5 Lessons Nicki Minaj can Teach you about Personal Style

“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.

How do you feel about Nicki’s personal style?