Among the wave of TikTok influencers who have rose to stardom within the last five years or so, Addison Rae somehow stands apart from them and is in a league of her own. From filming dance TikToks in the infamous Hype House bathroom to attending red carpets such as the VMAs, Addison Rae has transformed from a viral TikTok sensation into a recognised fashion icon, captivating Gen-Z audiences with her bold and evolving style, perfectly channeling the 2000s pop diva aesthetic.
It’s easy to recognise Addison for her recent fashion milestones, which emulate the style icons of the 2000s, but her fashion journey started with humble beginnings. In 2019, Addison’s fashion was a product of the time, and comfort was trending. Addison was often seen wearing a casual tank top and skinny jeans in her TikTok, with sunglasses accessorising her outfit.
Since then, Addison has traded conventionality for originality. She has seemingly opted to indulge in Hollywood’s shock factor when stepping into the spotlight. Following her single ‘Diet Pepsi’, Rae stepped onto the 2024 MTV VMAs red carpet in an outré bra and panties set, complete with a tulle bustle and feathers designed by ‘Miss Claire Sullivan’ and styled by Dara Allen. Vogue called this look ‘Swan Lake meets Las Vegas showgirl’. Since her TikTok days, Rae has been styled by the likes of Law Roach, Dara Allen, and her current stylist Ryan Hastings. When attending high-profile events, many influencers tend to play it safe with their fashion, so Rae’s adventurous commitment to fashion is commendable. Some call Rae’s risky dress sense blasphemous, others call it genius; either way, it is memorable and a conversation starter. She has solidified herself as a pop star and achieved diva status through her callbacks to 2000s fashion with her off-duty looks including leg warmers, Dior rhinestone-encrusted headbands, and sheer slips. Rae is undoubtedly inspired by 2000s icons such as Britney Spears and Madonna, and this comes through both in her music and her fashion sense.
Speaking of her music, ‘Diet Pepsi’ and ‘Aquamarine’ showcase Rae’s vision as a rising pop star as she is dressed in fresh off-the-runway pieces. Her style can be categorised as playful and sensual. In one of latest singles, ‘Aquamarine’, Rae is dressed by Dara Allen, who categorises the aesthetics as ‘a little mermaid, a little high fashion, a little couture, and a lot of glamour’. She breaks away from the trending ‘clean-girl’ aesthetic and opts for messy hair and thick, smudged eyeliner in her music video as she channels a carefree energy. In ‘Diet Pepsi’, she pays homage to many films through her looks, her makeup in some scenes is innocent and pure, reminiscent of Cybill Shepherd in The Last Picture Show. She is later dressed in a showgirl outfit inspired by the 1995 classic Showgirls, with a pearly brooch which Rae herself calls ‘a sense of Addisoncore’.
Addison Rae has undoubtedly made her mark in the fashion world and cemented herself as an icon in contemporary media. She has bridged the fashion gap between present day and the early 2000s, which is a cherished time for many of the young generation. Rae’s fashion sense can be described as bold, playful, and bright. She taps into feminine energy while also creating striking looks that are made to be looked at. Addison Rae’s fashion journey has only just begun, and it has taken the fashion world and contemporary audiences by storm. The captivating pop diva is in a league of her own, and clearly, her risk-taking has paid off.
Words by Bhamini Khandige
Featured image courtesy of Nik via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.