As an artist who defied convention, Prince not only captivated the hearts of music fans around the world, he also broke countless boundaries in the world of fashion and set his own sartorial rules.

Famously flamboyant, he would surprise audiences around the world with impromptu concerts and turn up in extravagant outfits.

His bold, colourful and often effeminate sense of style challenged gender norms. And while trends came and went, Prince’s signature style – from the eyeliner and sequins to ruffled shirts – remained.

Here are some of the late legend’s boundary-breaking fashion spanning over four decades.

1. When he was experimenting with ruffles and sequins

Prince.(Joe Giza/AP)

2. When he pulled off matchy polka dots with aplomb

Prince.(AP)

3. When he set the fashion world on fire in metallics

Prince.(John Stillwell/PA)

4. When he layered up at Billboard Music Awards

Prince.(Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

5. When he exuded elegance in oversize suits

Prince.(Tim Whitby/PA)

6. When he dared to appear on stage in blue and baby pink

Prince.(Jeff Christensen/AP)

7. When he dabbled in hippy chic

Prince.(Yui Mok/PA)

8. When he stunned with this suave look

Prince.(Laurent Gillieron/AP)

9. When he dazzled in this simple yet show-stopping outfit

Prince.(Mark J. Terrill/AP)

10. When he showed off his eclectic style in this exotic black number

Prince.(Chris Carlson/AP)

11. When purple became his favourite colour

Prince.(Chris Carlson/AP)

12. When he wowed at the Grammys stage in this orange metallic number

Prince.(John Shearer/Invision/AP)

13. When he turned heads in this red outfit

Prince.(Kevork Djansezian/AP)

14. When bling became a part of his sartorial look

Prince.(Gareth Fuller/PA)