She was already the reigning queen (well, she shared the crown with Charli DAmelio).
I wouldnt exactly call myself a fan.
But in the years since, Rae has grown up, and altered her image accordingly.
ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Addison Rae is seen backstage at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for MTV)
Her image control of choice was fashion.
Raes stylistic savvy is what helped her bridge the massive chasm between her young fanbase and older generations.
Clearly, Rae was strategically deploying her wardrobe to her advantage.
At the spring 2025 Miu Miu show in Paris.
Her adventurousness paid off.
A lot of TikTok influencers play it safe, taking bland brand deals and churning out overwrought sponcon.
So Ireallyappreciated Raes commitment to risk-taking.
At the 2024 MTV VMAs in Miss Claire Sullivan.
In August 2022 she received backlash for starring in a provocative ad for Adidas x Praying.
The picture, which has since been scrubbed from Instagram, featured her in the brands Holy Trinity bikini.
Some called it blasphemous; I call it brilliant.
At the Variety Power of Young Hollywood party wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier bullet bra corset.
Even Raes off-duty looks radiate pop-star energy.
Her Instagram is filled with callbacks to the 2000s, frompink zip-up hoodiestosheer slips.
With her high-concept touches to even the most basic of outfits, Rae is always putting in the effort.
In a cropped tank top, denim miniskirt, pierced platform flip-flops, cap, and sequined purse.
Addison Rae is a bona-fide conversation starter with a clear reverence for fashion.
With both her style and music, she commits to the bit.
Maybe one day shell look back on both and cringe at her younger self (who hasnt?
In a “LADY FUCKING GAGA” tee, spandex shorts, and platform heels.
), but she can always rest easy knowing that she really went for it.
I feel confident in saying that she has earned her stripes as a pop diva.
Even if she doesnt have an album out yet.
At the Academy Gala in Roberto Cavalli by Fausto Puglisi.
At the spring 2025 Miu Miu show in Paris.
At the 2024 MTV VMAs in Miss Claire Sullivan.
At the Variety Power of Young Hollywood party wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier bullet bra corset.
In Michael Kors at the 2022 Met Gala.
In a cropped tank top, denim miniskirt, pierced platform flip-flops, cap, and sequined purse.
In a LADY FUCKING GAGA tee, spandex shorts, and platform heels.
At the Academy Gala in Roberto Cavalli by Fausto Puglisi.
Grabbing coffee in Los Feliz wearing a pink button-up minidress, platform lace-up Vivienne Westwood heels, white socks, and a Schiaparelli wallet.
In Michael Kors at the 2022 Met Gala.
In Gareth Pugh at the CFDA Awards.
At the Versace show in Milan.
In a vintage Jean Louis Scherrer couture dress at the LACMA Art and Film Gala in L.A. She accessorized her navel-baring number with a beaded tassel necklace.
The Peoples Choice Awards in Betsey Johnson, paired with a Dior by John Galliano choker.
Rae headed to Pilates in a gray tank, brown Alo spandex shorts, and brown leg warmers.
She completed the look with a bedazzled Dior headband, tiger-print purse, and white slingbacks.
In Gareth Pugh at the CFDA Awards.
Attending the 2021 MTV Movie Awards in a daring Christopher Esber set styled by Law Roach.
At Erewhon in a statement coat and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s.
Leaving Pilates in a fuzzy black-fit which she balanced with thigh-high pink leg warmers.
One of her best workout fits to date, Rae accessorized her cute pink jerset and red mini shorts with wired headphones and wraparound Y2K-friendly sunnies.
In Prayings I Dont Care shorts, each cheek printed with No Stress and No Anxiety.
At the Versace show in Milan.
The People’s Choice Awards in Betsey Johnson, paired with a Dior by John Galliano choker.
Rae headed to Pilates in a gray tank, brown Alo spandex shorts, and brown leg warmers. She completed the look with a bedazzled Dior headband, tiger-print purse, and white slingbacks.
Attending the 2021 MTV Movie Awards in a daring Christopher Esber set styled by Law Roach.
For the 2021 Met Gala, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, Rae wore an archival Tom Ford-era Gucci dress.
At Erewhon in a statement coat and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s.
Leaving Pilates in a fuzzy black-fit which she balanced with thigh-high pink leg warmers.
In Praying’s “I Don’t Care” shorts, each cheek printed with “No Stress” and “No Anxiety.”
