Fashion

Rihanna's 12 Most BodyPosi Moments

by Amanda Richards

Unlike Beyoncé (who might actually just be a magnificent celestial being instead of a human woman), Rihanna has an ability to be simultaneously otherworldly and totally relatable. Additionally, Rihanna is body positive: 100 percent comfortable in her own skin and isn't afraid to get you comfortable with it, too.

Quite honestly, it's shocking to me that such a tremendous beauty could feel so approachable. We are taught that beautiful people are untouchable, and that their presence in this world is to be treated as aspirational instead of accessible. I don't know what it is about her, but Rihanna gives me the impression that she wouldn't buy that load of shit. Though I consider her to be one of the most beautiful women in the world, she also seems like the kind of person who wouldn't mind hanging out with you at a dive bar, or smoking a joint with you in sweatpants. I might be wrong, but if you ever read this Rihanna, you are more than welcome to prove me right.

And about this body positive thing. Rihanna might be beautiful, but that doesn't mean that she hasn't struggled to find the goodness in her appearance just like the rest of us. In fact, she's spoken publicly about it before:

You have to just accept your body. You may not love it all the way, but you just have to be comfortable with it, comfortable with knowing that that’s your body. You just want something else that someone else has, but that doesn’t mean what you have isn’t beautiful, because people always want what you have, and you always want what they have — no one is ever 100 per cent like, ‘Yes, I'm the bomb dot com — from head to toe!’

I appreciate the fact that she's spoken so candidly about this, and I also agree with her. And here are 12 times that my beautiful body positive queen lived her truth.

1. When She Wasn't Afraid To Show Off Her Assets

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

This look was iconic, and not just because of the fact that she was wearing the dress equivalent of being nude and dusted in glitter. She also showed up with a face and posture that exuded confidence — not to mention the fact that she basically destroyed the idea that women are meant to look demure and modest.

2. When She Wore All White And Walked Like She Owned The Place

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

All white is a bold thing to wear, especially if you've got an epic slit running from the bottom of your hem to the top of your thigh. Of course, Rihanna basically owned this look and was most likely the most confident woman in the room.

3. When She Traveled In An Outfit We All Would Wear

YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images

Let's face it: The airport is not a place that I want to feel pressured to show off my style or my body. Rihanna clearly recognizes that, and has enough self-assurance to be comfortable in masculine, oversized attire when she travels.

4. When She Adorned Her Body In Yellow Fur (And Not Much Else)

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

If you're going to make an entrance, you might as well make one like this. If you're Rihanna, you'll be so confident in your ability to rock whatever the hell you want that you'll actually choose a gown that you have to hold the entire time that you wear it. That is dedication to self-expression.

5. When She Wasn't Listening When They Told Her To "Flatter Her Shape"

VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

The red carpet says, "Wear a classic gown that will flatter your body and make you look sexy." Rihanna says, "I'm going to wear a bubblegum pink puffball, because I do what I want." 100 percent here for it.

6. When She Rocked Menswear That Wasn't Overtly Sexy

JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images

There's obviously nothing wrong with sexy menswear, but for me, the look gets a little tired. I love the fact that RiRi wore a menswear-inspired look that was more about the fashion than it was about looking super sensual in men's clothing. Bonus: She was confident enough to rock an oversized sleeve, which happens to be one of my hangups. Totally inspired.

7. When She Let Her Boobs Hang Out (And Decorated Them, Too)

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

I love when women wear what they're not "supposed" to, and I'm sure that the critics were all aflutter when she let her boobs freely sashay down the red carpet. Not only that, but she added some applique to get them even more attention. Make 'em stare, RiRi.

8. And When She Just Let Her Boobs Keep It Casual

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

This is the front of the look in No. 1, and it's even better than the rear. The look is classic Rihanna: Bold, unapologetic, and featuring parts of the female body that we're "supposed" to hide away. Must find an everyday situation in which I would not get arrested for wearing something similar.

9. When She Grabs Her Vagina, Forever And Always

AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Body positivity is supposed to include feeling good about all of your body, and this is one part that Rihanna shares with the world proudly. I am totally supportive of strong power stances and pussy-grabs such as these: It's there, so why not give it some love?

10. When She Was Unbothered By Paparazzi

I sometimes get the feeling that certain celebrities dress for the paparazzi. Not Rihanna: This woman is doing whatever the hell she wants and feeling good while doing it.

11. When She Showed Off Her Entire Right Side At The Met Gala

Stunningly elegant with a heavy dose of Rihanna's over-the-top confidence and a few splashes of surprise, this is one of my favorite Rihanna red carpet looks of all time.

12. When She Posted This On Her Instagram

Because anyone who preaches body positivity and self love knows that plenty of bozos think they're entitled to an opinion about your appearance. Fortunately, you're entitled to cash your checks without caring.

To me, these moments show a woman who is completely self-possessed, in control, and happy with who she is. That is what body positivity is all about and, like always, Rihanna is serving it on a platter made out of f*cks she didn't give.

Images: Getty Images (9); badgalriri/Instagram; rihanna/Twitter