Underrated Icons: Rita Ora

Bring some of Rita’s flair into your own life.

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Rita Ora at the 2016 VMAs

Wikipedia will tell you that Rita Ora is a British actress and singer, but they’re forgetting one word for her – icon. 

Despite only having come out with one solo album so far (Ora in 2012), she has gone on to become a chart topping performer, collaborating with artists such as Iggy Azalea, J. Cole, and Diplo. In 2015 her musical success landed her the role of coach on The Voice UK, and later, a judge on The X Factor, and she’s also acted in films and TV shows such as Fast & Furious 6, The Fifty Shades Trilogy, and Empire. 

Rita’s bold style and signature platinum blonde hair has given her status as a fashion favorite among designers. Rita has collaborated with Adidas, and most recently, she was named the new host of Cycle 23 of America’s Next Top Model. 

It’s safe to say that with the success she’s achieved globally, Rita can be considered a modern icon. Since we can’t all rock a cheese-print dress the way she does, I’ll show you how to bring some of Rita’s daring style and personality into your everyday wardrobe.

Mixed Media

Black dress with Adidas sneakers

Products: Dress – Charlotte Russe, Sneakers – Neiman Marcus, Socks – Uniqlo, Bracelet – Forever 21, Bag – Target, Salt Spray – Target, Lip Gloss – Target

Rita loves to play with proportions. She not only pays attention to the shape of each piece in her outfit, but she also mixes different genres of clothing to create an unexpected look. 

To do this for a regular day on campus, mix something dressy with something casual in a classic black and white color scheme. For this look I chose a flowy black dress to pair with the trendiest sneaker around, all-white Adidas Superstar sneakers. For another unexpected but chic touch, wear white crew socks – you can scrunch them to your ankles or wear them all the way up! 

To accessorize, I picked this House of Harlow bangle on sale at Forever 21 and a Target quilted bucket bag reminiscent of a Chanel bag. Top off this look with perfectly beachy waves (platinum hair optional) and nude gloss from Rimmel London – which Rita is currently the face of.

Monochrome Glam

Red dress, red bomber, nude heels

Products: Dress – Missguided, Jacket – Dorothy Perkins, Heels – Missguided, Necklace – Charlotte Russe, Rings – Forever 21, Brow Pomade – Sephora, Lipstick – MAC, Eyelashes – Target

Rita is always experimenting with color and one thing that she’s done on the red carpet and on the street is create monochromatic looks with a single bold color.

For a night out, try out a statement combination in shades of red. A sexy red wrap dress with a trendy satin bomber puts all eyes on you, while a rhinestone choker and midi rings show you’re serious about fun. Nude heels with pom poms elevate your look, while Anastasia Dipbrow pomade will keep your brows on fleek à la Rita. MAC lipstick in the ever classic Ruby Woo (a favorite of Rita and Rihanna) and false lashes will have you looking as glam as Ms. Ora.

Prints, Please

Printed jumpsuit with leather jacket

Products: Jumpsuit – Boohoo, Jacket – H&M, Watch – Nine West, Backpack – GoJane, Brow Pomade – Sephora, Lipstick – Target

Just as she does with bold colors, Rita also experiments with bold and unconventional prints in her wardrobe.

For a casual way to wear bold prints, try a striped culotte jumpsuit with white sneakers and pair it with a leather jacket for some edge. To accessorize, try a denim backpack with some fun patches and a sleek watch bangle. To really get the Rita vibe, get bold brows with Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade and a hot-red lipstick from Rimmel London. Now rock your campus with the same confidence Rita has and you’ll be good to go!

What do you think?

Are you a fan of Rita Ora? What was your favorite look? Are you keeping up with Cycle 23 of ANTM as religiously as I am? Sound off in the comments!

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