Rihanna tread the line between princess & cupcake last night. We discuss.
Rihanna is a bad gal by name (and by nature), so we're always surprised when she swaps out her PVC and provocative tees for florals, lace and pink YET STILL manages to look super cool. The case was no different last night at the Valerian and The City of a Thousand Planets premiere in Hollywood...
Wearing a tulle pink Giambattista Valli dress, which was short and the front and had a long train at the back, Rih's look was bold as ever. The gown featured voluminous, off-shoulder sleeves and Rih paired it with lace-up heels.
Ok, look. We're not saying there aren't some similarities to an artisanal cupcake, but since when is that a bad comparison?
Rihanna, who plays character Bubble in the Valerian movie, posed alongside her close pal Cara Delevingne who looked otherworldly in a Iris van Herpen Couture gown.
WE LIKE.
PA PhotosBelieve it or not, Rihanna was only 17 when this snap was taken. Signed up to Def Jam recordings by Jay-Z in 2004, it was only a year later that she released chart-busting album Music Of The Sun and burst onto the international fame stage - epic style in tow.
PA PhotosIn the pre-Umbrella days, it was a wholesome, Island-girl image RiRi was working. White jeans, hoop earrings and a tube top were her choice for 2005’s MTV Awards.
PA PhotosShe’s an intrepid fashion force now, but back in 2005 Rihanna was playing it safe in neutral make-up, simple ponytails and oh-so over, boho-inspired dresses.
PA Photos2006 saw GLAMOUR.com girl crush Rihanna release album Girl Like Me and single SOS, which really catapulted her into the big time. A new album meant a new look: she began championing a more sophisticated, polished image.
PA PhotosLucky RiRi turned hot pink from fashion faux pas to fashion fabulous later that year.
PA PhotosFor the MTV VMAs in 2006, we can't help but feel that Rihanna was a little too princess-perfect in this diamanté-encrusted prom dress and heavily coiffed waves.
PA PhotosChannelling Diana Ross – and alleged rival Beyoncé – Rihanna worked biiiig hair with a tiny dress for a 2006 red carpet stint.
PA PhotosLook out world, there’s a major Rihanna image overhaul on the horizon! Our girl gave us a glimpse of the grown-up glamour puss to come in this subtly sexy white mini dress and siren red lips in December 2006.
PA PhotosBoom! Starting with a headline-grabbing new bob, Rihanna kicked off 2007 with a bang in Roberto Cavalli at the Grammys...
PA Photos...and another album. We couldn’t listen to the radio for more than ten minutes without hearing the ubiquitous Umbrella – and this raven-black, side-parted crop became every hairdresser’s most requested chop that year. (That Gucci dress, we could only dream about.)
PA PhotosSexier, edgier and more directional... As her latest record declared, this good girl had officially gone bad. Working with famed fashion stylist Mariel Haenn, Rihanna started carving out a brand new image for herself in 2007.
PA PhotosBut in the early days, there were a few hiccups. This punky prom queen look that she wore to a New York party left the style critics shouting, ‘don’t try so hard!’ at the fledgling fashionista. Madonna-tastic!
PA PhotosThe blips were few and far between, though: Rihanna was back on fashion form at a Cartier party in June 2007, donning a divine Dolce & Gabbana dress with her newly befringed ‘do.
PA PhotosUltra-pretty in a gleaming Hervé Leger bandeau dress for 2007’s BET Awards.
PA Photos...Then it was back to hot pink for another MTV red carpet appearance – this time, floor-length and accessorised with bags of attitude.
PA PhotosThis Armani Privé dress wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea (and we can see why!), but the chainmail corset only proved to us that RiRi was every bit as daring as we’d hoped.
PA PhotosOne word: gorgeous. This checked Max Azria shawl proved Rihanna could do dressed-down chic just as well as red carpet glamour. And it wasn’t just us who noticed. RiRi was swiftly becoming a darling of the fashion world in 2008, popping up front row at plenty of the New York shows.
PA PhotosOne of our fave things about Rihanna? She can rock ‘young and fun’ just as well as sophisticated style. This bubblegum pop combination of H&M corset and Stella McCartney jeans was her choice for the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice awards in 2008.
