Fashion Breakdown: Rihanna's "Ghetto Goth" Style

See how Rih Rih rocks this edgy trend.

Rih-Rih Goes Dark - "Ghetto goth," a modern mash-up of '80s and '90s urban wear (hoodies, snapbacks and Jordans), '90s grunge (layering and rugged details) and gothic styles (statement accessories, head-to-toe black and subtle shine) is gaining steam in fashion circles, with Rihanna leading the push. Keep reading to see how Rih-Rih rocks this rebellious look. By Britt Middleton  We first noticed the singer’s transition in late August, when she debuted a rocker-inspired mullet. We admit we’re still getting used to her new look, but we give her props for keeping us on our toes, as she did recently in a black and mesh top, bandana and leather dog collar choker.  (Photo: FameFlynet, Inc)

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Rih-Rih Goes Dark - "Ghetto goth," a modern mash-up of '80s and '90s urban wear (hoodies, snapbacks and Jordans), '90s grunge (layering and rugged details) and gothic styles (statement accessories, head-to-toe black and subtle shine) is gaining steam in fashion circles, with Rihanna leading the push. Keep reading to see how Rih-Rih rocks this rebellious look. By Britt Middleton We first noticed the singer’s transition in late August, when she debuted a rocker-inspired mullet. We admit we’re still getting used to her new look, but we give her props for keeping us on our toes, as she did recently in a black and mesh top, bandana and leather dog collar choker. (Photo: FameFlynet, Inc)

Punky Polka Dots - Rih recently shared on Instagram images from her 032c photo shoot that plays up her favorite ghetto goth-inspired pieces. Her mermaid style dress with polka-dot trim may seem prim, but the whole attitude changes once she adds her leather mesh gloves, inky lips and chain necklaces.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Punky Polka Dots - Rih recently shared on Instagram images from her 032c photo shoot that plays up her favorite ghetto goth-inspired pieces. Her mermaid style dress with polka-dot trim may seem prim, but the whole attitude changes once she adds her leather mesh gloves, inky lips and chain necklaces. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

She's Iconic - It hasn't even been a decade and Rihanna has made waves in the music industry. Her waves have been felt everywhere and that's why she is being honored with the Icon Award at this year's American Music Awards. Are you ready for that Rihanna reign?   (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Violet Kiss - The singer puts a twist on her all-black look with violet statement lips, an orange bandana and switches up her mesh gloves for a solid leather version. She tops it off with her signature cross pendant. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

Photo By Photo: Rihanna via Instagram

Ready to Shred - With its logo of the iconic punk band, the Clash, Rihanna’s oversized T-shirt is a study in Rockstar 101: the more shredded, the better.   (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Ready to Shred - With its logo of the iconic punk band, the Clash, Rihanna’s oversized T-shirt is a study in Rockstar 101: the more shredded, the better.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

Orange Crush - This orange satin bomber is a departure from her typical color pallet, but it definitely still has that ‘90s aesthetic the star seems to favorite.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Orange Crush - This orange satin bomber is a departure from her typical color pallet, but it definitely still has that ‘90s aesthetic the star seems to favorite. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Rebel Yell - This statement coat by Jean Paul Gaultier (check out that intricate detailing!) is the perfect complement to her equally gutsy mohawk. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Rebel Yell - This statement coat by Jean Paul Gaultier (check out that intricate detailing!) is the perfect complement to her equally gutsy mohawk. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

Photo By Photo: Rihanna via Instagram

All Black Everything - In another black mesh ensemble, the singer breaks in a classic black snapback and a pair of platform "creepers," a shoe style popular in the gothic and alternative rock scenes.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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All Black Everything - In another black mesh ensemble, the singer breaks in a classic black snapback and a pair of platform "creepers," a shoe style popular in the gothic and alternative rock scenes. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Going Alternative - Rihanna packs a double punch of '90s alternative in a silver paisley-print frock and floral choker at the Opening Ceremony fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Again, she brings in her signature creepers for the full effect. (Photo: Brian Killian/WireImage)

Rihanna  - RiRi is hard to miss in her red-orange maxi dress as she leaves the after party for Alexander Wang.(Photo: Luca Chelsea / Splash News)

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Lady in Red - Ducking out from a NYFW party for Alexander Wang, Rihanna departs from basic black in favor of a fiery red-orange maxi dress with plunging neckline and matching rosary choker. (Photo: Luca Chelsea / Splash News)

Dramatic Pout - In recent weeks, we’ve seen Rihanna stick to dark stained lips, clearly playing up the gothic influence. Love the look? This plummy hue looks similar to a shade in her third makeup collaboration with MAC cosmetics.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Dramatic Pout - In recent weeks, we’ve seen Rihanna stick to dark stained lips, clearly playing up the gothic influence. Love the look? This plummy hue looks similar to a shade in her third makeup collaboration with MAC cosmetics. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Beanie, Baby - They’re not just for bad hair days anymore! Beanies with white lettering are big with disciples of the ghetto goth style. Rih plays hers up with enormous hoop earrings and a graphic print hoodie.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Beanie, Baby - They’re not just for bad hair days anymore! Beanies with white lettering are big with disciples of the ghetto goth style. Rih plays hers up with enormous hoop earrings and a graphic print hoodie. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

New Attitude - Recently, we haven’t seen the singer without her stacked bracelets and black sunnies, perfect for a trend that’s all about attitude.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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New Attitude - Recently, we haven’t seen the singer without her stacked bracelets and black sunnies, perfect for a trend that’s all about attitude. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

Ready to Rock - In this shot from earlier this summer, Rihanna gives us a preview of her love affair with grunge-inspired pieces, rocking this RSVP Gallery crop top, bold striped leggings and combat boots. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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Ready to Rock - In this shot from earlier this summer, Rihanna gives us a preview of her love affair with grunge-inspired pieces, rocking this RSVP Gallery crop top, bold striped leggings and combat boots. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

About That Life - Even in her own clothing collection with River Island, we see nods to the style trend’s affinity for subtle shine, as seen here in Rih’s jeans with “G4Life” lettering.  (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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About That Life - Even in her own clothing collection with River Island, we see nods to the style trend’s affinity for subtle shine, as seen here in Rih’s jeans with “G4Life” lettering. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Paying further homage to 1990s alternative style, the singer ties a camo-print top around her waist. Bringing in the street edge, she tops off her simple white tank and denim cutoffs with a fresh pair of Air Jordans, a signature of the ghetto goth look book.(Photo: Blayze / Splash News)

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Smells Like Teen Spirit - Paying further homage to 1990s alternative style, the singer ties a camo-print top around her waist. Bringing in the street edge, she tops off her simple white tank and denim cutoffs with a fresh pair of Air Jordans, a signature of the ghetto goth look book.(Photo: Blayze / Splash News)

New 'Do, Same Attitude - Gone are the days of her rock star mullet! Rih looks ready to “pour it up” while rocking a new set of waist-length extensions in New Zealand recently. She brings back her favorite leather choker, this time pairing it with a slashed graphic tee, her signature cutoffs and sky-high stiletto boots from her Rihanna for River Island collection.   (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)

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New 'Do, Same Attitude - Gone are the days of her rock star mullet! Rih looks ready to “pour it up” while rocking a new set of waist-length extensions in New Zealand recently. She brings back her favorite leather choker, this time pairing it with a slashed graphic tee, her signature cutoffs and sky-high stiletto boots from her Rihanna for River Island collection. (Photo: Rihanna via Instagram)