it, be it in a formal interview or on social media. But it seems like only yesterday she wore more clothes when she sat down and talked to people.
Let's take a closer look at some of her talk show appearances through the years and see how she went from cute-as-a-button teen star to the sultaness of shock:
Straight Outta Charlotte Russe on The Tyra Banks Show: Then only 16, Miley was casually all dolled up for a daytime-TV appearance in April 2009 in a formfitting yet conservatively cut black mini and gray top with all sorts of sleeve action taking place. Her hair was long, her only noticeable accessory was a chunky statement necklace...a perfect outfit to wear when Dad is about to join you for a family-friendly sit-down in syndication.
Exploring Her Options: At 17, Miley got edgier in leather bell bottoms (no, those are not fisherman's gaiters) and a belted tunic top to chat with David Letterman and belt out "Can't Be Tamed" on late-night TV. But we're sensing a style forming—check out the see-through top (it had low-cut sides too) that allowed the bra underneath to shine. We could picture her in the exact same thing today, only there'd be nothing on under that shirt. And probably no pants.
Far More Tame: The 18-year-old went for baby-doll, winter-formal chic on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon in March 2010 to promote her first time hosting Saturday Night Live. The wholesome fun included trying on fake mustaches and playing "Total Iceholes."
She Wears Short-Shorts: We all knew that 20-year-old Miley was taking a turn for the grown-up by the time she showed up on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in June 2013 wearing high-waisted shorts and over-the-knee boots, but still... Who could've predicted the happenings of the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards that were about two months off at the time?
Babe in Britain: Despite it probably making her squeak when she walked, this leather-on-leather Grease homage was downright demure on U.K. Channel 4's Alan Carr: Chatty Man.
No Pants, No Problem: The order in which one usually puts on her clothes went by the wayside when Miley got dressed for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in October 2013. Her bra hooked to the outside of her shirt and no pants in sight, Miley stayed grounded thanks to her massive creepers.
Kid-Friendly, FCC-Approved: A few weeks shy of her 21st birthday, she sang "Wrecking Ball" and "We Can't Stop" in cute, daytime-appropriate overalls on Ellen in November 2013.
Lady in White: For an interview about her controversial and wildly successful year, Miley was buttoned up in white trousers and, well, a button-up when she sat down with Barbara Walters as one of the Most Fascinating People of 2013.
Jean-on-Jeans: Whether she was paying homage to her host or just knew that denim-on-denim was coming back with a vengeance, Miley backed it way up, style-wise, on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno January 2014—and looked effortlessly chic in the process.
Night Owl: Sitting down with Australia's Sunday Night in September 2014, Miley went for a lingerie-inspired black, lace-trimmed minidress and sensible booties.
And in between it all, Miley has modeled a range of ensembles, from midriff-baring workout wear to designer couture to nothing-but-bare-skin. It's nearly impossible to predict what she'll wear next—and she probably went with the Mardi Gras vibe on Kimmel to make sure we're all in the party mood come Sunday.
We're assuming she'll don a minimum of five outfits while hosting the VMAs... And who knows which body parts we'll be privy to!
Watch Miley's red carpet evolution right here: