Behind the scenes of the ELLE cover shoot

Being Britney

ELLE Creative Director Joe Zee styled Spears in dramatic designs reminiscent of McQueen and Pucci. Striking statement pieces paired with bold jewelry resulted in a fearless, devil-may-care look.

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For the Gold

On her relationship with Jason Trawick:

Jason Trawick tells ELLE Britney made the first move in their relationship: “It was kind of one of those things where she moved, like, turned around, so we were face-to-face, and then-” Britney’s response? “Okay, that’s enough information, sweetie. It was sweet, just say that.”

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In One Ear

On dealing with paparazzi scrutiny:

“I guess I’ve been under the microscope so long that I don’t even pay attention to the nonsense anymore. I gave up getting upset about things people make up about me a long time ago.”

ON ELLE: Get The Look From The Britney Spears Shoot

At Ease

On her laid-back style:

“I love my jeans and my sweats- I’m really just a tomboy at heart. So it’s really hard for me to be like Kim Kardashian and be makeup- and hair-ready every time I go out of my house. I’m not a believer in that, you know? On the other hand, when you do wear those sweats, you’re like, Oh God, I should step it up a notch.”

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Check, Please

While out and about in London, Spears walked to her own style beat in a utilitarian plaid button-down, leggings and moccasins.

Going Platinum

In preparation for X Factor, the singer also reportedly requested 34 Herve Leger ensembles before settling on this fire engine red dress for the show's second season of auditions.

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One-Piece Wonder

For her own tribute performance at the 28th MTV Video Music Awards, the star selected a black sequined Moschino romper with a chevron print, accented with a low-slung belt.

Shop Girl

Spears sported a white spaghetti-strap maxi dress and retro shades during a casual shopping spree at her local Target.

Swim Fan

While in Marina del Rey with her son, the performer wore a two-tone blue bikini and piled her hair high for a relaxing day at the pool.

Black Magic

For the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, the singer stuck to the tried-and-tested LBD with this asymmetrical Roberto Cavalli minidress.

Think Pink

While receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Spears wore baggy denim, a tight pink top and coordinating fur jacket, looking like the bubblegum pop star of her "…Baby One More Time" days.

Jean Queen

The teen queen looked like cowboy royalty in layered denim at the 2001 Teen Choice Awards.

Hollywood Darling

At the 2000 Grammy Awards, the budding star had a Marilyn moment in an elegant white gown.

Silver Belle

Collecting three awards at the 2008 Music Video Awards, Spears veered away from standard black and wowed in a silver-beaded Atelier Versace dress.

Best in Show

A polished Spears showed off a lacey number at the 2004 Billboard Music Awards. Dangly diamonds and her mini pooch were the only accessories needed to make a statement.