Pop Star Style, Interpreted for Those of Us with Day Jobs

By Chris Frey
June 17, 2011

Katy Perry, Rihanna and Britney Spears are playing sold out stadiums across the country on their summer concert tours. Though these three female pop stars are markedly different in style and substance, they share a penchant for not only ending up in both the fashion and gossip pages, but also flashy stage shows boasting spectacular stage sets, mega doses of eye candy and countless costume changes.

We can’t remember exactly when it became a pop prerequisite to essentially wear underwear on stage, but we know it’s not working for those of us with day jobs. Nevertheless, there is something enticing about injecting our own wardrobes with an oft-ignored dose of youthful playfulness in the name of these pop culture powerhouses.

If the idea of pop star style makes you think of a word that rhymes with putty, think again. Though we don't recommend replicating these stars' fashion looks, why not indulge in the spirit of the season by taking their style as a starting point?

Katy Perry

Katy Perry Performs Live At HMV Hammersmith Apollo (photo by Neil Lupin/Getty Images)

Katy Perry’s “California Dreaming” tour kicked off June 7th, and with her signature Snow-White-meets-Bettie-Page pale skin and jet black hair, she is taking to the stage in looks that are one part pin-up, one part harlequin. Perry prefers sweetheart necklines, princess skirts, polka dots and pastels. Her Vegas showgirl (with a dose of Candyland) quirkiness isn’t tailor made for most of us, but there are elements of her timeless 50’s-inspired silhouettes that are perfect summer fashion staples.

Roll over items for details

New Karen Walker Sunglasses

(buy it now price, $180)

New Alice and Olivia Polka Dot Shorts

(buy it now price, $79)

New Frock by Tracy Reese Silk Dress

(buy it now price, $75)

New Colored Clear Bangles

(buy it now price, $2.99)

New Nanette Lepore Bustier Top

(starting bid, $19.99)

Pop Star Style, Interpreted for Those of Us with Day Jobs

Rihanna

Rihanna Performs On NBC's "Today" (photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)

As the name suggests, Rihanna's "LOUD" tour, which kicked off in early June, reminds concert goers that the singer is a force who delivers her own brand of sexy, risk-taking sound and fashion. With her fierce mane of electric red hair, Rihanna needs little else to make an impression, yet she pushes the envelope with body-conscious fashion designs that reveal her seemingly flawless skin and legs-for-days. A native of Barbados, Rihanna's style often borrows from the colors and patterns of island culture. She mixes tribal embellishments, fringe and tattered hemlines with clean lines and the occasional futuristic touches to create looks that are hard to define but always intriguing.

New Sass & Bide Dress

(buy it now price, $538.97)

Rare Chloe Art Noveau Earrings

New True Religion Denim Cut-Offs

(buy it now price, $184.99)

New Arden B Stripe Sequin Dress

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Vintage Chain Link Necklace

(buy it now price, $21.21)

Britney Spears

Britney Spears performs onstage during the 2011 Billboard Music Awards (photo by Kevin Mazur/Contributor)

We can thank the tabloids for keeping us abreast of Britney Spears every move, on and off stage. But, with her “Femme Fatale” tour launching today in Sacramento, CA, it seems that Britney Spears is ready to be taken seriously... again. She performed with Rihanna at this year’s Billboard Music Awards in a structured leather corset bodysuit a la Jane Fonda in the sexy 60's space flick "Barbarella". We’re predicting more of that edgy whips-and-chains cabaret look, possibly tempered with lingerie-inspired styles fit for a boudoir.