Get the Look: How to Recreate Rihanna’s Rated R Aesthetic—Hair, Makeup, Outfits & More
Coming up on the Sweet 16 of Rihanna’s Rated R album has me feeling wildly nostalgic. Bad Gal Riri has always been that girl when it comes to distinct eras—with looks to match. And honestly? It made me wonder… what would it look like if the girls stepped into a Rated R fashion era today?
It’s October 20, 2009. Rihanna’s comeback single “Russian Roulette” hits the airwaves. Everyone wants to know: after a dark chapter in her personal life, what would her next era sound like? Look like? She clears the air with one move—the stark, haunting pop-rock ballad and its equally striking visuals. Leather. Spikes. Fur. Avant-garde silhouettes.
A new era had arrived—darker, bolder, and fearless.
Behind the Era: A New Rihanna Emerges
The Rated R era arrived during a difficult and extremely public moment in Rihanna’s life—one she openly refused to let define her. In a 2009 interview with The Guardian, she said, “I don’t want that stamp going across my head as a victim.”
And she didn’t just reclaim her story through music. The fashion spoke even louder: sharp silhouettes, dark palettes, leather-heavy styling, and unapologetically bold hair and glam. It marked a turning point not only in her artistry, but in the global understanding of Rihanna as a fully realized creative force. It began the Rihanna reign that wouldn’t let up.
Now that we’ve put respect on the golden era that is Rated R, let’s step into the Madhouse and try some looks:
How to Get the Rated R Aesthetic
Rated R Hair Moves
If you missed the pre-fall hair color change and have been dying to dye your hair, jump right in with Rihanna’s signature shade of the era: warm honey blonde.
If you prefer something lower maintenance, opt for jet-black tresses. You can even throw in a single blonde slice for contrast—a subtle nod to her blonde-and-black asymmetrical cut. You can even use a clip-in or extension piece if you’re non-committal.
Feeling bold?
Go for the short cut with the iconic undercut. It’s edgy, timeless, and still fashion-forward in 2025.
If you want to keep your signature look, try something simpler like:
-a deep side part
-a flip-over part
-tousled-back moment
All of these instantly give you a Rated R attitude without fully committing.
Hard Glam
Though Rihanna’s glam this era was bold, edgy, and editorial, you can interpret it your way. Her staples:
– soft matte base
– dark smokey eyes
– heavy eyeliner
– nude, wine, or red lips
To make it everyday-friendly, pick one focal point.
If you don’t like heavy eye makeup, go for a bold lip or a simple black waterline liner. (I love the Make Up For Ever pencil in black, but anything works!)
If you want to experiment with a wing—small or dramatic—try Fenty Beauty’s Flyliner (still one of the best liquid liners on the market).
For a smokey eye:
You don’t need 10 shadow palettes.
Just use:
– a cool-toned dark brown
– grey or black
– your normal transition shade or your bronzer
Blend it out and boom: instant Rated R glam.
Rated R Dressing 101
This era gave us androgyny, avant-garde silhouettes, and streetwear with bite. A true homage to the iconic Grace Jones.
But Rihanna wasn’t always walking through NYC in sculptural shoulder pads and spiked dresses. Her everyday looks were surprisingly attainable:
– skinny or boyfriend jeans (mostly low-rise)
– statement shoes (leopard booties, knee-high boots, thigh-high boots)
– a simple top (white tee, cropped tank, slouchy long sleeve)
– a cropped cardigan with a little shoulder-pad action
Her core palette: black, grey, white with the occasional metallics.
Outerwear was everything:
– oversized blazers
– leather jackets
– furs (faux or real depending on your ethics)
All of it felt powerful, structure, and slightly dangerous—the Rated R way.