PA PhotosContrasting a fairytale-worthy lemon yellow Giambattista Valli gown with a striking deep berry shade of lippy at the 2008 BET Awards.
PA PhotosAs 2008 rolled around, it was becoming apparent that the less hair Rihanna had, the more style she seemed to acquire. Check out the über-cool bustier dress she matched with her new short buzz-cut for the 2008 MTV VMAs.
PA PhotosRihanna style version 3.0 might have been more at home in studded booties and mini dresses, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t still pull a show-stopping gown out of the bag. This lilac Gucci beauty showcased her grown-up side.
PA PhotosLeading the jumpsuit trend in typically cool style, Rihanna got the look spot-on in this tailored piece, accessorised with Christian Louboutin heels and a statement necklace, for 2008’s Jingle Bell Ball.
PA PhotosGucci girl Rihanna plumped for another of the fashion house’s divine maxi dresses for her appearance on the red carpet at the 2009 Grammys. This time it was a loud, printed number that caught her eye (and ours).
PA PhotosNo stranger to couture controversy, in 2009 Rihanna shunned the dresses that the rest of the A-list was wearing and opted for this puff-shouldered Dolce & Gabbana tux for one of the fashion world’s biggest annual events: the MET Ball. The fashion police were divided – what did you make of it?
PA PhotosMaking this ‘we-never-thought-it-would-work’ Louis Vuitton outfit look awesome at a gala in 2009.
PA PhotosBringing Chanel bang up to date, Rihanna posed for paps at the house's spring/summer 2010 show in its famous tweed and stacks and stacks of necklaces.
PA PhotosScooping Woman of the Year at our US sister GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards in 2009 – and the best dressed gong from us for this dramatic Stephane Rolland dress.
PA PhotosIs there anyone else in Celebsville who could have pulled this jaw-dropping Marchesa dress off quite as well? We think not.
PA PhotosPutting the shocking domestic violence case with Chris Brown seemingly behind her (her then-boyfriend assaulted her in February of 2009), Rihanna embarked on a massive world tour in 2010. Still all smiles, she wore a cute’n’quirky Viktor and Rolf dress to an LA party in January.
PA PhotosOh, how we loved this look! Straight from the Christian Dior catwalk, this belted dress worn with dainty ankle socks was pure outfit perfection at the Kids Choice Awards 2010.
PA PhotosBack with another album, Loud, and yet another image tweak, Rihanna debuted her vibrant red hair with these colour clashing separates in London in October 2010. Cue a massive boost in home hair dye sales!
PA PhotosNailing so-right-then style in a polka dot bandeau and Zambesi & Kos mini dress over Christmas time.
PA PhotosRihanna was frothy and fabulous at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards in this multi-layered Marchesa gown.
PA PhotosProving why she’s the queen of colour, RiRi then matched her scarlet hair with a vibrant turquoise knit from Alexander Wang and matching leggings for a TV show appearance in New York.
PA PhotosRihanna saw in New Year 2011 in old style, working a naughty-but-nice Louise Goldin dress – sheer panels and all! – for a NYE party in Las Vegas.
PA PhotosIt seems that, like most girls, Rihanna does find a style she likes and sticks to it – albeit on a shorter cycle than most of us! It was dramatic sheer panels again for the star in this Jean Paul Gaultier gown at the 2011 Grammys.
Rex FeaturesRiRi tried on ‘ladies who lunch’ for style when she wore this demure, scalloped hem shift to a Grammys brunch a few days later, but her wild corkscrew curls betrayed her inner rebel...
PA Photos...But she was at the zenith of her drama queen powers come the 2011 BRIT Awards, when she blew away the red carpet competition in neon Dior. Swoon!
Rex FeaturesThe crop was back – in both hairstyle and wardrobe! – when we spotted Rihanna indulging in some retail therapy in Sydney in March 2011.
PA PhotosJust a couple of months later it was a case of good girl gone, well, good, when Rihanna launched her fragrance Reb’l Fleur in this ultra-feminine polka dot cocktail dress.
Rex FeaturesOff duty, it was mannish separates that were Ri’s bag for spring 2011.
PA PhotosBut the Met Ball, as ever, called for something really special and Rihanna pulled out a look and a half in asymmetric Stella McCartney lace balanced with an on-trend Rapunzel plait.
