In 2016, fashion was all about skinny jeans, bomber jackets, lace slips, and backless loafers. Rihanna, with her album ANTI, became a style icon influencing many Forever 21 hauls. She embraced a mix of oversized hoodies, embellished denim, sporty co-ords, and edgy tailoring that defined the era’s most memorable aesthetics.
Fast forward to 2026, and Rihanna is still channeling the spirit of 2016 with a modern twist. Recently, she stepped out in New York wearing a layered look that combined nostalgia with contemporary flair. She donned an oversized charcoal gray wool blazer with strong lapels over a navy blazer, paired with a blue Vaquera collared shirt. Her outfit was complete with Balenciaga knife pants, pointed white pumps, a black leather clutch bag, a Bryony Raymond diamond and gold necklace, and black-out aviator style sunglasses.
Just the day before, Rihanna attended A$AP Rocky’s album release party in a look straight out of 2016. She wore an amber-colored silk satin slip dress by Saint Laurent, paired with a cropped olive green Miu Miu bomber jacket. This combination of a feminine slip dress with a masculine bomber jacket was a popular trend back in the day.
Rihanna has also been spotted carrying a Jeremy Scott Longchamps Le Pliage bag featuring a tightly cropped Madballs monster, a quirky accessory that harks back to the unique style choices of the mid-2010s.
With her ability to effortlessly blend past and present trends, Rihanna continues to prove herself as a fashion chameleon. Whether she’s rocking oversized blazers or mixing feminine and masculine pieces, she always puts her own spin on the latest and greatest styles. Rihanna’s style evolution is a testament to her fashion prowess and enduring influence in the industry.
