A few weeks before the release of her lost EP, AR, TikTok star Addison Rae’s outfits started to grab my attention. Whether she’s grabbing coffee in Vivienne Westwood lace-up heels or hitting up Pilates in a millennial mix of pointy-toe flats and leg warmers, Rae embodies the new-age pop diva that our current culture’s style is missing.
I first became aware of Rae when she joined TikTok during the pandemic — just like everyone else born before 2000, it seems. She’s already the reigning queen (okay, she shares the crown with Charli D’Amelio). I wouldn’t call myself a fan. With her adorable Disney Channel smile and almost overly upbeat dance videos, I saw her as someone “for the kids.” Her choice of image control is fashion.
Rae’s sense of style helps her bridge the huge gap between her younger fans and older fans. Around 2021, Rae made her first foray into music and began refining her personal style with the help of Law Roach (retired image designer) and current stylist Ryan Hastings. Although I can’t say I cared much for her single “Obsessed,” I did notice that her wardrobe is filled with playful tank tops, candy-colored shorts, and risqué formal clothes. Clearly, Rae is strategically using her outfits to her advantage.
I first started paying attention to Rae as a fashion trendsetter when she attended the 2021 MTV Movie Awards in a bold Christopher Esber look designed by Roach. Her flowy bandeau top and low-waist maxi skirt were bold choices for a simple event, a choice that cemented her place in my mind as an emerging fashion girl. Her adventurous spirit paid off. Rae, styled again by Roach, became one of the first TikTokers invited to the Met Gala, walking the red carpet in a Tom Ford-era cherry-colored Gucci dress. Since then, she has only leaned toward classic fashion, wearing a stunning vintage couture dress by Jean Louis Scherrer to the LACMA Art & Film Gala and choosing a stunning Gareth Pugh hooded dress to the CFDA Awards.
Many TikTok influencers are playing it safe, making murky brand deals and launching overpriced endorsements. So I really applaud Rae’s commitment to adventure. In August 2022, she faced criticism for appearing in a provocative ad for Adidas x Praying. The photo, which has now been removed from Instagram, shows her wearing the brand’s Holy Trinity bikini. With “Father” and “Son” printed on the breasts, and “Holy Spirit” printed on the crotch, Rae lowers her head and sticks her tongue out of her mouth. Some call it blasphemy; I call it fabulous.
Even Rae’s off-duty looks exude the pop star’s energy. Her Instagram is filled with throwback photos from the 2000s, from pink zip-up hoodies to sheer slips. What about her smorgasbord of Pilates looks (hello, leg warmers and rhinestone-studded Dior headbands!)? Rae always goes out of her way to apply high-concept style to even the most basic outfits.
Rae is a real conversation starter with a clear devotion to fashion. Whether it’s her style or her music, she’s committed to it. Maybe one day she’ll look back on it all and be angry at her youth (who wouldn’t?), but she can always rest assured knowing that she worked really hard for it. I feel confident saying that she’s earned the title of Queen of Pop. She’s only released five songs though.
