By GRAZIA INTERNATIONAL

Dua Lipa’s Style Evolution: A Masterclass in Celebrity Dressing

Go girl, give us everything!
Dua-Lipa
Dua Lipa at the 2023 Academy Museum Gala held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 3, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

It often feels like British-Albanian music star Dua Lipa appeared out of thin air—a mode she’s continued with her jet-setting lifestyle. Despite working in the industry for almost a decade, Lipa’s nascent rise suddenly dominated our airwaves with pop hit after pop hit.

But, as her fans would know, the singer has been a red carpet mainstay since the mid-2010s.  Therefore, when it comes to reflecting on her personal style, we’ve actually got a lot to work with.

When she began her career it was primarily in Europe, not Hollywood. But even from the outset, Dua Lipa was a fan of daring, attention-grabbing fashion, whether it was colour-clashing on the red carpet or mixing preppy and punk on the streets of Paris.

Fast forward to now, we studiously wait with anticipation to see where Dua Lipa’s fashion sense will take her—including her impeccable but daring red carpet ensembles, sensual off-duty looks and balmy holiday fits. While we gear up for Lipa’s next best fit, look back at all the times the supernova has cemented her style evolution with that sartorial ‘It’ factor.

Go girl, give us everything!

Dua Lipa’s Fashion Evolution:
2016
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Dua Lipa attends the BBC Radio 1’s Teen Awards at SSE Arena Wembley on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

For BBC Radio 1’s Teen Awards in 2016, Dua Lipa showed a glimpse of her effortless red carpet style in an Alessandra Rich chinoiserie gown and pink heels. A taste for what’s to come, indeed.

2017
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Dua Lipa attends the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards 2017 at Wembley Arena on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

In 2017, Dua Lipa had her first taste of couture in this high-low Giambattista Valli lemon gown.

Dua Lipa
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 17: Singer Dua Lipa is seen on October 17, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/GC Images)

Before the “blokette” aesthetic became mainstream, Dua Lipa was already laying the foundations for the trend. As seen here in Paris, the pop star stepped out in a prep-meets-punk ensemble with a football jersey, tartan mini and Mary Katrantzou platforms.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 10: Dua Lipa attends the Capital Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium on June 10, 2017, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

For the Capital Summertime Ball in London (where she later performed), Lipa wore a green coat over a velvet and mesh bralette, black suede mini and some serious platform pumps.

2018
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HAMBURG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 06: Dua Lipa attends the Deutscher Radiopreis at Schuppen 52 on September 6, 2018 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Tristar Media/WireImage)

Attending an event in Germany, Lipa went more low-key in an oversized pinstripe suit with her favourite top choice of the late 2010s – an embellished bralette.

2018

Dua Lipa and Isaac Carew were seen out and about in Manhattan on June 18, 2018, in New York City. (Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images) Getty Images

Out with then-boyfriend Isaac Carew, Dua Lipa wore the sweetest Marianna Senchina polkadot set, paired with Le Specs sunglasses and Adidas platform sneakers.

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THE 2018 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS(r) – The “2018 American Music Awards,” the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 8:00 p.m. EDT, on ABC. (Image Group LA via Getty Images)
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Finally making her way to the American music award circuit, the artist wore a Giambattista Valli mermaid-style gown that felt equal parts Old Hollywood and edgy.

2019
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Dua Lipa attends The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2019, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

For the 2019 Met Gala, Lipa truly embodied the theme of “camp” in this high-octane look by Versace. An ensemble that featured a pillowy waist, jewelled bodice and some serious, serious hair extensions.

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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 02: Singer Dua Lipa and Anwar Hadid are seen walking in Soho on October 2, 2019, in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Out in New York with then-boyfriend Anwar Hadid, Dua Lipa gave us a glimpse of her off-duty style, which often leans toward streetwear but with a twist. Especially in this look, where the artist paired Adidas track pants with a yellow bodysuit and Vivienne Westwood bag.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 03: Dua Lipa attends the MTV EMAs 2019 at the FIBES Conference and Exhibition Centre on November 03, 2019, in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/WireImage )

For the MTV EMAs in 2019, Dua Lipa wore Australian designer Dion Lee, complete with a leather harness and Jimmy Choo Mica boots.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Dua Lipa attends the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)

Firmly cementing herself as one-to-watch in fashion, the star then went Barbiecore in a Miu Miu column dress with a velvet sash.

