We’ve all seen it before: celebrities braving brisk weather, coatless, simply so the paparazzi can capture every detail of their outfit. Perhaps jackets feel like an inconvenience. Or worse, boring. Rihanna, however, has long proved that if outerwear isn’t working, it’s probably a styling problem.
Over the weekend in Los Angeles, the Bad Gal reminded us exactly why she remains fashion’s ultimate reference point. Stepping out in a classic trench, Rihanna embraced autumn dressing but on her own terms. Her flowing khaki duster by Celine was anything but ordinary. Dramatically oversized, with a layered hem and ultra-long sleeves grazing past her hands, the trench carried that signature Rihanna nonchalance.
Rather than letting the volume overwhelm the look, she anchored it with a bold leather-and-metal statement belt, instantly creating shape and giving the outfit a focal point. Underneath, a printed Celine scarf doubled as a top, a clever styling trick that felt effortless yet intentional. Accessories did the rest of the work: goggle-like Saint Laurent sunglasses, stacked sandals by The Attico, and a vivid red lip that echoed the tones in her scarf-blouse. Outerwear, but make it interesting.
Of course, Los Angeles isn’t exactly battling an East Coast deep freeze, but Rihanna has never subscribed to rigid seasonal rules. She made that clear later in the evening at Roc Nation’s star-studded holiday party. Surrounded by names like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, SZA and Justin Bieber, she leaned into an all-black look with lingerie-inspired undertones. A tailored pantsuit was layered over a Balenciaga bodysuit, topped with a satin coat trimmed in fur — festive, sensual, and unapologetically Rihanna. Angular glasses and Amina Muaddi sandals completed the look with her usual sharpness.
If there’s a takeaway from Rihanna’s weekend wardrobe, it’s this: outerwear isn’t an afterthought, it’s an opportunity. Forget the seasonal rulebook. Wear the coat. Make it count.
