Ayra Starr’s evolving style has sparked debate online, but for her, it reflects a deeper journey — a transition from playful rebellion to refined, sophisticated elegance.
Mini skirt, blonde hair, crop top, and knee-high boots; everyone could recognise the Grammy-nominated Afrobeats singer, Ayra Starr’s visual brand from as little as a silhouette. It had become one of the internet’s favourite jokes that anyone wearing a boot and a mini skirt was a version of Ayra Starr. Even Burna Boy had been trolled for dressing like Ayra Starr when he donned a crop top, and Starr, who was in on the joke, replicated Burna Boy’s outfit on Instagram.
It was a well-defined aesthetic, one that genuinely felt natural to her. But it was not without its controversies. From outcries about its revealing nature to complaints about its effects on Nigeria’s conservative society, Starr pushed through these attacks with grace. Moreover, just when she had gotten the society to tolerate it, she switched up on it.
In the public’s perception, the situation unfolded quickly and was confusing. As a result, there are online groups unhappy with the changes. However, the truth is that Ayra Starr rose to fame at a very young age. Her debut album, “19 and Dangerous,” tells the story of a modern teenager in Africa, exploring the challenges and expectations they encounter. The album felt intimate and relatable, largely because Starr was also a teenager at the time.
Her next album, “The Year I Turned 21”, follows a similar storyline. Now, she is 23, and she is miles away from the teenager who got on a track and desecrated an ex on songs like Snitch, Karma, and Beggie Beggie. She is more cautious and “treads carefully”. This change and development in personhood was bound to reflect in her style someday.
Ayra Starr’s style, reimagined
The evolution of Ayra Starr’s aesthetic marks a sophisticated departure from the “Celestial Being” era that first defined her meteoric rise. This reinvention is made possible by her new stylist, Elly Karamoh.
While her early career was synonymous with the playful rebellion of Y2K-inspired micro-mini skirts, experimental denim, and a signature shock of bleach-blonde hair, her recent transformation reveals a deeply curated, high-fashion sensibility. This shift, which took hold late last year, prioritises structured silhouettes, textures, and a deliberate nod to vintage glamour reimagined for a modern Afrobeats icon. By trading the neon-tinted spontaneity of her youth for a more statuesque and refined allure. Let’s explore what has defined this new era of Ayra Starr and what we have observed so far.
The architectural silhouette and peplum resurgence
Central to this style evolution is an emphasis on structure over sheer brevity. Moving away from the simple, linear cuts of mini-skirts that once defined her stage presence, Ayra Starr now frequently leans into dramatic tailoring that creates a sharp, commanding presence.
Her style shows a recurring love for 2010s trend — peplum waists, alongside flared hems, and corsetry that adds a sculptural dimension to her frame. This shift is most evident in her recent public appearances, where she favours ensembles that play with volume and proportion.
From a sleek, oxblood leather set that catches the light to a structured black corset top with a flared base, both emphasise the total-frame impact. This new silhouette utilises sharp shoulders and cinched midsections, communicating a sense of power and poise that aligns with her growing international stature.
The domino effect is that a critique about the style ageing her can be made. But hear me out, the saying is dress for the part you want, and now, we see that Ayra Starr wants to dominate other forms of art like acting, writing, and directing. She did reveal that she once had a viral Wattpad story — and now has a book coming out later this year!
Textured opulence and the fur renaissance
One of the most striking departures in her current wardrobe is the unapologetic embrace of heavy, luxurious textures that scream “diva” in the most classic sense. Gone are the days of lightweight, street-inspired fabrics; in their place, Ayra Starr has introduced a rotating collection of oversized furs and intricate shearling coats.
These pieces serve as the centrepiece of her recent outfits. The visual contrast between a massive, fluffy black or multi-toned brown coat and a sleek, fitted dress underneath creates a tension that is both mature and glamorous. This “mob wife” aesthetic, characterised by its extravagance, translates to her being comfortable taking up space and valuing the tactile richness of high-end fashion. As a coat girl, I would love to raid her closet.
Coquettish accents and the bow motif
Despite moving toward more power-signalling tailoring and heavy outerwear, Ayra Starr maintains a playful, hyper-feminine edge through the consistent use of “coquette” details. The most prominent and recognisable of these is the hair bow, which has become the crown jewel of her new identity.
Often perched atop a sleek high ponytail or nestled into voluminous dark curls, these bows soften her looks. This accessory acts as a vital connection between her youthful, beloved “Sabi Girl” roots and her current trajectory. It proves that her brand of sophistication does not require the abandonment of whimsy. At her core, she will always be a hot girl from Lagos and Cotonou.
The darker palette, pattern play, and sheer sophistication
The most immediate change for the casual observer is the transition from her signature blonde to deep, rich hair tones and a more moody, deliberate colour palette. By returning to dark tresses — often styled in vintage-inspired waves or ultra-sleek, 1960s-esque updos—she has heightened the contrast of her makeup and wardrobe.
Her colour choices have shifted toward “old money” staples and classic high-contrast pairings. Beyond solid colours, this new era has seen Ayra Starr experiment with classic patterns that evoke a sense of heritage and high-fashion history.
We see an influx of chocolate browns, deep reds, timeless blacks, and the occasional classic print like houndstooth. The use of houndstooth, for example, represents a significant departure from the psychedelic or graphic prints of her earlier career.
When she opts for sheer fabrics, a hallmark of her recent red-carpet appearances, they are now presented with more editorial restraint. This might be the familiar style for people who have followed her through her five years in music, as Starr has always had a soft spot for the sheer.
Accessory and red-carpet refinement
The final layer of Starr’s transformation lies in her choice of accessories, which have become increasingly curated. Moving away from the chunky, plastic-heavy jewellery of the Y2K era, she now favours statement pieces, such as oversized serpent necklaces — the true scene stealer of her Grammys 2026 outfit —, chandelier earrings, and vintage-inspired eyewear.
Her use of red-framed bayonetta glasses or sleek, dark shades adds a layer of “incognito” glamour, further building her status as an intellectual aware of the camera.
Even her footwear has seen a shift toward sharper silhouettes — pointed-toe slingbacks and stiletto boots that elongate her frame and complement her newfound architectural style. This holistic approach to her wardrobe ensures that a cohesive vision defines her presence.
Embracing evolution: the new Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s evolution is a coming-of-age journey that illustrates her growth both as an artist and as an individual. Transitioning from the vibrant, youthful exuberance of her early career to a more sophisticated and fashion-forward aesthetic, she reinforces her commitment to artistry beyond music. Ayra Starr embraces a new narrative that aligns with her aspirations in the entertainment industry. Like her 2024 documentary, she dares to dream, and while it might be divisive, it is impressive that she is willing to redefine herself at this stage in her career.
The future looks bright for Ayra Starr, and fans can only anticipate the innovation she will bring next — both in fashion and in her evolving artistry.
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