Dua Lipa ARIAs
Credit: Getty

The star headed to Australia for the ARIA Awards in 2019 too, dominating the red carpet in a feathered mini by Saint Laurent and polka dot tights. Later in the night, she changed into another Dion Lee piece – this time the label’s famous Sheer Jersey Corset for a performance.

2020
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Credit: Instagram / Dua Lipa

Being a pop star sheltering in place only met one thing: the return of bike shorts. Lipa’s pandemic uniform was a blessing for all casual girlies everywhere, and one especially on trend with the year’s sartorial mood with this Versace pair.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: Dua Lipa attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Arguably one of Lipa’s most memorable looks of all time, the star cemented herself as the epitome of 90s redux. Exuding slick minimalism at the Grammy Awards, the “One Kiss” singer wore Alexander Wang paired with two-toned hair and some serious blue eyeshadow. Yes, Lipa was around for only five years of the decade, but it’s clear she picked up a few cues in that time.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 17: Anwar Hadid (L) and Dua Lipa are seen in SoHo on July 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

During their relationship, Anwar Hadid and Dua Lipa were one of the most stylish couples snapped by paparazzi. Here, the singer wore her favourite Prada Cloudbust Thunder sneakers, which she had on repeat through 2020.

Dua Lipa
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: In this image released on November 22, Dua Lipa poses for the 2020 American Music Awards, broadcast on November 22, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for dcp)

For the 2020 American Music Awards, Dua Lipa once again stole the red carpet – this time in a bejewelled Versace mini dress and pinned-back waves. Certainly the mermaid-core look du jour.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 16: Dua Lipa departs her hotel on December 16, 2020, in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Athleisure, but make it 1960s. That’s exactly what the “New Rules” singer did with this Richard Quinn x Moncler look, which featured shoes, tights and the famous puffer jacket from the designer collaboration.

Dua Lipa
Credit: Instagram / @dualipa

During a holiday in Mexico, Lipa shared her love for Rihanna’s lingerie label Savage x Fenty, wearing one of the brand’s thongs as outerwear under a slinky Mônot dress.

2021
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LOS ANGELES – MARCH 14: Dua Lipa at THE 63rd ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS, broadcast live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 14, 2021 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/5:00-8:30 PM, live PT) on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+. (Photo by Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images)

We know Dua Lipa loves a butterfly motif, so her wearing this crystal Versace gown to the 2021 Grammy Awards made perfect sense.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Dua Lipa is seen leaving BBC Radio One after her Live Lounge performance on April 19, 2021, in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)

The star wore a Prada romper and sky-high platform boots for a BBC Radio One performance in 2021.

UNSPECIFIED – APRIL 25: In this image released on April 25, Dua Lipa attends the 29th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on April 25, 2021. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images for the Elton John AIDS Foundation)

Absolutely dripping in crystals for an Elton John AIDS Foundation event, Lipa’s Balenciaga dress was one of two she wore for the soirée–the other being a dramatic velvet ball gown.

Dua Lipa
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Dua Lipa attends The BRIT Awards 2021 at The O2 Arena on May 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by JMEnternational/JMEnternational for BRIT Awards/Getty Images)

At the 2021 BRIT Awards, the star brought back the bouffant while wearing Vivienne Westwood. It was all very Amy Winehouse in the best way. An ode to Anglomania, indeed.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 21: Anwar Hadid and Dua Lipa are seen on September 21, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by BG030/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Out with Hadid in September, Lipa wore a Luar Spring 2022 coat over a check micro-mini, pairing it all back with Jimmy Choo boots.