Rex FeaturesThose mermaid-esque locks were still taking centre stage when we spotted our girl looking fresh-faced and innocent in head-to-toe cream silks the morning after. How does she do it?!
WennA blunter cut and casually-knotted jersey separates for a spot of shopping followed a few weeks later.
PA PhotosAll grown up: Max Azria tailoring and a chic, bouncy bob meant Rihanna took centre stage, sartorially speaking, at the 2011 Billboard Awards.
Rex FeaturesIt wasn’t long, however, before RiRi was up to her naughty old tricks. She wore this crop-top and high-cut knickers combo to perform on The Today Show a few weeks later.
Rex FeaturesTrying out the trends: RiRi took her utterly covetable Prada platforms for a spin around New York in July 2011. (When it was so hot that people couldn’t bear to wear trousers. Or something.)
PA PhotosFlashback alert! When Rihanna hit the UK in August 2011 to launch Reb’l Fleur, she wore a turquoise Antonio Berardi two-piece that was striking similar to that Alexander Wang outfit of yore. The newly brunette ‘do and big, bouncy curls mark a new era.
PA PhotosJust when we thought RiRi couldn’t possibly get any more famous (or fabulous), the release of We Found Love, featuring Calvin Harris, in October 2011 made it so. It also made an iconic fashion moment of this bleached denim crop top and skirt.
Bigpicturesphoto.comProving that she hadn’t forgotten her Island roots, Rihanna looked just as comfortable in her bikini and jersey tube dress as she does in couture when we snapped her taking a break in Hawaii in January 2012.
Splash NewsRude gal! Rihanna claimed about a zillion column inches in February 2012 when she accessoried her ripped jeans and barely-there body with a strong red lip, Chanel hat – and ex-flame Chris Brown.
In an attempt to calm the furore surrounding her private life, perhaps, Rihanna kept things sleek and chic courtesy of Giorgio Armani at the 2012 Grammys.
Boom chicka wah wah! So successful was Ri’s Grammys outing that she turned to Signor Armani for her next public appearance, too: attending the now-infamous Stella McCartney dinner at London Fashion Week in February 2012.
PA PhotosTo promote her new film Battleship in London, Rihanna opted for a slick-yet-sporty Alexander Wang dress with Louboutin heels and a flawless blonde blow-dry.
Rex FeaturesWhile a lesser mortal may have chosen to wear Stella McCartney’s print tuxedo jacket as just that, a jacket, Rihanna pushed the envelope once more to create this quirky-yet-assured look as she attended yet more London appointments in spring 2012.
Rex FeaturesApparently still feeling experimental, Ri wore Emilio Pucci’s autumn/winter 2012 pyjama suit to the Tokyo premiere of Battleship. Bet the Harajuku-ites were impressed!
PA PhotosA new twist on smart-casual as the Battleship promo trail rolled into Sydney.
Rex FeaturesThe starlet looked every inch the triple A-lister in fuchsia pink Marchesa as she attended Time magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Party - needless to say, she made the cut.
Rex FeaturesOut and about in New York, Rihanna proved that she's a fashion renegade with boundless sartorial aplomb who can pull off head-to-toe grey leather and chains. Credit where credit is due...
Rex FeaturesRihanna
We love, love, love this gorgeous high-fashion off-duty look from Rihanna. The striped palazzo pants are pure summer chic as is the tee and that cute boxy bag.
RexOut and about in New York in December 2014, Rihanna worked this seriously statement coat with desert boots and slicked-back locks for a fashion-forward style statement.
GettyNot too many people could pull off this bright blue furry coat, but Rihanna manages it with aplomb.
Getty ImagesWe have a feeling Rihanna's 2015 Grammy dress will go down as one of her most famous looks in years to come. The Giambattista Valli Couture princess dress is really quite something.
Getty ImagesWell, there's no chance of RiRi feeling the New York cold in this coat.
Getty ImagesNow, those are some serious boots. Nineties platforms eat ya heart out.
Getty ImagesWhile promoting her new animated feature Home in New York city, Rihanna kept things playful in a teal dress and jacket combo covered in miniature bows. A modern twist on 50s.
