The Rihanna Style Evolution

Rihanna has become more fashion conscious over the past few years, attending fashion shows and donning designer duds all over the world. But the star didn’t used to be so wardrobe savvy. It took some time for her to find her style and own her confidence. We’ve compiled a collection of the singer’s top looks since she first hit the scene back in 2005. Let’s take a peek at the Rihanna style evolution.

1. Where The Rihanna Style Evolution Began

Here’s wholesome Rihanna hitting up the red carpet at the 2005 VMAs. This look is definitely inspired by her island roots, with big hoop earrings, white jeans and a cropped shirt. We’re not too keen on that belly chain, but the 17 year old Barbadian sure looked young and innocent back then.

2. Looking elegant in 2006

That distinctive Rihanna style evolution had begun by 2006. Here’s the young star in an elegant midnight blue gown. Definitely a more sophisticated look.

3. Rihanna Rocks BIG Hair

Here’s Rihanna again in 2006, at the MTV European Music Awards. The star was rocking a new voluminous hairstyle with a short sequined dress. Was she trying to channel Beyonce?

4. Rihanna At The Grammys in 2007

Rihanna donned this polished look at the 2007 Grammy Awards. The emerald green Roberto Cavalli dress complimented her new auburn bob hairstyle. The pop singer was looking fabulous – classy and sexy at the same time.

5. Looking Svelte in 2007

Here’s the Barbadian bombshell at the 2007 BET Awards. Rihanna opted for a stunning blush colored Hervé Leger bandeau dress with rhinestoned pumps and a a short wavy bob. Her sultry makeup completed this sophisticated look.

6. Rihanna’s Comfortably Chic in NYC

In 2008, Rihanna cut off all of her hair and rocked the pixie cut. This checkered Max Azria shawl paired with knee high slate boots proved that Rihanna could still rule the red carpet looking casual. After this outing, Rihanna started wearing lots of designer duds and starting appearing in the front row of NYC fashion shows.

7. Rihanna’s Fashion Forward in 2008

Rihanna kept her hair short for the 2008 MTV Music Awards, but she added a bit of color to the edgy style. Rihanna’s fashion sense seems to be getting better as her hair gets shorter. Here she’s wearing a black bustier with a Peter Pilotto print shield skirt in vibrant green/yellow. She completed the look with white platformed t-bar heels.

8. Rihanna Jumping on the Jumpsuit Trend

In 2008, jumpsuits were in fashion and Rihanna owned the trend. Here she is at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball in a tailored black one-piece, accessorized with Christian Louboutin heels and a brass statement necklace. She nailed it!

9. Lovely in Lilac

In 2009, the 20 year old stunner wore this elegant lilac gown to let everyone know that she’s a mature woman now. This Grecian inspired draped gown with jeweled details on the shoulder was from the Gucci Spring 2009 collection. We think she look radiant.

10. Rihanna Rocking Chanel

Rihanna modernized this tweed Chanel skirt with a white tube top and statement beaded necklace. She completed the look with dark shades and a black velvet Chanel bag at the spring/summer 2010 designer show. Not many could pull this look off, but Rihanna owns it.

11. Lady in Red

At the 2010 American Music Awards Rihanna shocked the crowd by sporting freshly dyed bright red hair. The voluminous rouge curls complimented her lacy, full- length Eli Saab gown perfectly. She’s definitely not afraid to change things up!

12. Rihanna’s Revealing Grammy Gown

The star made quite a statement at the 2011 Grammy Awards. Rihanna wore this dramatic white Jean Paul Gaultier sheer panelled gown with a red bob. Like her playful pose here, Rihanna definitely turned heads that night!

13. Rihanna’s Street Style for 2011

When she wasn’t walking the red carpet, Rihanna sported outfits like this around town. In the spring of 2011, Rihanna’s style was menswear separates. Check out her rocking “boyfriend jeans” here.

14. Rihanna’s Understated 2012 Grammy Gown

Rihanna kept things simple yet chic at the 2012 Grammys. She wore this black Giorgio Armani gown with a plunging neckline and accessorized with a new blonde ‘do and statement gold cuffed jewellery.

15. Loud in London

Rihanna opted to wear this brightly colored Stella McCartney jacket without pants, and we’re glad she did. This look definitely makes a statement as she walks the London streets in the spring of 2012. We love how she completed the look with those 60s inspired shades. She’s come a long way in her Rihanna style evolution now!

16. She Rocked Denim in NYC

Rihanna stepped out for dinner in NYC in this all denim ensemble. She completed the look with royal blue suede pumps and a shoulder length blonde bob. This look is casually sexy.

17. Rihanna at the 2014 Grammys

Rihanna’s donned a silk, mustard colored Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown at the 2014 Grammy Awards. The revealing slit and plunging neckline make the dress subtly sexy. She completed the look with long, dark cascading waves and bright red lipstick.

18. Revealing Her Romp

The fearless pop singer showed some crack in NYC. Rihanna wore this copper colored backless gown at the 2014 MET Gala. We love her tousled up-do and smokey eyes.

19. Harper Bazaar Cover Girl in 2014

Rihanna appeared on the cover of Harper Bazaar’s July/August Arabia edition wearing this Muslim inspired outfit. She graced the pages of the magazine in very conservative Middle Eastern styles donning headscarves and veils. Our little Ri-Ri is all grown up!