Tips for Achieving the Pop Star Look

Opt for vibrant hues. Many pop icons draw inspiration from the flashy styles of the 1980s, embracing neon shades and eye-catching patterns. Feel free to mix and match prints and colors boldly. Take cues from Nicki Minaj, known for her eclectic ensembles, often centered around the color pink.

• Enhance your pop star aesthetic by blending classic elements with contemporary flair, drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Marlene Dietrich, Bianca Jagger, David Bowie, and Cary Grant. Experimenting with this fusion could unveil a look that's uniquely yours.

Craft a themed ensemble. Lady Gaga is renowned for her diverse and imaginative wardrobe choices. For instance, you could opt for the attire of your beloved superhero, a character from science fiction, a food item (think candy or anything with an intriguing wrapper), or a pin-up doll.

• Designers of science fiction costumes often draw inspiration from historical trends or contemporary fashion to create their futuristic aesthetics. Look to your favorite sci-fi films for insights that can personalize your pop star ensemble.
• Take inspiration from military attire. Many military uniforms feature ceremonial elements that could add flair to your pop star look.

Experiment with capes. No longer exclusive to superheroes, capes are gaining popularity among the fashion-forward crowd. If you're hesitant about embracing this style, know that you're not alone in sporting this timeless accessory. Taylor Swift and Madonna are recent examples of how capes remain relevant in pop star fashion.

• Keep in mind the variety of capes and draping techniques available. You might prefer a knitted or crocheted cape for cooler weather, while a lightweight fabric side cape or a short dress cape could be ideal for summer nights. Opt for bold patterns and colors when selecting your cape, as these are often associated with pop star aesthetics.

Rock a bustier. Choose a bustier as the focal point of your outfit and let it shine! The bustier has been a staple choice for pop stars since Madonna. You can keep it simple by pairing it with minimal clothing or complement it with a voluminous skirt for added drama.

• If a bustier feels too daring for your taste, consider a vest as an alternative. Vests come in a variety of patterns and colors, and you can find many vintage options at local thrift stores.

Experiment with flowing garments. Whether it's a silk duster adorned with bold patterns, a sweeping robe, or a regal kaftan, these airy pieces are perfect for your warm-weather pop star wardrobe. Make a grand entrance in true pop star fashion with the billowing folds of any of these options elegantly accentuating your every move.

Explore cultural influences. While always maintaining respect for other cultures, it's worth noting that the fashion industry and pop stars have often drawn inspiration from traditional styles.

• The turban, sported by icons such as Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, and Coco Chanel, adds a touch of elegance.
• A graceful kimono or sari can provide a unique juxtaposition to pop star edginess. Experiment with different ways of wearing ethnic attire to add extra flair to your look. Quick online tutorials can teach you traditional knots, bows, and the best methods for tying garments to ensure you look your best.
• The Indian sari boasts over 80 documented draping styles, each offering a distinct way to enhance your pop star persona. Here are three examples of how this look can elevate your pop stardom.

Add some flair with accessories. There's a myriad of options to accessorize your look. Choose from bracelets, earrings, lengthy necklaces, and jackets. The metallic trend, widely embraced in K-Pop, suggests considering metal finger clips or rings with a glossy finish.

• Nails are often adorned in vibrant, unconventional colors. You might even opt for artificial nails to achieve long, designer nails.
• Don't overlook eyewear! Many pop icons, like Elton John, have made statements with their choice of sunglasses alone.
• Scarves, belts, and shawls can inject excitement into your ensemble, elevating your pop star appeal. Consider a sparkly shawl or an elegant belt buckle to steal the spotlight.
• Hairpins and bows can add another dimension to your pop star persona. Attach tiny hats to bobby pins to keep your stylish hair visible to all your admirers.

Opt for a daring hue. Break away from conventional hair colors and opt for a vibrant, eye-catching shade. Follow the lead of pop icons like Pink, known for her bold hair colors, or Rihanna, who often flaunts bright reds and oranges.

Consider wigging out. Wearing a wig can spare your hair from the damaging effects of dye, particularly if you enjoy frequent color changes, a common practice among pop stars. Wigs also offer protection from potentially harmful chemicals found in some hair dyes. Look for wigs in various styles, such as sleek bobs or curly shoulder-length options. Lady Gaga frequently incorporates wigs and extensions into her hairstyles, often styling them into bows.

Embrace sleekness. This style is hugely popular among male pop stars. Keep the sides of your hair trimmed short and leave ample length on top for styling versatility. Sweep the hair over to one side, revealing a distinct part. Celebrities like Pink, Justin Bieber, and others frequently sport this look.

• Use pomade, wax, or gel to maintain the sleek appearance of the hair on top.

Make a statement. Ditch the typical sophisticated updo and opt for a unique, slightly messy hairstyle. Consider sporting a single large braid (extensions can enhance this style), two small buns atop your head, or a shaved side with long hair on the other. Take cues from Miley Cyrus, who's known for her edgy looks.

Start with basic concealer and foundation. Keep your makeup look understated, focusing primarily on evening out your skin tone and concealing any imperfections. Follow Taylor Swift's lead with her natural, fresh-faced appearance.

Forego heavy blush. Pop stars typically highlight their eyes and lips, so opt for subtle blush to avoid distraction. If contouring your cheeks, opt for a nude or light shade applied sparingly.

• Avoid bronzer, as it can overly accentuate your cheeks.

Sport a vibrant lip hue. Experiment with bold lip colors to make a statement. Some pop stars prefer classic red lipstick for a bold, voluminous look, while others opt for bubblegum pink lip gloss to add shine to their lips.

Opt for a subtle eyeshadow. Choose a metallic or deep hue to accentuate your eyelid crease. Avoid overwhelming your lids with bright colors; focus on bold lashes and inventive eyeliner instead. Follow Lorde's lead by prioritizing edgy eyeliner over heavy eyeshadow.

Get creative with eyeliner. Experiment with liquid eyeliner in black or other shades to craft daring designs. Ensure you line both your upper and lower lash lines, creating a distinctive shape at the outer corners of your eyes. Embrace the cat-eye style popularized by Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.

Layer on mascara. Apply a minimum of two coats of mascara to your lashes, ensuring thorough coverage. Consider adding false eyelashes for added emphasis.

Define your brows. Utilize an eyebrow pencil to fill in your brows evenly without focusing on sculpting a distinct shape. Aim for a minimal arch, maintaining straighter brows. Take inspiration from Beyonce's thick, full brows with subtle arches.