There are few celebs as fearless and unapologetic in their fashion choices as Rihanna. Over the years, the Anti singer has transformed into a bonafide fashion darling, becoming a fixture in the front row and a master of the whole high-low thing, with her signature move being to pair to-die-for designer pieces from iconic fashion houses like Chanel, Céline and Dior with athleisure essentials in true girlboss style. And then there are all those red carpet looks to consider — those show-stopping ensembles that send tongues wagging and the media into a tizzy in two seconds flat. Case in point: her 2015 Met Gala look that basically rendered every other celeb at the event irrelevant. Slay girl, slay. Riri has come a long way since her “Pon de Replay” days, and we can’t wait to see what sartorial shenanigans she’ll come up with next (we’re still reeling from that eye-catching watercolor track suit). Scroll on for some of the most memorable looks from the pop star’s red carpet style evolution.
1. 2006 Condé Nast Media Group’s Third Annual Fashion Rocks Concert: Rihanna channeled her inner glam goddess (a subtle sneak peek of the blossoming fashion icon she would become) in a form-fitting silver gown and a retro-inspired updo for a look with major va-va-voom. (Photo via Peter Kramer/Getty)
2. 2007 Grammy Awards: Riri struck the ultimate balance of sexy and sophisticated at the 2007 Grammy Awards, walking the red carpet in a green cut-out creation by Roberto Cavalli and showing off a new ‘do and a killer mani. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)
3. 2008 Grammy Awards: The pop star took her red carpet look down a bold and bright path for the 2008 Grammy Awards, turning heads in a cobalt Zac Posen design with textural detailing and peek-a-boo feathers, and an edgy pixie cut. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)
4. 2009 Met Gala: Rihanna’s penchant for doing things differently started to emerge at the The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion Costume Institute Gala in 2009, where she stood out among a sea of glamorous gowns in a dramatic Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo and a sleek, side-swept hairstyle. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)
5. 2009 American Music Awards: Taking fashion risks is what Rihanna does best, and this structured cutout Marchesa dress didn’t disappoint. The hourglass shape and ornate ruffled neckline are dripping with Old Hollywood glamour, while the rose cutouts and asymmetric hemline inject the getup with undeniable ‘tude. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)
6. 2011 Grammy Awards: Rihanna took the opportunity to show off those sexy curves at the 2011 Grammy Awards with a sheer Jean Paul Gaultier gown that left little to the imagination. And ever the style chameleon, she was back to rockin’ bright red locks. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)
7. 2012 Battleship Premiere in Tokyo: Riri played it cool at the Japan premiere of Battleship, taking a break from her standard show-stopping gowns and opting for a printed kimono-inspired Pucci jumpsuit, side-swept waves and edgy hoop earrings. (Photo via Koki Nagahama/Getty)
8. 2012 TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World: The start of Rihanna’s love affair with ladylike style became apparent at the TIME 100 gala back in 2012 when she took a break from her usually edgy style, donning this vibrant architectural frock by Marchesa. The dramatic neckline, full skirt and hourglass silhouette teamed with her long romantic curls crreated a glamorous retro-inspired effect. (Photo via Fernando Leon/Getty)
9. 2013 Grammy Awards: One word: obsessed. Rihanna nailed it on the 2012 Grammy Awards red carpet in a scene-stealing Azzedine Alaïa gown that straight-up sizzled with its subtle sheer panels and airy red fabric. And those perfectly coiffed tresses and classic red lip? Swoon. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)
10. 2014 “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” Costume Institute Gala: Rihanna’s fierce fashion sensibilities were out in full force for the 2014 Met Gala, where she made jaws drop in a custom Stella McCartney two-piece ensemble that showed off her toned midriff. While the crop top look could have come off as unfinished, long sleeves, subtle accessories and a textured updo brought balance to the look, allowing the star to pull it off with ease. (Photo via Larry Busacca/Getty)
11. 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards: Only Rihanna could rock a frock that looked like it was made with nothing more than a fistful of glitter and get away with it — and we totally love her for it. The singer didn’t hold anything back for the 2014 CFDA Awards, where she took home the Style Icon Award (surprise, surprise), turning heads in a custom sheer Adam Selman gown. (Photo via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty)
12. 2014 amfAR LA Inspiration Gala: Leave it to Rihanna to make pasties look like vestiary gold. The Barbadian beauty managed to make this barely there look by Tom Ford feel surprisingly classy with a delicate fabric choker, sleek updo and statement stud earrings. (Photo via Jason Kempin/Getty)
13. 2015 Grammy Awards: It’s a whole lot of dress, but Rihanna pulled off this flouncy Giambattista Valli number flawlessly at the 2015 Grammy Awards with an understated updo and stud earrings. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)
14. “China: Through the Looking Glass” Costume Institute Benefit Gala: Bow down. Rihanna solidified her status as most fashionable lady at the Met Gala with this Guo Pei gown that highlights exactly what Rihanna does best — unforgettable glamour and drama. (Photo via Andrew H. Walker/Getty)
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(Feature photo via Christopher Polk/Getty)
