Nicki Minaj’s Style Evolution, From 2009 to Now

Nicki Minaj‘s sense of style is just like her music: wild, colorful, daring and boundary-pushing.  

Throughout the years, she’s rocked eye-catching wigs, bold patterns, avant-garde silhouettes and a number of blinged-out accessories — perhaps most famously, her collection of “Barbie” necklaces. The record-breaking rapper’s fashion was definitely at its wackiest back in the days of her Pink Friday era, with Minaj sporting everything from a full-body leopard-spotted look at the Grammys to a metallic dress tricked out with vibrant plushies and an ice cream cone necklace in 2011. 

As her career has progressed, the Trinidadian artist has opted for slightly more sophisticated looks while keeping things fun and interesting. She’s known for showing off her curves in demure, form-fitting gowns or bodysuits with cool cutouts, but she’s also still down to take risks, too – be it with a wild animal print or a dangerously sheer fabric.  

No matter what she wears or how her style changes, though, one thing will always remain the same: Pink is her color. Nobody pulls off the shade quite like Minaj, who’s made it her own with neon hair highlights, babydoll lipsticks and powerfully feminine outfits. 

It’s also important to note that Minaj’s style doesn’t just change with the times – it also varies based on which of her alter egos she’s embodying on any given day. “If I’m more dressed down in sweats and black hair, that’s the Nicki character,” she explained to New York magazine in 2012. “Roman is more outlandish with his dress code — he’ll wear speakers on his butt and stuff like that. Barbie wears little cute dresses that don’t show too much skin.” 

See how the Queen of Rap’s fashion has evolved over the years, from 2009 to now, below: