Rihanna’s Red Carpet Style Doesn’t Hold Back

From haute couture gowns to barely-there maternity wear, Riri’s outfits serve up some serious fashion inspo.By InStyle Editors  Updated on February 24, 2023 @ 01:47PM

PHOTO: JON KOPALOFF/GETTY

She’s one of the biggest stars in the world, and she plays by her own rules — especially when it comes to fashion. Rihanna is known for her fearless, edgy, and innovative style choices, and has been dressed by every major designer you’d care to name. From the street to the red carpet, we are fascinated by the Barbados-born singer’s sartorial choices.

Rihanna makes an entrance with equal parts high style and high camp. “There’s such a confidence and fearlessness with her approach to dressing,” says designer Matthew Adams Dolan. “Having her support has meant the world to me.”

Take a look back at Rihanna’s best red carpet moments, ahead.

01of 25Alaïa, 2023

JEFF KRAVITZ / FILMMAGIC / GETTY IMAGES

Her first of four outfits of the night, Rihanna arrived at the Oscars in figure-hugging formalwear/maternitywear by Alaïa. The interplay of contrasting materials, namely, the leather bandeau and skirt (with its cut-out slits) against a sheer mesh turtleneck made it stand out.

Rihanna Wore a Sheer Alaïa Bandeau Dress to the 2023 Oscars02of 25Rick Owens, 2022

AXELLE / BAUER-GRIFFIN / FILMMAGIC

At the Hollywood premiere of Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever, Rihanna stepped out in this dazzling denim dress covered in sparkling olive-toned sequins.

03of 25Coperni, 2022

KEVIN MAZUR / GETTY IMAGES

A twisted halter-neck top might not be the first item you reach for when you’re pregnant, but then again, Rihanna has redefined maternity wear. Plus, here she was celebrating the launch of Fenty Beauty at Ulta in L.A. (hence, the sparkle).

Rihanna Isn’t the Only One Loving the Pregnancy Crop Top04of 25Attico, 2022

RICH FURY / GETTY IMAGES

The mom-to-be demonstrated her fearless sense of style — and baby bump — in a custom Attico shredded green halter top and gradient-colored pants.

Rihanna’s Latest Look Is the Maternity Version of Naked Dressing05of 25Balenciaga, 2021

THEO WARGO / GETTY IMAGES

Rihanna was fashionably late to the Met Gala’s “Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion,” saving the best for last. She wore this oversized moody black dress which contrasted sharply with A$AP Rocky’s amazing technicolor dreamcoat.

A Complete Timeline of Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Relationship06of 25Givenchy, 2020

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The cultural icon accepted the President’s Award at the 51st NAACP Image Awards for her global contributions to music, art, and business, in haute couture.

07of 25Fenty, 2019

KARWAI TANG / WIREIMAGE

Rihanna made a splash at the Fashion Awards in London wearing her own monochrome seafoam green dress, wrap, gloves, and shoes. By the end of the night, she would come away with her first fashion award for Fenty.

08of 25Jacquemus, 2019

HAN MYUNG-GU / WIREIMAGE

The entrepreneur was in Seoul promoting Fenty Beauty in this oversized, white power suit — and perhaps Savage x Fenty, too. A hint of the brand’s metallic lace teddy can be seen peeking out from underneath her blazer.

09of 25Givenchy, 2019

TAYLOR HILL / WIREIMAGE

The singer attended and performed at the 5th Annual Diamond Ball wearing this black velvet gown that fit her like a glove.

10of 25Atelier Versace, 2018

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To celebrate Fenty Beauty’s one-year anniversary in Sydney, Riri opted for a maximalist snakeskin print wardrobe — accessories included.

9 Outfits That Prove Bucket Hats Weirdly Look Good With Everything11of 25Ralph & Russo Couture, 2017KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY

Rihanna stole the show at her 3rd Annual Diamond Ball benefitting The Clara Lionel Foundation. The singer wore a high-low tuxedo-inspired gown, complete with a flowing train and satin bustier; layers of Chopard jewelry, black sheer tights, and sparkling strappy heels.

The Mullet Dress Is the Latest Confusing Fashion Trend to Make a Comeback12of 25Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, 2017JON KOPALOFF/GETTY

Rihanna stole the show while on the red carpet for the premiere of Valerian, wearing a pink tulle mini dress with voluminous sleeves and a gigantic tulle train. A pair of knee-high strappy sandals and pink sapphire hoop earrings by Chopard completed the fairytale look.

13of 25Marc Jacobs, 2016LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY

For the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year event, Rihanna chose a sheer, floral embroidered gown and pointy-toe sneaker heels.

14of 25Armani, 2016KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE

Rihanna chose a lavender tiered mermaid gown for the 2016 Brit Awards.

15of 25Giambattista Valli, 2015STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE

Minutes before the red carpet ended, the singer arrived to the Grammys in a show-stopping pink cupcake gown by Giambattista Valli. “She wears couture like a T-shirt,” the designer tells us.

16of 25Giorgio Armani, 2015CHRISTOPHER POLK/GETTY IMAGES

Rihanna wore a gold Giorgio Armani tuxedo suit to the 2015 BET Awards when introducing her new music video.

17of 25Fendi, 2015MARK SAGLIOCCO/GETTY IMAGES

The singer wore a bronze leather Fendi dress to the opening of the brand’s New York flagship store in 2015.

18of 25Zac Posen, 2015DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/WIREIMAGE

Rihanna wore a maroon Zac Posen dress to the designer’s fall 2015 runway show in New York City.

19of 25Adam Selman, 2015BRAD BARKET/GETTY IMAGES

Rihanna wore a pink Adam Selman dress to the NBA All-Star Night in 2015.

20of 25Christian Dior, 2015JON KOPALOFF/FILMMAGIC

Rihanna attended the 2015 Los Angeles premiere of Home in a Dior pink satin dress.

21of 25Dior, 2015JUN SATO/GETTY IMAGES

She attended the Dior Fall/Winter 2015 repeat show in head-to-toe Dior, which consisted of an embroidered denim dress that she complemented with oversize shades, a ladylike purse, Dior Fine Jewelry, and sleek calf-high boots.

22of 25Dior, 2015GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA

At the Tidal Launch Event, the singer styled a blue cotton jacquard Dior jacket with a matching skirt, square hoops, and white calf-high Dior boots.

There’s a Reason Everyone Still Loves Dior23of 25Zac Posen, 2014AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN/FILMMAGIC

The singer wore a rose-colored Zac Posen gown to the First Annual Diamond Ball for the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2014.

24of 25Stella McCartney, 2014MIKE MARSLAND/WIREIMAGE

Rihanna wore a Stella McCartney tuxedo blazer as a dress to the 2014 British Fashion Awards.

14 Blazer Outfit Ideas That Will Have You Saying ‘Ok, Wait — I’m Wearing That Tomorrow’25of 25Stella McCartney, 2014LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY IMAGES

At the 2014 Met Gala, the singer chose a couture Stella McCartney crop top and draped long skirt and train, which she paired with a diamond choker necklace.