Few stars have experimented more with their looks than the pop legend that is Rihanna. Since the 34-year-old singer burst onto the music scene with her debut single Pon De Replay back in 2005 (I know, right?), she has been tearing up the red carpet with a plethora of major fashion moments that will forever be entrenched into our memories.
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But which of Rihanna’s looks fit the bill of being worthy of iconic status? Well, certainly her ‘omelette’ dress deserves a look in, as does that bedazzled sheer gown that nearly broke the internet.
Hello! Fashion shares Rihanna’s most iconic outfits:
Super Bowl performance look
For her first performance in nearly seven years, naturally Rihanna was going to raise the stakes with her Super Bowl outfit. Head-to-toe in a single scarlet hue, she staged the ultimate monochrome moment in an Alaïa utility-feel jumpsuit created by Pieter Mulier and a striking custom Loewe breastplate by the brand’s creative director Jonathan Anderson.
Sequin splendour
The singer looked every inch the modern mermaid in a taupe sequin gown by Rick Owens at the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere.
Hollywood bombshell
Rihanna exuded high octance glamour at this year’s Golden Globes in a voluminous number by Schiaparelli, her presence underpinned by her track Lift Me Up‘s nomination for Best Original Song.
Hell for leather
The lingerie label founder looked suitably sultry in a crocodile-inspired leather mini dress at her Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 show.
Snakeskin overload
Ah, the classic matching snake print strapless mini-and-bucket hat combo. Worn to a Fenty Beauty anniversary event, it’s not a look we could get away with, but, complete with metallic lipstick, Rihanna pulls it off with ease.
Omlette icon
It is only right for Rihanna’s ‘omelette’ dress, as the internet so lovingly dubbed it, to make an appearance. The 2015 Met Gala would not have been the same without her.
White shirt and metallic mini skirt
You almost definitely have, but if by some chance you haven’t watched Rihanna’s tribute performance to Destiny’s Child at the 2005 World Music Awards, please rectify the situation immediately. She practically invented the micro top and for that, we will be forever in her debt.
The OG naked dress
Who could possibly forget when Rihanna sported a very sheer, Swarovski-encrusted Adam Selman gown to the CFDA Awards in 2014. “Could you imagine the CFDA dress with a bra?” Rihanna said during an interview with Vogue.
READ: Rihanna’s most stylish maternity fashion moments
“I would slice my throat. I already wanted to, for wearing a thong that wasn’t bedazzled. That’s the only regret I have in my life.” Our life’s regrets could never.
Pope-chic
You have to hand it to her, Rihanna certainly keeps things interesting on the style front. For the 2018 Met Gala she wore an exquisite Maison Margiela embellished gown, complete with papal tiara and Christian Louboutin heels.
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Neon embellished bikini
Rihanna’s 2011 red hair era sparked a wave of first-time hair-dyers to brave the scarlet hue. Plus, do you remember that T-shirt that every boy owned, featuring the LOUD album cover? Yeah, we’ve blocked it out too – but there’s no doubting that Rihanna’s hair looked incredible.
Lady in red
During the age of ombré, the S&M singer stunned in a red Azzedine Alaïa sheer pleated gown at the 2013 Grammy Awards.
Boxy stripes
Okay, not necessarily one of her best known looks, but definitely still iconic in its own right. There’s so much going on here it’s difficult to know where to start – from the major shoulder pads to the faux necklace shirt collar, Rihanna certainly knows how to turn any event (the Westfield Christmas lights switch-on, obvs) into a photo opportunity.
Tie-dye crop top and boyfriend jeans
Kate and Naomi, Carrie Bradshaw and Mr Big, Antony and Cleopatra…Rihanna and boyfriend jeans – you catch our drift. 2005 was something special.
Ombré drapery
Pregnancy has literally never looked this good. When in doubt, a sparkly Attico co-ord is always the correct answer to any sartorial woe.
Full-on florals
People who make you take your shoes off at the door? Rihanna is not about that life, and therefore neither are we. The singer proved that florals can actually be pretty revolutionary in Comme des Garçons at the 2017 Met Gala.
Mint green magnificence
Cinderella could never. Rihanna at the 2019 Fashion Awards on the other hand…
Scarlet spectacle
Looking like a total bombshell in Giambattista Valli, Rihanna absolutely nailed it with her plunge babydoll gown and slicked-back hair look at the 2017 European premiere of Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets.
Sheer delight
Rihanna threw out the rule book when it came to maternity dressing, donning a black sheer lace midi and pointed patent boots for Dior’s AW22 Paris Fashion Week show.
The ultimate date night activity
So many accessories, so little time. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky epitomised couple fashion goals at Gucci’s AW22 Milan show, with the singer looking seriously stylish in a shiny headpiece, low-waisted satin trousers and, quite possibly, the fluffiest lilac coat we’ve ever seen.