Rex FeaturesWe're not sure everyone could pull off this vibrant jacket but it is Queen RiRi we're talking about...
RexVery ladylike RiRi. The superstar wore a pink satin Dior gown and stilettos for the Home Los Angeles premiere. We're digging the new fringe too.
Getty ImagesWe can't help thinking that RiRi's having a serious Lil' Kim back-in-the-day moment in this Raf Simons doodle coat but she's working it! Is there a pattern she's not wearing here?
Getty ImagesFor Jay-Z's unveiling of his new music sharing service in New York, Rihanna opted for an up-do and skirt suit with a classic french mani.
Getty ImagesDressed down for a dentist appointment in New York City, Riri may be the only person we'll let off for wearing socks and sandals.
Getty ImagesOn her way to Jimmy Kimmel Live Rihanna showed off her pins in a pastel coat and not much else. We're loving those strappy shoes.
Splash NewsArriving back in LA after her beach vacation in Honolulu, Rihanna was dressed in a Puma jumper and shoes with daisy dukes and an Aztec print hooded blanket. Low-key chic.
GettyRihanna's canary yellow embroidered gown by Chinese designer Guo Pei ensured that she was belle of the Met Ball 2015.
Getty ImagesOff duty in New York Rihanna teams high black boots and a black mini skirt with a ‘School Kills’ statement tee. OK then, RiRi.
Getty ImagesThere’s ripped denim, and then there’s jeans that you can accidentally put your foot through the knee in. Rihanna has opted for the latter.
RexOut an about in New York, Riri's still rocking her gorgeous Met Ball bob with a cap and some blinging jewellery. We're not sure we could pull off this blanket, but she works it (obviously).
Getty ImagesDressed down in distressed denim and Timberlands, RiRi bought attention to her new fiery 'do by finishing her look with ginormous hoops.
GettyRihanna touched down in London Town dressed in high waisted graphic jeans and an oversized puffa jacket. Tres cool.
GettyLooking unusual casual in New York, Rihanna wore a Billionaire Girls Club hoodie (we love the female shout out), a cap and some sneakers.
Getty ImagesArriving at the Christian Dior AW16 Ready-To-Wear show in Tokyo, Rihanna looked pretty damn cool. Rocking a denim summer dress with oversized shades and boots - she's one fierce lady.
Getty ImagesWearing a Giorgio Armarni suit (we totally thought it would be Dior, too) for the BET Awards in LA, we want to like this look on Rihanna a little more than we do. The gold doesn't really pop and we're not convinced it's the best cut. Still, she still looks good, obviously.
Rex FeaturesIf we wore a pair of green trackies and baseball, there’s not a chance we’d look this cool, but Rihanna nails relaxed off-duty tomboy style.
RexOne of our favourite Rihanna looks for a while, we’re kind of reminded of Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine here with RiRi’s tied-up crop top and blue culottes. Those pretty pink heels match the singer’s hot pink lips perfectly, too.
GettyRihanna is nothing if not surprising, as proven here with this ladylike look worn out shopping in New York. We didn't think we'd ever see RiRi in a vintage floral midi dress and pumps, but here she is.
GettyA low-key look for the star, although we're into her slogan "Just A Kid" T-shirt.
GettyA great dress to wear for a summer dinner out - it's floaty, pretty and looks great with RiRi's curly locks.
GettyMaintaining her signature style, Rihanna left little to the imagination dressed in a sheer spaghetti strapped dress.
GettyAn interesting look for the singer, silk pyjamas and a balconette bra. Fair enough.
Getty ImagesRihanna glams up an oversized hoodie with these awesome tie-up strappy grey shoes.
Rex FeaturesThe singer looked cool and casual in New York in a white vest and jeans. We love her hot pink heels, too.
Getty ImagesWell this is an interesting look for Ri-Ri... the star goes all out on the 'ripped trousers' front, and accessorizes with a printed shoulder bag.
Getty ImagesHeading on a night out in the Big Apple, RiRi kept things slick in a all-black-everything jumpsuit. Paired with her bright pop lip colour, we love this look.
Getty ImagesHow To: look awesome in sportswear. Thank you, Rihanna.
FlynetAttending her stylist's wedding in New York City, RiRi looked stunning in this Oriental wrap silk dress. We hope she didn't steal the show from the bride...
