Rihanna's Red Carpet Moments That Left Us Utterly Speechless
She is known as the queen of the Met Gala due to her commitment to the theme each time she attends, and it's also a well-known fact that Rihanna slays every look she steps out in. Whether it's for the Grammy Awards or a New York sidewalk, the confidence she brings to each look is unshakeable. One of the most exciting things about Rihanna's style is that she isn't afraid to take risks, resulting in a series of outfits that won't be forgotten easily. Though she has taken a step back from music in recent years to focus on growing Fenty Beauty and its affiliated brands, she still blesses us with her presence by walking the occasional red carpet.
Rihanna is also now officially a billionaire, meaning her looks might get even more ostentatious than they already have been. From a sweeping yellow robe and bobbed hair to plenty of Disney-esque ballgowns, these are the best Rihanna red carpet looks that will go down in fashion history.
Rihanna's 2015 Met Gala look quickly became one of the most revered looks
Unforgettable, stunning, visionary. Rihanna's 2015 Met Gala look still regularly pops up in conversation with each first Monday in May. Wearing the work of Chinese designer Guo Pei, she perfectly embodied the theme of "China: Through the Looking Glass" (via Vogue). Her sweeping yellow gown was accentuated by a beautiful golden headpiece and coordinating jewelry, with just a glimpse of red fabric beneath her robe. The look was completed by her deep auburn hair, which was cut short and flicked out at the ends for an elegant look.
If given the opportunity, why not dress as the pope?
Another Met Gala classic, this breathtaking look is from the 2018 Met. The theme was "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" (via Vogue), a unique theme that allowed guests to express the beauty of Catholic imagery. Rihanna, being as iconic as she is, decided to take the theme literally and came as the pope. As reported by BuzzFeed, the singer was dressed in Margiela. Her mini dress, matching robe, and pope-inspired headpiece were all encrusted with sparkling jewels, creating a decadent look that isn't easy to forget.
She dared to go nude with this look made completely from crystals
Jaw-dropping even now, Rihanna wore this sheer number to the 2014 CFDA Awards (via Harper's Bazaar). Taking inspiration from her hit song "Diamonds," she dazzled in the matching headpiece and earrings, accompanying the look with a chic fur shawl. Even more iconic though was Rihanna's reply to a reporter who made a remark about the see-through element of her dress. When the woman commented on the sheerness of her dress, Rihanna replied, "Why, my t**ts bother you?" with a laugh that perfectly summed up her confidence in her look.
If in doubt, always go for red on red
We can all agree that Rihanna's red hair was a moment in fashion history. Whether she was rocking auburn, bright red, or a darker color, she suited each shade, and nowhere was this proven better than her all-red Ellie Saab look at the 2010 American Music Awards (via Glamour). Romantic and flowy, this look was a slight contrast to the sharper and more tailored outfits she had previously worn. It also complimented her skin tone perfectly, though we're not sure anyone but Rihanna could pull the double red look off.
She took mixing patterns to the extreme at the 2017 Met Gala
The third Met Gala look on this list, this 2017 ensemble was once again both slaying and on theme. As reported by Allure, Rihanna's look was an original piece that matched the theme of "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between" (via Vogue) perfectly. Whilst her dress is definitively Comme de Garcons due to its unusual silhouette, the thigh-skimming lace-up heels she wore brought in some of her own sexy style. Plus, her exaggeratedly bright makeup still looked amazing — that's just the power of Rihanna.
She can even turn layers of frilly tulle into a high fashion look
Rihanna somehow manages not to look like a little girl in this stunning lilac dress. She shines in Molly Goddard, a designer she has worn on several occasions and whose trademark is her large and undeniably frilly dresses (via Vogue). This look is from the Fenty Beauty launch party, with Rihanna's radiant makeup look giving fresh and pretty vibes (probably all Fenty Beauty, of course). Her simple high ponytail added another texture element to the overall look and allowed the dress to stand out to the fullest.
Contrast is key when opting for a bright white dress
Daring but still classy, this look was once again during the era of red-haired Rihanna. As stated by Glamour, this white dress was worn to the 2011 Grammy Awards. The bright white gown, which was designed by John Paul Gaultier, was apparently part of the fashion house's bridal collection, making it an unusual choice. Still, bride or not, Rihanna pulls the dress off with ease, with her bold purple lipstick and bright red hair providing the perfect foil to the lightness of the gown.
She went with an outfit that had a little bit of bite for a Fenty event
Sassy, chic, and oh-so-Rihanna, this snake print look is more casual but no less cool for it. She sported this matching Versace look to the one-year anniversary of Fenty Beauty in 2018 (via BuzzFeed). Though the cut of the mini dress is simple, it's the accessories that make this look so memorable, from the teeny tiny bag to the unusual choice of a bucket hat. The oversized hoop earrings and giant silver bangle only add to the cool-girl vibes she is radiating.
She looked sweet as sugar in this pink frothy ballgown
Rihanna served us cake topper chic with her 2015 Grammys look. A Giambattista Valli look, the dress's strapless top flows down into a candy-pink skirt that we think only Rihanna could truly pull off (via Cosmopolitan). The princess-esque gown was the star of the show due to Rihanna's choice to go for a natural makeup look and an up-do. She also didn't step out of her car until the very last minute to build suspense, because if there's one thing Rihanna can do (apart from being a singer, businesswoman, and general bad gal), it's make an entrance.
She slayed another red look at this 2017 premiere
The last look on this list is a true masterclass in sophistication and style. Rihanna stepped out in this crimson look at a premiere for the 2017 film "Valerian And The City of a Thousand Planets" (via Vogue). Glowing in another Giambattista Valli gown and holding a Jimmy Choo clutch, she opted for a smokey eye and matching red lip for a sultry yet refined feel. The low cut of the gown is what gives it that quintessential Rihanna appeal, whereas the flowing skirt adds depth and grace.