There's nothing wrong with recycled fashion, whether it's an old and baggy concert tee repurposed into a dress or one pop star channeling (and updating) the past looks of another. Singer Rita Ora totally copied Britney Spears's black leather dominatrix look from the 2002 VMAs, wearing a similar outfit by Alexander McQueen. What's old is always new again in fashion.
Ora's outfit came complete with a newsboy cap, which was also an early '00s Brit Brit signature.
Ora has often been compared to Rihanna, regarding both her music and her style. I admit that I once called her "Rih-ta Ora." But in recent years, Ora has really come into her own with her fashion choices. Sure, she shows as much skin as Rihanna, but her ensembles tend to be a skew more classically feminine than Rihanna's.
But lately, Ora has been influenced by the '00s reigning queen of pop. Perhaps that's because she is preparing for her first U.S. tour?
Though there have been other instances where she totally cribbed inspo from the Britney Spears Style Playbook, the leather outfit — worn in August, mind you — is the most literal time that Ora has borrowed from Brit.
It's a testament to Spears' enduring influence!
The only thing missing from this smoldering outfit is a riding crop! The chunky platforms help the look avoid being S&M club-ready.
Brit opted for strappy shoes and her look felt a bit more costume-y than Ora's. But that might have been her intention.
Okay, there's lots going on here that cribs from Brit. Ora is wearing a beret, but it still has the same vibe as Brit's beloved newsboys. That's Nick Jonas on her arm... a former boy bander with whom she reportedly had a romance. We all know about Brit's past with Justin Timberlake. These pop stars live parallel lives.
Brit in a hat and jeans, and with JT! So, so similar.
Ora's Old Hollywood glam hat was a delightful homage to The Wizard of Oz witches, IMO.
A black hat always punches up a skimpy outfit. Brit did so with a fedora.
Rita Ora is a hair chameleon, changing her strands with incredible frequency. She just rocked fringe, eyelash-skimming bangs and choppy layers in a white blonde shade.
Just like Brit's bangin' 2003 Rolling Stone cover, which is my fave of all Brit Brit mag covers.
This high and tight ponytail looks familiar.
Brit went with a sleekly golden pony for the remix video of "Scream and Shout."
And this one is for fun. Ora hung out with Karl Lagerfeld on a mag cover.
Brit hung out with him on stage.
So Rita Ora and Britney Spears are kindred style spirits. Perhaps there will be a duet with a fabulously fashionable video in their future?
Images: Rita Ora/Instagram (4); Rolling Stone (1); You Tube (1)