19 of Rihanna's most iconic outfits


The singer has had so many incredible style moments


rihanna© Photo: Getty Images
Orin Carlin
Orin CarlinContent Writer
Updated: February 13, 2023
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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. 

MORE: Rihanna's most stylish maternity fashion moments

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

Rihanna performing on stage in a red jumpsuit, holding a microphone.

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 

Rihanna at the Wakanda Forever premiere, wearing a unique gown and gloves.© Photo: Getty Images

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 stands in a black velvet gown, smiling, with a red curtain in the background.© Photo: Getty Images

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 

Rihanna stands on a red carpet in a black leather outfit, posing confidently.© Photo: Getty Images

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 

 

Rihanna stands in front of a Sephora backdrop, wearing a silver snakeskin dress and hat.© Photo: Getty Images

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

Rihanna stands on red carpet in a yellow gown with a long train, surrounded by photographers.© Photo: Getty Images

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 

 

Rihanna on stage, holding a microphone, wearing a white blouse and silver skirt.© Photo: Getty Images

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 

Rihanna stands in a sparkling dress and pink fur stole, posing confidently at an event.© Photo: Getty Images

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

Rihanna stands in front of red roses, wearing a white lace outfit and a large hat.© Photo: Getty Images

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. 

RELATED: The best celebrity airport looks to inspire your next travel outfit

Neon embellished bikini 

Rihanna performs on stage in a colorful bikini, raising her hand while singing into a microphone.© Photo: Getty Images
 

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 

Rihanna at the Grammy Awards, wearing a red gown, standing on a red carpet.© Photo: Getty Images

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 

 

Rihanna stands on a red carpet, wearing a blue blazer and striped pants, mouth open.© Photo: Getty Images

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 

Rihanna performing on stage, holding a microphone, wearing a pink crop top and 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 

Rihanna stands in a green and purple sequined outfit at a Fenty event.

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 

Rihanna at an event, wearing a vibrant floral dress with layered ruffles, posing for cameras.

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 

Rihanna stands on a red carpet in a teal dress and high heels.

Cinderella could never. Rihanna at the 2019 Fashion Awards on the other hand…

Scarlet spectacle 

Rihanna stands on a blue carpet in a red gown, smiling at the camera.

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, in black lingerie and boots, walks among photographers at an event.© Photo: Getty Images

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 

Rihanna, wearing a black outfit and purple fur coat, walks with A$AP Rocky, who carries a suitcase.© Photo: Getty Images

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.

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