Image via Complex Original
Aside from being the number 1 pop princess in the country and one of our favorite woman in menswear, Rihanna has become a bona fide style icon. She pushes the limits of fashion and does it effortlessly—making everyone want to channel RiRi's rebellious fashion sense. Rihanna’s style is so versatile even men can learn a thing or two from just observing the flaunt on the regular (just be a gentleman and withhold the thirsty comments). So grab a pen and paper, we're schooling you with 10 Style Tips Men Can Learn From Rihanna.
10. Animal Print Turns Up Any Outfit
Struggling to find that one piece that's going set off your outfit for the day? Animal print works when used sparingly, and balanced out by solid colors. To avoid overkill, take a cue from RiRi and go for subtle hints like a leopard print hat or kicks.
9. Timberlands Are Always Dope
Timberland boots will never go out of style. The rugged wheat silhouette is ideal for winter and has been a staple of hip-hop fashion for decades now. Whether you're RiRi or Nas, they instantly make you look ten times tougher, and they'll practically last forever. If you don't have a pair already, you should definitely get on that.
8. Camo Gives You Street Cred
Camo is an easy pattern to mix in with just about any kit. Throw on a camo jacket, or camo pants for that effortlessly-cool look. Balance it out with a snapback, dope graphic tee, and varsity jacket for a no-nonsense streetwear vibe.
7. All Black Everything Is Always In Style
You can never go wrong in all black—but that doesn't mean you have to look boring. RiRi mixes it up with textures and patterns. Black plaid APC x Carhartt varsity jackets complement Vans Authentics and a bandana. A snapback and Yeezys bring her tracksuit steez from comfortable to enviable. Black shearling leather jackets look dope with black trousers and boots. She knows what she's doing, and not using a tonal outfit as a style crutch, but rather elaborating on it.
6. Play With Proportion
Proportion is always important. Baggy clothes still knock as long as it's not all baggy everything. RiRi knows what works for her body type, and she plays with it. Not everything is form-fitting 24/7, but by pairing a loose tee with tight pants, or rocking an oversized men's shirt as a dress with brogues, she shows that she knows the rules of dressing well already, so she obviously gets a pass in breaking them.
5. When in Doubt, Throw on a Beanie
When the weather's appropriate, beanies can take an outfit from boring to stylish any day of the week. They're the ideal for covering up a broke 'do, and when paired with menswear staples like denim and varsity jackets, a simple skully makes a classic look any dude can rock well.
4. There's More Than One Way to Wear a Suit
Chances are, your suit is collecting mothballs in the back of your closet until the next wedding. You probably didn't think you could pair it with casual basics like T-shirts or bold prints like leopard to create a new look. RiRi is way ahead of you. No, we're not suggesting you go scandalous in a low-cut shirt under a red velvet blazer, but you can certainly rock a black T-shirt underneath a plaid suit to create some dissonance in your outfit, or throw a patterned button down under a light suit for an extra dose of freshness.
3. Style Is in the Details
Every detail of an outfit counts, all the way down to the socks. Even when you think no one is looking, if you're rocking dope kicks, you can bet they'll notice the socks underneath them. Why rock ratty old gym socks when you can opt for color-blocked, striped, or patterned versions? That's way more exciting—especially if they're subversive like HUF's Plantlife socks.
2. A Little Color Never Hurt Anybody
A pop of color is sometimes all you need to turn a regular ol' fit all the way up. The trick is to do it right. A neon beanie with a primarily black and white outfit is ideal, or a bold-colored topcoat over navy blue and gray. 85% simple, 15% stunting—that's a good ratio to maintain.
1. Don't Be Afraid To Mix Prints
Mixing prints shows you have a sense of style. Rihanna has that down to a science. Whether it's rocking polka dots with stripes, or camo outerwear with all-over print accessories, her bold style is dope without coming off as outrageous. The one unifying factor? A solid piece to hold it all together. Whether it's a pair of jeans, a black leather jacket, a pink hat, or a solid bandana, there's always something that makes it work.
