It’s safe to say that 2018 has been a big year for rapper/songwriter Cardi B. From breaking multiple records with her debut album to sitting front row at New York Fashion Week (next to Anna Wintour no less), it’s clear that Cardi B is set to leave her mark on both the music and fashion worlds one statement-making outfit at a time.
Known for her penchant for Ugg boots as well as luxury It items (see: “I like those Balenciagas, the ones that look like socks.”), Cardi B’s style never disappoints. With the help of her stylist, Kollin Carter, she’s already worked with some of the industry’s top designers, including Christian Siriano, Moschino, and Alexander Wang. Her ability to mix high-end labels with more affordable pieces has made Cardi one to watch on the red carpet.
With her highly anticipated collaboration with the online retailer Fashion Nova set to be released in November, Cardi B can officially be dubbed as this year’s most promising style star. Read on to take a look at some of our favorite Cardi B ensembles that we won’t be forgetting anytime soon, and some of the tips to channel the star’s style yourself.
Show a Little Leg
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On Cardi B: Nicolas Jebran dress; Lorraine Schwartz jewelry; Alexander Acosta shoes
Style Notes: At the MTV VMAs, Cardi stole the show in a magenta velvet off-the-shoulder wrap dress that featured one notable leg slit.
Statement Sleeves for the Win
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On Cardi B: Tom Ford Ruched Bodice Gown With Beaded Sleeves ($8990) and heels
Style Notes: For her performance at the Latin Billboard Music Awards, her look was all about the sleeves: a ruched blush dress with glittering metallic sequin sleeves.
Sleek and Edgy
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On Cardi B: Tom Ford S/S 18 dress; Dylanlex custom earrings; Giuseppe Zanotti Harmony Sandals ($845)
Style Notes: She proved just how classic and timeless a slinky black dress and thin-strap sandals can be attended the Tom Ford show at New York Fashion Week.
Honor an Icon
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On Cardi B: Alejandro Collection custom pants, bustier, and jacket; Louis Vuitton Laureate Desert Boot ($1310)
Style Notes: An all-white outfit is a fashion-girl uniform that is perennially chic. Paired with white accessories, Cardi B successfully channeled the legendary R&B girl group TLC during her Coachella set.
Make Pj’s an Anytime-of-Day Thing
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On Cardi B: Off White x Virgil Abloh Satin Belted Robe Coat ($1805) and Crepe Wide-Leg Carpenter Pants ($995); Blindness top; Christian Louboutin Botticella Alta Heel ($995)
Style Notes: Make the pajama trend more daytime-appropriate by wearing it with a romantic blouse and sky-high pumps.
Go for the Retro Glamour
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On Cardi B: Custom Christian Siriano dress
Style Notes: The long sleeves and trumpet silhouette give this major (bump-revealing) ensemble an Old Hollywood feel.
Go Heavy on the Graphics
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On Cardi B: Steve Madden Dominique Boots ($99)
Style Notes: A polo dress usually can read a bit country club, but choosing one with a graphic pattern or in a bold colorway make the traditionally preppy piece feel unexpected.
Classics With a Twist
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On Cardi B: Alexander Wang Leather Tie Front Jacket ($3800); Steve Madden Dominique Boots ($100)
Style Notes: The rapper chose an edgy twist on the classic trench coat to sit front row at NYFW.
Think in Sets
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On Cardi B: Christian Siriano blazer and trousers
Style Notes: Matching sets are the perfect way to look effortlessly polished. Top the look with a (faux) fur throw for added oomph.
Throw It Way Back
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On Cardi B: Marc Jacobs dress; Christian Louboutin Lady Peep Sling Heels ($945); Le Specs x Adam Selman The Last Lolita Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($120)
Style Notes: Vintage-inspired fashion will never go out of style. Cardi’s head-to-toe retro look is accentuated by classic black gloves, cat-eye sunglasses, and a feather jacket. The results are nothing short of cool.
Update Your LBD
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On Cardi B: Carolina Herrera Off-Shoulder Faille Wrap Cocktail Dress ($2690)
Style Notes: The off-the-shoulder neckline and the slit up the front is a modern take on the classic LBD.
Embrace the Drama
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On Cardi B: Ashi dress; Christian Louboutin Follies Lace heels ($795); Messika jewelry
Style Notes: The voluminous sleeves and the long train add the perfect amount of drama to this red carpet look.