I love Rihanna. She’s a super talented singer, she’s a bad ass and doesn’t apologize for it, and let’s face it – the girl can dress. Rihanna has some serious fashion chops and loves to take risks and some of her looks can be a little over the top, BUT just because Rihanna likes to amp up her style doesn’t mean all of her looks aren’t uninspiring or wearable. By switching up a few things you can totally rock your own Rihanna-like style.
Here are 5 recent Rihanna looks made more approachable:
LOOK 1: Definitely one of Rihanna’s more wearable looks, but it still has her signature edgy style. I, personally, love the jeans – it looks like she’s rocking two pairs but it’s actually just one with some serious design illusion – but this look may not rock everyone’s denim world. In that case, try a pair of two toned or dip-dyed denim (click here for a site with a great how-to – it’s for a shirt but can easily transform to a pair of jeans). Instead of a crop top, sub that out for a baggier, boyfriend fit tee, some gold accessories and a simple pair of strappy black sandals and you’ve got a Rihanna look that’s more approachable and easily wearable.
Top: Zara Basic Cotton T-Shirt ($26); Jeans: MiH Jeans Breathless Low-Rise Skinny Jeans ($235); Shoes: Zara Combination High Heel Sandal ($50) Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Womens Goldtone Chronograph Watch ($295); Bangles: Coach Pave Bracelet Set ($138) Necklace; Ben-Amun Regaila Long Locket Necklace ($145)
LOOK 2: Rihanna has a great body, and she uses it to her advantage. On a recent night out, RiRi rocked an oversized Brian Lichtenberg sweater with little else and while she looked fantastic, wearing a super short sweater for a dress may not be in the style cards for many of us. However, take a cue from Rihanna by rocking a Brian Lichtenberg t-shirt of the same design, some leather and lace shorts, a blazer, and some sexy black and gold sandals (which also happen to say F*** and OFF on either foot – total Rihanna right there) and you’ve got one hell of a night out look without worrying about showing off too much. Plus, these are great spring staples you can mix and match with other items in your wardrobe, so it’s a total win-win.
Top: Black Homies Tee with Gold Foil ($60);Blazer: River Island Black Patch Pocket Blazer ($68); Shorts: Rag & Bone Highclare Short ($595); Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell The Malice Shoe in Black Suede and Gold ($148)
LOOK 3: More denim from Rihanna. This is a great casual look – perfect for running errands or that next flight out of town. However, as great as Rihanna looks pulling of this look, for many of us this may be a little too early 90’s to as fab in. So taking cue from our Barbadian beauty, if you play swapsies with a few of her items you’ve got yourself a great denim outfit. Give yourself more height, but keep the sporty and tough look, with a sneaker wedge, trade in a chambray top for her jacket, and sleek it up a bit with a cashmere sweater as opposed to her sweatshirt. Keep the cat eye sunglasses and add some low-key accessories and you’ve got a spot on RiRi look.
Top: J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt ($78) ; Sweater: Iris & Ink Fine-knit Cashmere Sweater ($168); Jeans: J Brand Denim Aidan Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans ($355); Shoes: ALDO Numata Sneakers ($80)
LOOK 4: Not many people can pull off a sporty jumpsuit with mesh booties so effortlessly, but it’s no surprise our fashion maven makes it look so easy. I’m totally in love with this DKNY for Opening Ceremony jumpsuit that Rihanna is sporting and while the look is amazing, some of us can’t get away with looking that fab in the athletic piece or have nowhere to really wear this. Instead, why not create your own look with separates – especially because you can piece them with other items in your closet. Pair a simple white sweatshirt with some sporty casual trousers, the mesh bootie, and a leather book bag for a more streamlined and incredibly chic look that will transpire from the office to dinner with your favorite ladies.
Top: TopShop Curve Hem Sweat ($36); Pants: L’Agence Bamboo Pants ($395); Shoes: BCBG MaxAzria Gamma Open-Toe Mesh Bootie ($275) ; Bag: Dionne Backpack ($58)
LOOK 5: Yet another look that only Rihanna can make so fabulous. Camo print jacket, marijuana leaf print maxi, and black sneakers – pretty sure if I wore this I wouldn’t look nearly half as good. This styling is definitely geared for the fashion risk taker, but that doesn’t mean it’s not wearable by anyone. For a similar take on RiRi’s outfit, try a tropical print maxi (it’s still around the same color scheme) paired with a shorter camo jacket (this will ease up the print on print action a little bit) and some comfy cute converse sneakers. You can also just rock the dress with a simple green military jacket if you’re not a big fan of the print combo, or add some height with a pair of funky heels to dress up the look a little bit. Top any look off with a sleek black leather bag and a skinny belt to put the finishing touch on your Rihanna inspired look.
Dress: KENZO Sleeveless Dress ($560); Parka: ASOS Camo Army Parka ($98); Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox ($50); Bag: Coach Madison Leather Phoebe Shoulder Bag ($398); Belt: Cole Haan Village Skinny Belt $48 – colehaan.com
Ok, so we’ve learned that Rihanna’s looks may not be for everyone but that doesn’t mean they aren’t inspiring or copy worthy. If you’re a fan of her style, find the things you like about an outfit and incorporate your own style and pieces to make it your own. What do you think about RiRi’s style – total do or major don’t? Share below!
Xoxo,
Emiko
Emiko Vaughn is a personal stylist and wardrober from Cleveland, OH. She currently co-owns and operates personal styling company Lageson & Vaughn with her business partner, Kirsten Lageson.
Find her here:
www.emikovaughn.com
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