Rihanna Style 101: How to Copy Her "Bad Girl" Vibe
Rihanna was born to be a superstar – and her confident attitude is reflected in her badass style.
A while back, we listed our favorite celebrity fashion icons, and over the next few months, we'll be breaking down each celebrity's style in depth and showing you how to get her style for yourself. Today, we're showing you how to get Rihanna's style.
Known for her "bad girl" attitude and composure, Rihanna takes major risks with her looks. And more often than not, she's the only one who could truly pull off her wardrobe, which makes the style icon a delightful challenge to mirror.
Not to mention, Rihanna is one of the most popular artists right now, with too many hits to remember. Just try to go to a party and not hear "Work," "Rude Boy", "Diamonds" "Umbrella" "S&M" or "Rehab"… and those are just six of my favorites.
Rihanna isn't just glowing on her own, she has collaborated with artists such as Jay-Z, Maroon 5, Eminem, Paul McCarthy, and Coldplay, just to name a few. Working with such huge names in the entertainment industry, Rihanna has become an international superstar herself, and here's how she did it.
Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on the Caribbean island of Barbados, Rihanna had far from an easy childhood. Trying to overcome a tumultuous relationship of marital problems, Rihanna's father struggled with addiction. When she was 14, her parents divorced, and she turned to music for therapy. At 15, she scored an audition with a music producer visiting the island on vacation, and quickly won him over with her bold talent.
Moving to America a year later, the star soon released the hit "Pon de Replay" and kickstarted her career, eventually getting signed to Def Jam Recordings, with its president, Jay-Z, as a major supporter.
However, in 2007, Rihanna transformed from teen pop sweetheart to sex symbol with her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad.
Chris Brown: A Violent Love
Rihanna was in an intimate relationship with pop singer Chris Brown in 2009, and the couple appeared to be in love and fit for the camera. But what's seen on screen isn't always the case behind closed doors. Shocking the world, Rihanna released photos of the reason she couldn't attend the 2009 Grammys – her then-boyfriend had brutally assaulted her.
Becoming an advocate against domestic abuse, Rihanna began speaking out. In an interview with Diane Sawyer, she said:
When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result into some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part. I couldn't be responsible … If Chris never hit me again, who's to say that their boyfriend won't … kill these girls". Rihanna told young girls, "Don't react off of love. F love."
Rihanna became a role model to young girls, demonstrating that violent relationships can happen to anyone, and must be deemed unacceptable at all levels. However, this can be difficult to understand, as Rihanna explained to Oprah about the situation:
"It was a weird, confusing space to be in, because as angry as I was … I just felt he made that mistake because he needed help. [And I wondered], who's going to help him? No one's going to say, 'He needs help.' Everybody's going to say, 'He's a monster. Without looking at the source.'"
In the end, despite getting back together a few times, Rihanna proved that her independence and strength would shine through, something she carries on into her display of fashion.
How to Dress Like Rihanna
Whether she's wearing something casual or over-the-top expensive, Rihanna's personal style is always on-point. Let's take a brief peek into the wardrobe of the superstar sexy singer.
Dangerously Denim
Rihanna walks with confidence in an eccentric, yet personality-fitting outfit. There are so many elements to take in, such as the choker gold chain or the way the top denim vest is buttoned. Also, this jacket truly is one-of-a kind, but isn't everything Rihanna wears unique in every way?
Products: Jeans- (Mango), Shoes- (Steve Madden), Glasses- (Sunglass Warehouse), Boa- (Feather Boa Shop), Shirt- (Nordstrom), Jacket- (Boohoo)
Get this iconic look with ripped jeans (the more destroyed, the better), clear plastic heels (prepare for aching feet; beauty is pain), blue shades, and an open-front denim tank. For a similar take on Riri's outerwear, try a hot pink jacket. Want to take it to the next level? Attach a coordinating fluffy boa around the collar.
Little Black Dress Remix
Rihanna truly fits the bad girl part with this look, ready to slay whichever club or stage she chooses. The "sunglasses at night" vibe gives it even more of a rebellious feel, as does the specialty shoe combo. I know I wouldn't want to be the one to wrong Rihanna in this outfit, and her fierce aura lives on.
Products: Dress- (H&M), Jacket- (Romwe), Boots- (Target), Sunglasses- (SanziGlasses)
Get ready like Rihanna with a classic little black dress, a colorful and heavy jacket to cast over your shoulders, thick reflective glasses, and a pair of white boots, which are a good substitute for the heel and lace look. Be bold, be fierce, and rock the night!
Easygoing Afternoon
How easygoing can an afternoon get for Rihanna? This is the closest I could find, and she still looks like an absolute rockstar in this head-to-toe clean white set. Even her nails match, and the gold jewelry works wonders. This is one of my favorite everyday looks, if Rihanna's looks could even be counted as everyday!
Products: Bangles- (JCPenney), Shoes-(Charlotte Russe), Pants- (H&M), Bag- (Elizabeth Charles), Blouse- (Banana Republic), Glasses- (Oakley)
Go all white in this outfit, and be sure to not spill a single drop of coffee anywhere. Start with the glasses, as Rihanna wears a thick, white sporty pair. Next, a simple and classic blouse tucked into high-waisted linen business pants, and be sure to pop the collar. Add a pair of clean white boots under the wide-leg pants, and a classic vertical waist-bag to carry the essentials. Finally, several gold bracelets or chains seal the deal with this look.
Does Rihanna rock every outfit and every mood as hard as we think? Share your favorite outfit set from above, and let us know how you channel your inner bad girl in the fashion world!
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