Outfit Inspiration: Rihanna Adds Edge to Simple Stripes

Rihanna at the Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Party

Rihanna at the Roc Nation Pre-Grammy Brunch

Rihanna is known as much for her daring looks and transformations as much as she’s known for creating great music. Whether she’s changing her hair (who can forget that now-classic asymmetrical bob she debuted for “Umbrella” or the short crop she sported promoting the film Battleship), debuting a brand new tattoo or just stepping out in custom Alaïa, she’s got the entire world waiting to see what she’s wearing next. For Jay-Z’s pre-grammy brunch, the singer showed up with new long locks and a look that showed a preppier, more subdued style for the singer. Clad in an ensemble from Altuzarra’s Spring 2014 collection, Rihanna showed major leg, a knack for pattern mixing (though she did wear the look just as it was styled on the runway) and a confidence that only she possesses.

If you’re looking to get a piece of Riri’s style, it’s not as hard as you’d think. We’ve found great pieces that’ll help you get the look without having to head to Bergdorf. And unlike Rihanna’s constant transformation, you’ll be able to wear the pieces with all of your favorite closet staples.


Equipment Capri Plaid Silk Shirt

Equipment Capri Plaid Silk Shirt

To get Rihanna’s striped look, you’ll need a great blouse. And while we don’t recommend being quite as daring as Rihanna if you plan on wearing this look to work, you can button up the Equipment Capri Plaid Silk Shirt ($258) so you’re not flashing as much skin as an R&B superstar. Equipment is known for creating great patterned shirts that look great on their own or peeking out from under a sweater — our own Editor-in-Chief Michelle Dalton Tyree is a fan as well as Bergdorf Goodman’s Senior Vice President Linda Fargo. The Capri plaid is a great pattern to wear no matter the season — it’s light blue hue is cut with a bold navy, making it something you’ll be able to wear all year long.

Available at Nordstrom.

Rihanna's Edgy Stripes

Rihanna’s Edgy Stripes

1. Getting yourself a good girl gone bad look is as easy as changing up your accessories. In lieu of precious lockets and dangling chains from Tiffany, opt for a harder-edged look. The Maria Black D’arling Gold Plated Ring ($135) and the RACHEL Rachel Roy Gold-Tone Crystal Bolero Slider Necklace ($36) are two great jewelry pieces that are unexpected, cool and unconventional. Just remember, rock stars aren’t wearing heart toggle bracelets or their grandmother’s pearls.

2. If you want to flash a little leg but still keep things covered, the Club Monaco Alba Asymmetrical Wrap Skirt ($149.50) lets you strike the perfect balance. It’s got a classic shape that’s flattering and work-friendly, but it’s also got a great zipper detail and a laminate hem that’ll make it the perfect piece to wear after you clock out, too. We love Rihanna’s bold stripe-on-stripe look, but a black skirt is sure to serve you well for seasons to come.

3. Rihanna’s white, laced pumps are a sexy exclamation point on an already-bold outfit, so we decided to keep it simple with the DKNY Saffi High Heel ($245). It’s available in simple black, a statement leopard and our favorite, a clean and sleek silver. What looks like a simple heel is actually a great, square-cut pump that’ll show just enough toe cleavage to be sexy and has a good-girl approved ankle strap. Rihanna would approve.

Images courtesy Getty, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Club Monaco, Macy’s and Net-a-Porter

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Author:Christopher Luu for Fashion Trends Daily

Christopher Luu is a Fashion Trends Daily Senior Writer and Menswear Editor.