Getty ImagesWe love Rihanna's bold choice in outerwear in this cool outfit. The star adds a little colour to her monochrome look with her cool coat and stylish clutch bag.
Getty ImagesWorking the underwear-as-outerwear trend as she unveils her new album cover in New York.
AKM-GSIAnother day, another slip dress. RiRi teams hers with an oversized leather jacket and baseball cap for a tomboyish vibe.
Getty ImagesWho says you have to wear heels to red carpet event? Rihanna teams her sheer floral gown with a pair of red pointed sneakers for the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year event.
WennRihanna was seen leaving Libertine nightclub in London after partying with Drake and Kendall Jenner. The group of friends had reportedly hired out the whole venue privately for the evening. We're after RiRi's mustard yellow coat...
RexShe wore an Armani Prive gown covered in ruffles for the BRIT Awards 2016.
Getty ImagesRihanna is not one to do things in half measures... and that's exactly what happened when she decided that white would be her colour of choice to attend a Lakers basketball game. We wish we looked that good in a white top, trousers, boots and bag.
Getty ImagesWe told you the humble tracksuit was making a comeback, and now Rihanna has just gone and shown us exactly how to wear it. Stepping out in New York in an embroidered silk Gucci version, Rih made the tracksuit look ultra chic.
Rex FeaturesRihanna looked like a cowgirl reworked in the modern day while out in New York, wearing white Celine cowboy boots, brown leather torusers and a faux-fur coat with ring detailing. She finished off the look with a stylish cap. We're off to buy some cowgirl attire.
Splash NewsRihanna always looks sensational on stage, and we love her performance costumes, which are always full of attitude and personality. This sheer number is no exception.
Splash NewsTrue, we wouldn't be brave enough to wear this sheer Gucci dress out to dinner, but we're glad someone has more balls than us. Good work Riri.
Xposurephotos.comNever one to shy away from a bold look, here we have Rihanna dressed as a modern Tinkerbell.
Rex FeaturesRihanna takes underwear as outerwear to new heights as she steps out in her Dior shades and velvet dressing gown for a stroll in NY.
Rex FeaturesShe gave a printed slip dress a tough edge with a pair of flatforms and her Dior Star Trek glasses.
Getty ImagesRihanna stepped out in New York recently in this bright kaftan, complete with platform boots and a slick of red lipstick.
She wore an oversized sweater dress with heels for a night out in London with on-off boyfriend Drake.
Rex FeaturesRiRi goes head-to-toe blue while out and about in London, accenting her waist with a purple waist belt.
Getty ImagesShe wore a vinyl oversized jacket and cheerleader skirt at V Festival 2016.
Getty ImagesTo celebrate her VMAs success, Rihanna headed to a club in Soho wearing a tasseled olive-coloured dress. The girl looks good in anything.
Rihanna wore yet another impractical yet very cool outfit for a tour performance. How does she walk in the hip-high boots?
Getty ImagesShe chose to wear a giant heart cushion for a night out at 1Oak nightclub in New York.
Getty ImagesRiri wore head-to-toe denim with a Prince pendant and a Louis Vuitton box bag in New York.
Splash NewsWhile out in Paris, Rihanna wore an ultra cropped knit with an Isa Arfen puffer jacket.
Rihanna has always been a fan of Tupac, and she shows off her love for the late singer with this retro t-shirt. Rihanna looked relaxed for her night out as she is on break from her Anti World Tour which is nearing the end. P.S. We love the new hair!
Always experimental with fashion, Ri Ri wore a long black t-shirt over the top of a long red satin dress with a serious split as she arrived at 10Ak. The t-shirt, which had a picture of a young Rihanna on the front, is part of the singer's ANTI tour mechandise.
Getty ImagesYou know that awkward moment when you realise your shirt has been poking out the bottom of your probably-too-short skirt all day? Well Rihanna welcomes it, in fact, she actually styles herself that way. Watch this trend catch on...
Getty ImagesFor her evening look, Rihanna looked positively fierce in some velvet leopard print trousers and a stripe halter neck top.
Splash NewsFor a casual look, Rihanna teamed an oversized black t-shirt with leggings and white heeled boots. Effortless - but still so much cooler than we'll ever look.
