How to Get Rihanna's Military Look

Bright lipstick softens Rihanna's military edge.

Pop music superstar Rihanna is known as much for her bold, catchy music as she is for her edgy and fashion-forward clothing. While she favors clothes by designers like Zac Posen and D-Squared, Rihanna favors military-inspired looks in both her music videos and in everyday life. In 2010, she coined the phrase "couture military" to describe the ways that she plays with variations of military uniforms, infusing them with her signature style. Borrowing details from the Barbados-born singer is an easy way to create your own military look and inspire a few fashion salutes of your own.

Instructions

1. View the video for the 2010 single "Hard" as a starting point for your own Rihanna-inspired military looks. While some of the outfits are a bit too scandalous for everyday life, there are elements that easily translate from the military-themed video to your closet.

   Choose black or dark wash denim high-waist shorts with a small inseam of no more than 3 inches to mimic the pair of briefs sported by Rihanna in the video. Pair an oversized cargo shirt in military green with a neutral color tank top to mimic her look without exposing too much skin. A vest with lots of hardware like studs and chains captures the spirit of Rihanna's bullet-strap vest without the exposure or security hazard.

2. Choose well-tailored, military inspired pieces in trendy cuts and fabrics to mimic Rihanna's military-inspired street style. In 2009, the songbird stepped out for some shopping in an acid-washed denim jacket with epaulettes and braiding that referenced both military style and Michael Jackson's infamous black and gold jacket. She paired the statement jacket with a simple tank top and white shorts.

   You can find your own jacket by haunting thrift stores for old uniforms or by checking out stores that specialize in trendy pieces on a budget. For dinner out in Los Angeles in 2010, the singer sported a simple long-sleeved gray T-shirt with skintight blue camouflage-print leggings, a pageboy cap and a leather backpack. Copy the look by pairing a neutral, lightweight Henley with tight camouflage jeans or slim-fitting cargo pants and a jaunty cap.

3. Apply bold makeup shades to add a feminine edge to military ensembles. Rihanna turns the concept of war paint on its head with her dramatic makeup in the video for "Hard," pairing gunmetal gray smoky eyes with slick bright red lipstick or a matte candy pink lip color.

   In other scenes she sports impressive black eyeliner that is both tribal and futuristic. While the sharp, jagged lines of her more theatrical looks might be a bit much for casual wear, lipstick and eye shadow shades similar to the ones Rihanna chooses can be found in virtually every drugstore and makeup boutique. Apply lipstick with a lip brush for definition and precision and blend eye shadows well for a smoky haze.

4. Choose accessories that highlight your femininity and contrast with the hardness of military shapes. Regardless of how masculine the influence may be, Rihanna keeps her style completely feminine with her attention to details. Her clothing may be military-inspired, but it is always tailored to fit her body perfectly.

   Choose styles that are body-conscious and highlight your femininity. Don't lose your figure in baggy or ill-fitting clothing. If you find a piece that you love in a size that's too large, consider visiting a professional tailor who can alter the piece to fit your body.

   Rihanna's attention to accessories defines her style and adds feminine allure to masculine attire. Even the militant camouflage print hooded sweatshirt she sported in 2009 was softened by a pair of oversized pearl studs and sunglasses. A devotee to high heels, Rihanna is rarely photographed in flats, so finish your look with a pair of pumps or high-heeled boots.

References

• YouTube: Rihanna "Hard" Featuring Jeezy
• Celebrity Style Guide; Rihanna BAPE Men's Camo Jacket; May 22, 2009
• Bossip; Are You Feeling Rihanna's Military Get-Up?; Aug. 14, 2010
• Makeup For Life; Rihanna Rocking Bright Lips in Hard Music Video; Dec. 20, 2009
• "Teen Vogue"; Rhianna Exclusive; Jane Shin Park; July 2007
• MTV.com; Rihanna Reveals Concept of "Hard" Video--Couture Military; James Montgomery; Dec. 4, 2009

Resources

• Celebrity Style Guide: Rhianna