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CTRL+C is a style series in which associate editor Aiyana Ishmael tests the styles of the internet's most talked about celebrities, dissecting their most buzz-worthy looks to see if they could be easily recreated on a plus-size body.
Ten years ago, Robyn Rihanna Fenty famously said, “She can beat me, but she can not beat my outfit,” and forever changed the sartorial game. Before she went on to create Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty x Puma, and the many other entrepreneurial endeavors that complete the Fenty universe, Rihanna was just a young Black woman from Barbados releasing back-to-back pop hits and stealing the show at every red carpet ever to exist.
Rihanna is a living fashion legend and has solidified herself in the zeitgeist for decades to come. She's been at the top of my CTRL+C list for as long as this column has been a column, but I wanted to do her justice. I didn't want to try until I felt sure I could give it my best go. Now, I'm not sure if that moment has truly actually come, but I do know that a year into this series, I could not wait any longer to find out. So, cuties — or maybe pasties, we've got to figure out the official CTRL+C fan name — here we are for the latest installation of this series.
I was so very excited to do this installment of CTRL+C because I love Rihanna's personal style. Rihanna is how I hope to dress once I inevitably reach a point in my life where I finally have a small amount of disposable income — we’re manifesting, people. From her oversized, baggy street-style moments to her gorgeous, gorgeous gowns, her style has been imprinted into my mind. While this go around was exciting, I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to be as exact as I could, which is why this one took me so long. I didn't want to just give up when I couldn’t find what I was looking for. I wanted to try, try, try again until I was as close as possible. That is what Rihanna’s fashion sense evokes in me and so many others. Even when you think you have nothing left, you give it your all because her references and style motifs manage to toe the impossible line of what it means to be relatable and absolutely untouchable.
For a week, I tried to recreate a few of my favorite Rihanna looks as closely as I could as a plus-size woman. There were some failures, but it was incredibly fun, so I'd say it was a definite success. Whether you are looking for inspo or simply here for the rise, here are some plus-size-approved options if you are looking to channel your inner Rihanna soon.
Day 1: Purple Puma Promotional Shot
This is one of the more recent Rihanna looks that immediately caught my eye. I am an absolute sucker for a major monochromatic moment (and an alliteration, clearly). This outfit, while simple in measure, is a quintessential Rihanna moment. She has always known how to wear “simple” and easily shoppable items but make them look a bit more elevated in style. For the most part, this outfit was incredibly easy to source. The top is Good American, and so are the jeans; the shoes are, of course, from the Fenty x Puma collection. The hardest find was, of course, a purple coat similar to hers. I obviously don’t think I got it as close as I could, but there was nothing out on the great wide web that resembled what she wore, especially not in my size. For some reason, purple faux fur is just not in season.
Puma
Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty Earth Tone Women's Sneakers
Good American
Micro Rib Tank Top
Yuakou
Shaggy Faux Fur Coat
Day 2: The Power of Pink
I might say this about every look — and it might be because I hand-selected each — but this is one of the most memorable Rihanna looks. Searching up street style inspiration, you will find this look. Searching up Rihanna style moments, you will find this look. So, I knew I wanted to give this one a try. This actually was one of the easiest looks to source. I was worried about finding everything I needed, but it was quite simple. The dress is from Target and fits perfectly; the hat is from Akira and, unfortunately, is sold out, but I’ve found a few alternatives for the girlies. The purse is from Coach and my pearls were from Amazon. Overall, I think I did this outfit justice with the resources allotted to me.
A New Day
Midi Slip Dress
Popchrio
Fuzzy Bucket Hat
Day 3: Sporty meets Spicy
This is one of the Rihanna looks that stays on my moodboards. As a former athlete that also loves to add a girly flare to my looks, this one hits all of my markers. Now, I will preface, technically, on the scale of recreation, this was the biggest fail on my list of five looks. I did not step up to the plate in the way I really wanted to, but this has less to do with me and more to do with the retail industry, so it’s their fault I came short, not mine!
I tried very hard to find something similar to her sports jacket, but did not have any luck. The closest I got was this windbreaker jacket from Puma. While the jacket is stylish and zippable over my DDD cup chest, I ordered the largest size they had available and it still was a bit tight. I couldn’t fully lean into the oversized styling Rihanna had here, which really frustrated me. Despite the difficulties, this still ended up being a favorite of mine. While I absolutely loved this skirt and probably will wear it on many occasions when I am going out with friends in Miami, I do not think it is work-appropriate in the slightest, so wearing it around the office truly stressed me out. I refused to run into the C-suite guys wearing a skirt that did not meet the fingertip rule. Luckily, I did not see anyone of great importance while wearing this, so the odds were in my favor.
Dikoaina
Winter Fake Faux Fur Wrap Shawl
Day 4: Wassup, Rocky?
The world stopped when Rihanna wore this, or at least mine did. This look will always be a personal favorite because of how well put together it is. From the corset to the trench and every little detail in between, it’s a perfect outfit. I must admit: This CTRL+C moment was definitely recreating the essence and not the exact look. I got several compliments from my team, including some from the fashion-resistant men in the building, so I knew it was a hit. The coat is an oldie from Reformation (if you can spot which former CTRL+C it comes from, extra brownie points for you). The corset is from Adore Me and the pants are Eloquii. I really wanted to find pants with the overlapped flap like hers, but alas they did not exist in my size. This look was one of the biggest struggles I noticed where pricepoint came into play. Of course, for the majority of the looks, we know Rihanna is wearing luxury pieces. Trying to recreate the structure of designer brand pieces on a commercial budget is rather difficult and this look is where that came into play. But, beyond the price differences, I think I really sold the vibe of the outfit, which is the original goal anyway.
Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret Adore Me Nikita Corset
ELOQUII
Eloquii Straight Leg Doublecloth Pant
ASOS Design
ASOS Design Longline Trench Coat
Amazon
Lingso Silk Like Scarf
Day 5: Canadian Tuxedo With Some Fashun™️
The final look of this series is another recent moment that really caught my eye. This outfit is something that feels integral to Rihanna, but also to me, Aiyana. We are so in sync sartorially that our couple name is basically our name again (Rihana or Aiyanna).
This was by far the most comfortable I’ve felt in my clothes in a CTRL+C installment ever. Not once did I question myself or my body while wearing these outfits, which lets me know that Rihanna’s essence is something worth trying out as a plus-size person. I knew this would happen, because quite frankly Rihanna’s style is exactly how I’d love to dress. Her mixture of shrill, sex appeal, and oversized moments speak exactly to my personal style wants and needs. While each installment of this series feels like children I hold close to my heart, it can also be said that every parent has a favorite child, and this CTRL+C might just be mine.