PAIt was a big night for Rihanna at the Footwear News Achievement Awards when the singer won the Shoe Of The Year Award for her Fenty Puma Creeper. Ironically, she kept her choice of footwear for the night covered up. Too much pressure, Rihanna?
Rex FeaturesRihanna kept warm in an all cream-coloured ensemble under a sheepskin coat. SNUG.
SplashIf you're Rihanna, you don't just wear a belt. You wear a bloody MASSIVE red belt which reaches your knees, 'o course. Strong pirate vibes.
Splash NewsThere she goes again, breaking every style rule possible and looking amazing while doing it. This time, Rih went to a night club in a tracksuit. God we love her.
Splash NewsRihanna stepped out in 2017 rocking full-on camo (courtesy of an oversized Vetements x Canada Goose camouflage-printed parka, and matching slouchy trousers). She glammed it up with a pair of heels.
Getty ImagesTo host the FENTY PUMA by Rihanna Experience, the lady in question wore perhaps the most stylish raincoat we've ever seen. Glastonbury will never be the same again.
Getty ImagesAt Cannes Film Festival celebrating her collaboration with Chopard, Rihanna did Hollywood glamour the Rih way in a stunning tulle black gown and red lips.
Getty ImagesIt was the Paris premiere of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets and Rihanna opted for head-to-toe Prada feathers, beads, Chopard jewels and Charlotte Olympia heels. SASS.
Rex FeaturesHow stunning did Rihanna look at the Fenty Beauty launch at Harvey Nichols in London? The singer wore a lilac Molly Goddard dress that matched her perfect highlighter and eye makeup. Naturally, these were both from her debut makeup line.
Getty ImagesTo her Fenty Galaxy launch, Rihanna shut down the Manhattan sidewalk in a Tom Ford denim co-ord. THIS WOMAN IS FLAWLESS.
Getty ImagesArriving at JFK Airport looking sassy AF with some bang on trend white booties.
Getty ImagesArriving at the Fenty Puma by Rihanna AW17 collection launch collection at Bloomingdales in New York.
Getty ImagesAt the Fenty Beauty launch party in Paris.
Getty ImagesDoing the rounds, Rihanna then attended the Fenty Beauty launch party in Madrid.
Getty ImagesWearing a casual 275,000 crystals to perform at the GRAMMYs in a dress custom designed by Adam Selman
Getty ImagesA swift outfit change and Ri Ri was ready to party post-GRAMMYs at 1-Oak nightclub
REXRihanna looks absolutely fierce in this fitted leather dress, which she's offset with an oversized golden buckle belt. Work it, girl.
Like every year, Rihanna brought the paps to their knees as she stepped on the red carpet of the Met Gala 2018, in a costume Maison Margiela by John Galliano. The regal ensemble paired with Christian Louboutin heels and a Judith Lieber clutch.
Getty ImagesRiri provided all the style inspo in a nude jacket and cream satin dress as she stepped out in chilly NYC.
Getty ImagesIf anyone's going to pull off an entire snake-print look - bucket hat included - it's our Rihanna.
Getty ImagesProving that she designs for her own taste, she looked absolutely epic in a fuchsia drawstring dress from her Fenty collection.
BACKGRIDRihanna headed for dinner with her mum at Mason restaurant in Santa Monica wearing a Nanushka pre-fall 2019 jumper dress. One of her best looks of the year.
Getty ImagesArriving at the 2019 British Fashion Awards, Rihanna was photographed wearing a Fenty mint green satin mini dress (naturally) with matching gloves and a choker necklace.
Getty ImagesOn a low-key night out in New York, Rihanna plumped for a neon knitted dress and matching trench coat. And that's why we love her.
Getty ImagesMaking a convincing case for AW21's tonal brown trend, she couldn't look more pleased with herself in this epic look. We don't blame her.
Getty ImagesIf you thought bucket hats were reserved solely for the Gen Z TikTok generation, Rihanna is here to show us why the 00s classic is for everyone.
ShutterstockWhile others are busy immersing themselves in the 70s and 80s fashion revival, Rihanna is firmly invested in the 90s. With those ripped jeans and bandana top, we can't say we're not tempted to join her.