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Credit: Instagram/@dualipa

She can do minimalist, she can do maximalist. On holiday in Albania, Lipa shared an Instagram of her crochet bikini by the Italian label GCDS, paired with pink sunglasses and stacks of party jewellery. The look also appeared to be the catalyst for the “surfcore” trend, proving once and for all Lipa has the Midas touch.

2022

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: Dua Lipa attends the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

At the 2022 Grammy Awards, Lipa eschewed her conventional silhouette by opting to take cues from another. That is, if you haven’t recognised already, the inimitable Donatella Versace. For the event, Lipa wore vintage Versace (from the label’s 1992 collection) and debuted blonde hair à la the Italian designer. What better way to cement your “model as muse” relationship than by dressing up as your favourite designer?

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 03: Dua Lipa is seen on March 03, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Forever bending and breaking fashion rules, the star stepped out in New York in March 2022 wearing fresh-off-the-runway Diesel.

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CHARLEVAL, FRANCE – AUGUST 27: Dua Lipa attends the wedding Of Simon Porte Jacquemus And Marco Maestri on August 27, 2022, in Charleval, France. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)

White? As a wedding guest? For Simon Porte Jacquemus And Marco Maestri’s nuptials in France, that was the memo and Lipa stunned in a sheer gown from Jacquemus’ Fall 2022 collection.

2023
Dua Lipa leather yellow Spongebob jacket
Credit: Instagram / Dua Lipa

Once again wearing Italian label GCDS, Lipa turned heads (including her own) in this yellow leather set, which included a motocross jacket with none other than Spongebob Squarepants on the back.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 07: Dua Lipa and Mark Ronson are seen out and about on March 07, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Out for the night with music producer Mark Ronson and his wife Grace Gummer, Dua Lipa wore a suede set by Ferragamo, teamed with riding boots.

Dua Lipa Jamaica holiday style 2023
Credit: Instagram / Dua Lipa

As always, Lipa gave everyone holiday fashion inspiration with a vacation in Jamaica, where she wore plenty of Y2K fits like this silver mesh dress over a white bikini.

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Dua Lipa is seen on the front row of the GCDS fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 on February 23, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)

Leaning into her sensual side, Lipa stunned in this lace jumpsuit, worn for the GCDS Milan Fashion Week show.

Dua Lipa
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Dua Lipa attends the Saint Laurent Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 28, 2023, in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

2023 is proving to be Dua Lipa’s best fashion year yet, and this Saint Laurent look for the fashion house’s Fall/Winter Womenswear show was front-row perfection. That floor-skimming trench? A Neo redux.

Dua Lipa Met Gala 2023
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Dua Lipa attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Returning to the Met Gala, Lipa served as the co-host for the 2023 addition in a literal ball gown. The piece was an archival, Karl Lagerfeld-design couture garment that featured white and black tweed. The same design that Claudia Schiffer wore for the house’s fall 1992 couture collection. Topping it all off was the “Legendary”100-carat diamond from Tiffany & Co. For her second Met appearance, Lipa certainly has the chops to be a regular.

Donatella-Versace-Dua-Lipa-Runway
Credit: Versace

Dua Lipa briefly transitioned from a fashion force to a fashion designer to co-design Versace’s Summer 2023 collection. Titled “La Vacanza”, Lipa and Versace collaborated on 40 new silhouettes that riffed on the house’s Spring/Summer 1995 collection—the panoply that first introduced the butterfly motif to fashion’s lexicon. Here, Lipa is seen sporting one of the pieces to close the runway show, which was hosted in Cannes.

Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa at the premiere of “Barbie” held at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on July 9, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/WWD via Getty Images)

This Barbie has taste. For the world premiere of Barbie in Los Angeles—which she wrote original music for and had a cameo appearance in—the songstress wore custom Bottega Veneta. The sheer slip dress is perfectly apt to “Dance The Night” away in.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Dua Lipa is seen in Tribeca on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Lipa’s most recent ensemble was a masterclass in winter sensuality. The star had entered her “Houdini” era of dressing, which is a new style marked by her new psychedelic-disco single, meaning she was all about making things ‘disappear’. Case in point: her nearly-naked flapper dress.

This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.