Rihanna's boot steals the show

Fans were reminded of Rihanna's boundary-pushing style this week

The multi-talented diva, who has only sometimes been seen in public since giving baby in May, was sighted on Saturday in New York wearing enormous boots.

Even though her RZA t-shirt, sunglasses, and snakeskin-print bag already provided a comfortable yet stylish ensemble, Rihanna elevated it with a pair of enormous, slouchy boots that touched the hem of her denim miniskirt.

Also Read: Rihanna radiates charm in all-black attire at a London art gallery.

The outfit indicates that the performer is still closely observing runway trends

 Her oversized shoes appeared from the most recent Spring/Summer 2023 collection by French designer Y/Project, which featured a pair of black denim boots dressed in a head-to-toe denim outfit.

This year, celebrities other than Rihanna have donned statement thigh-high boots (though hers arguably brought the most drama). Singer Dua Lipa wore a menswear-inspired button-down minidress and spotless white Bottega Veneta boots at the beginning of the month. 

The boots had a blockier appearance than previous figure-skimming versions thanks to the expert craftsmanship of the Italian brand's characteristic "intrecciato" leather weave, yet they were nonetheless understated.

Related: Speculations abound about Rihanna's diamond ring. She breaks her silence over the rumors.

Using the fashion game like no other

In a melancholy Instagram video this week, Kim Kardashian showed herself working in a dark gym while sporting slouched thigh-high boots.

The reality actress posed on various pieces of gym equipment while wearing a nude-tone bikini and a white cap-sleeved blouse, which seemed like an impractical training outfit.

Similar trends have also been seen on the runways. Several designers have brought back over-the-knee boots to go with their larger designs.

Acne Studios' towering riding boots provided gritty drama to Paris Fashion Week during the Fall/Winter 2022 season. Isabel Marant sent a slew of models down the runway in slouched thigh-highs (albeit theirs were noticeably smaller than Rihanna's).

Vivienne Westwood produced sculptural versions in teal and white, Chanel ventured into the unknown with a pair of reliable thigh-high rain boots, and Vetements produced a pair of daring, gender-neutral buckled boots.

It's unclear whether Rihanna's enormous interpretation of the style will catch on. After all, there are some things that only RiRi can accomplish.