There isn't much to tone down because she was never that outlandish.
She better hope no one gets bored of it tho, because unlike some girls, she unfortunately doesn't have much talent to fall back on, and can't rely on just get voice.
If we're talking post 21, then Rihanna also released the Pour It Up video, Gaga the Applause one, and it's far from being 'toned down' ? Hell, I could even use the Bitch Better Have My Money video & some Gaga pictures from 2014, same year DH was released
Her outfits are more along the lines of cutesy/fun instead of over-the-top. Her outfits themselves don't garner that much attention (which is good since they don't distract from her music).
Plus, Katy herself is no where near as polarizing as the likes of Gaga, Nicki, or Rihanna.
Doesn't explain BBHMM's success. And @ you trying it with Applause. Your logic is flawed. Accept it, and move on.
How is it flawed? I said the girls opted for more demure looks for success. You're the one bringing up minor hits and grammy performances of album tracks.
Not like she was considered outlandish to begin with.
She was always more toned down compared to gaga and nicki in 2009-2011/12. Soo idg your point. Those looks in the OP aren't even that outlandish to begin with.
How is it flawed? I said the girls opted for more demure looks for success. You're the one bringing up minor hits and grammy performances of album tracks.
Quote:
Hit
a successful stroke, performance, or production; success.
Hasn't she always been the same? She doesn't act or say anything that different compared to, lets say, an average high schooler.
Her whole schtick is bland with a hint of sweet, people love to eat that up.
Minor hits is hardly enough success to base a popstar like Rihanna on. PIU was simply a side dish while Diamonds/Stay were the entree. I'm not exactly speaking Mandarin.
Hell, I could even use the Bitch Better Have My Money video & some Gaga pictures from 2014, same year DH was released 
You try so hard, but end up with so little.
