What were you wearing in 2016? Skinny jeans, bomber jackets, lace slips, or backless loafers? Rihanna was the inspiration behind countless Forever 21 hauls that year. It was the era of ANTI, and she had cemented a signature style that tapped into the decade’s most memorable aesthetics. You’d often spot her in oversized hoodies, bold embellished denim, sporty co-ords, and sharp tailoring. Last night in New York, Rihanna revisited 2016 style—with her own modern twist.
The pop star and beauty mogul stepped out on the evening of her partner A$AP Rocky’s album release day, wearing a look that nodded to the mid-2010s while braving the cold. She chose an oversized charcoal gray wool blazer with strong lapels, layered over a navy blazer and a blue collared shirt by Vaquera. On the bottom, she wore Balenciaga knife pants and pointed white pumps, accessorized with a black leather clutch, a layered Bryony Raymond diamond and god necklace, and blacked-out aviator sunglasses. From the shades to the leggings and the office-to-club energy, the nostalgia for that bygone style era hit hard.
Just a day earlier, Rihanna wore another 2016-inspired outfit, choosing an amber silk satin slip dress by Saint Laurent with a cropped olive green Miu Miu bomber jacket for A$AP’s launch party. Who didn’t love a silky dress toughened up with a masculine outer layer back in 2016? Last week, she also carried a Jeremy Scott Longchamp Le Pliage bag featuring a tightly cropped Madballs monster—a rare but unforgettable accessory from the same decade.
Rihanna has always been a trendsetter, and in 2016, she truly began defining them. Today, you can expect striking high-fashion moments from Alaïa and Issey Miyake, subversive silhouettes, and jaw-dropping couples’ style with Rocky. But whether she was gracing one of her iconic Vogue covers or being carried on her security guard’s shoulders at Coachella, Rihanna owned those offbeat denim washes, bodysuits, bombers, and blazer-legging combos that the mid-2010s celebrated. All hail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Rihannas uniquely personal view on 2016 fashion based on her public statements Fenty x Puma show and overall influence that year
General Beginner Questions
Q What was so special about Rihannas view on fashion in 2016
A In 2016 Rihanna moved beyond just being a fashion icon to a creative director She championed a bold wearwhatyouwant attitude that mixed high fashion with streetwear focused on inclusivity and made fashion feel personal and rebellious rather than following strict rules
Q What was the Fenty x Puma show and why was it a big deal
A It was Rihannas debut runway show as Creative Director for Puma in September 2016 It was a huge deal because it showcased her unique vision a fusion of athletic wear luxury and Gothic romance It proved she was a serious fashion force not just a celebrity endorser
Q Did she say anything specific about fashion rules in 2016
A While not one single quote her entire ethos that year was about breaking rules She often mixed masculine and feminine pieces wore oversized silhouettes and combined casual items with glamorous accessories sending the message that personal expression trumps traditional fashion dos and donts
Q What is an example of her personal view from that year
A A great example is her Met Gala 2016 look The theme was Manus x Machina and she wore a stunning custom yellow gown by Chinese designer Guo Pei It was a daring dramatic choice that was both culturally rich and completely different from what other attendees wore highlighting her personal taste over trendfollowing
Advanced ImpactFocused Questions
Q How did Rihannas 2016 style influence the fashion industrys approach to diversity
A Her Fenty x Puma presentation featured a notably diverse cast of models in terms of body type race and style This combined with her own visibility pushed the industry further toward inclusivity just before she revolutionized the beauty industry with Fenty Beauty in 2017