“Let me get this straight—wait, I’m the rookie?”
She’s the Barbie of Hip-Hop, complete with interchangeable wigs and all pink everything.Whether you’re Team Nicki or would rather send her and her gimmicks packing, you have to admit that as one of the lone females in mainstream rap she is holding her own with her multiple personalities and over the top, theatrical fashion sense.
Nicki Minaj definitely has a unique style that borrows from females of rap past (*ahem Lil Kim*) and current pop stars (*Lady Gaga), but Nicki puts her own stamp on it. While I don’t recommend going in public with any manner of butt pads (did you really think that caboose was real) you can learn a thing or two from Ms. Minaj on how to evoke your own personal style in everything from your hairstyle to your voice-overs.
Have a Style Icon
Nicki Minaj draws inspiration from everything from Barbie to the Harajuku girls. She combines influences calling herself the “Harajuku Barbie” and her love of pink is reflected in her clothes, nails and wig colors.
Lesson:We all draw inspiration from some external source; whether it’s art, our stylish grandmothers or celebrity style and having a style idol, whether real or plastic, is a good starting point to build your own iconic look around.
Accentuate your Assets
It’s not a secret that Nicki is thicker than a Snickers. The girl’s got back (and front) and she’s not afraid to flaunt her surgically God-given assets. Whether she’s wearing a form-fitted bodysuit or cleavage-bearing dress, you best believe that her curves are on full display.
Lesson:Flaunt what you’ve got, even if you had to endure multiple silicone injections to get it.
Experiment
When Nicki first stepped on the scene, she was more street wear than Avant Garde. Her style has evolved because of her fearless attitude and willingness to experiment. Nicki effortlessly goes from bouffant to bangs from Timberlands to stilettos and never gets locked into one look.
Lesson: Don’t be afraid to step outside of your box; even if waiting on the other side is a Marie Antoinette powdered wig and booty shorts. Shake things up and experiment Damnit!
Show Your Personality
Wallflower Nicki Minaj is not. From her multiple personalities (Roman Zolanksi anyone?) to her contorted facial expressions, the girl is full of off the wall character. She expresses herself with crazy styling, wild hair and makeup and she doesn’t apologize for being unique.
Lesson:Be unapologetically you! Whether people love it or hate it, wear what makes you feel good and express your singular and unique qualities through fashion. Weirdness is Welcomed!
Know your Color Palette
The girl loves color! Black is certainly not Nicki’s safety net and she loves to be bold and bright and knows that she looks best in prints and hues from pink, orange, green and red. She doesn’t let passe fashion rules dictate what she wears.
Lesson:Asses your color palette and wear hues that complement your skin and your mood. Break out of the all black everything mold that Jay-Z ushered in, unless of course you’re Diane Pernet.
For your Viewing Pleasure
Nicki and Will.I.Am discuss Fashion
Nicki Minaj has a fun approach to fashion and doesn’t take herself too serious! Hope you’ve taken notes because there will be a fashion test! I kid, I kid.
Love her!
So do I!
Well, well, well… In short, Nicki makes this whole, plastic doll, weird multiple personality, uber sexy image WERRRRRKKKKK!!!! Yes, Notorious K.I.M. revamped the image of the Female EmCee; but Nicki has redefined the image and created a whole new lane! If you can see past her comical antics, Ms. Minaj is actually spitting some venomous rhymes. I think she’s fun, sexy and talented. Everything I would be if I were an EmCee.
Lol! Nicki might be your alterego. The Sasha to your Fierce
Great post! Love Nicki Minaj and all her theatrics!
Loved this post, its true that people either love Nicki Minaj or hate her, but no matter what your opinion of her is her style is always interesting and inspiring!
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@Eboni Ife: Isn’t she so animated!?!
@Allie: There is no on the fence with her, which makes her a good artist. Thanks for the comment!
[...] Stylish Thought: Five lessons Nicki Minaj can teach you about personal style. [...]
I love her style its awsome… I dont know if i would dare go out in these styles but I would like too and I love how shes so confident and goes out there n does it a true role model x
i love u nicki
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Nicki Minaj is such a great fashionista I love her style and no matter what she is gorgeous too. I agree with you here that you have to show off your personality. Thanks for this wonderful fashion blog.