This Chic Duo is Changing Fashion For The Better

Unless you’ve been living in a media blackout for the past six months, you’re well aware of so-popular-it’s-insane performance artists Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea. The new pop sensations rank high in style and substance, and their respective catchy tracks and flamboyant style have earned them a profusion of devoted fans. Grande’s ultra-feminine penchant for dresses often relies on a touch of retro inspiration and as much femininity as one ensemble can possibly include — and let’s not forget that flawless hair. For her part, Iggy Azalea has a similarly outlandish onstage style persona which makes way for seductive, curve-hugging red carpet fashions and white-blond locks that would make even the hair dye-shy jealous.

In light of the dynamic duo’s new collaborative music video for “Problem”, I’ve culled some of the stars’ best on and off-stage ensembles to demonstrate just how the two stars are influencing the fashion world. With their unorthodox sartorial choices and deep appreciation for fashion history, Azalea and Grande may be more similar than you can imagine. If either star is in fact the future of the music industry, I’m just thankful that they left Britney Spears’s Canadian Tuxedo and Christina Aguilara’s belly-bearing crop tops safely in the past.

1. THEY GIVE NEW LIFE TO THE CLASSIC BLACK AND WHITE ENSEMBLE...

Apparently checkerboard ensembles are de rigueur for the musical star set. As offbeat as Grande's mod mini may be, and pin up-worthy Azalea's suit is, it's a welcome change to see stars who take a classic color combination and render it in an ultramodern way.

2. BUT AREN'T AFRAID TO ROCK A POP OF COLOR

You have to adore a star who isn't afraid to embrace a bright color, especially when that shade is brilliant crimson or vivid daffodil.

3. THEY BOTH LOVE A GOOD, RETRO ENSEMBLE

Between Grande's sweetly patterned crop top and skirt and Azalea's, well, crop top and skirt, it looks as though the '50s are alive and well here in 2014. Perhaps an offbeat debutante gown is next on the docket?

4. THEY'RE BRINGING UNABASHEDLY FEMININE STYLE BACK...

Charming florals and delicate embroidery make the odd appearance in Grande and Azalea when it comes to red carpet dressing. In the wake of such pop princesses as Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus, whose campy on-stage identities tend to seep into the costumes they wear in their everyday lives, it is refreshing to see young talent with an eye for classically beautiful style.

5. WITH THE OCCASIONAL UNABASHEDLY SULTRY ENSEMBLE THROWN IN

Azalea favors a good thigh-high slit reminiscent of Angelina Jolie's famed Oscar gown, while Grande chooses pieces with a bit more Old Hollywood, feminine flair. More power to them; if you have an enviably fit figure, why not show it off?

6. THEY FAVOR FLORALS AND PASTELS OVER BELLS AND WHISTLES (SOMETIMES)

As much fun as it is to see Rihanna's outrageous style on the red carpet, Grande and Azalea's favored florals are significantly more timelessly elegant. Riri may be excited by chains and whips, but I just adore a bold floral on the red carpet.

7. A SIMPLE LEOTARD ISN'T QUITE ENOUGH FOR ON-STAGE COSTUMES

Sorry, Madge, but these up-and-coming pop stars even wear tricked-out leotards. From a tiered half-skirt to a painted bodysuit, Grande and Azalea like even their basic dance uniforms to shock and awe. Surprisingly, neither costume is inconceivably risqué, despite the fact that each does look like glorified swimwear.

8. RED IS THE NEW BLACK

When one is an internationally renowned pop star, a basic black dress simply isn't good enough when it comes to the red carpet, and red is a frequent choice of Grande and Azalea's.

9. THEY SUCCESSFULLY WALK THE LINE BETWEEN EDGY AND RIDICULOUS

In all honestly, there is a very fine line between inspired couture and something downright insane, and as performance artists, Azalea and Grande do have to push the boundaries a bit. But somehow, the two manage to stay away from truly terrifying ensemble territory and come up with ensembles that are creative, not cringe-worthy — at least most of the time.