How to Look Like a Pop Star

Last Updated: February 16, 2023 References

Maybe you're in a band or just want to dress up for a costume party. While there's no simple formula for emulating your favorite pop star, so create a bold look for yourself. Don't forget to style your hair, makeup, and choose a unique wardrobe. Wear your look with a sense of confidence, and let your inner pop star shine!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Clothing

1
Choose bright colors. Lots of pop stars feature looks that were popular in the 1980s. This means lots of neon colors and bold prints. You don't have to worry about wearing too many different prints or bright colors. Nicki Minaj frequently mixes a variety of looks, usually focused around the color pink.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Add to your pop star look with more classic styles, like those of icons Marlene Dietrich, Bianca Jagger, David Bowie, and Cary Grant. Mixing a classic look with contemporary designs could reveal a look perfect for you.
2
Create a costumed look. Lady Gaga is famous for her eclectic and creative wardrobe. For example, you could dress in the style of your favorite super hero, science fiction character, food item (think candy or anything with an interesting wrapper), or pin up doll.
- Science fiction costume designers often use historical trends or current fashions to inspire their futuristic looks. Look to your favorite sci-fi movies for pointers that can make your pop star outfit more personalized.
- Take design cues in military outfits. Many dress uniforms are intended for ceremonial purposes and might have just the feature that makes your pop star look come alive.
Advertisement
3
Give the cape a try. Not just the territory of super heroes anymore, capes are becoming a feature of the fashion elite.^{[2]
X
Research source} If you are hesitant to try this style, rest assured that you are not alone in donning this classic costume. Taylor Swift and Madonna are both recent examples of how the cape is alive and well in pop star fashion.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind there are many different kinds of cape and ways of draping it. You might prefer a knit or crocheted cape in cooler weather. On a summer night, you might choose a light fabric side-cape or a short dress cape. You should look for bold patterns and colors when selecting a cape for your outfit, as many consider these to be the trademark of a pop star.
4
Wear a bustier. Select a bustier to be the focal point of your outfit. Don't cover it up! The bustier has been a popular pop star choice since Madonna.^{[4]
X
Research source} You can keep the look simple without adding much to your bustier, or you can wear clothing to fill out the look. A large sweeping skirt might be the perfect compliment to your bustier.
- Or, if a bustier is too risqué for your tastes, why not try a vest? Vests come in many patterns and colors, and you can find many classic vests at local thrift stores.
5
Try a silk duster with wild patterns, a sweeping robe, or a regal kaftan. These flowing garments light weave makes them a strong choice for your warm weather pop star wardrobe. If you want to make a grand entrance in true pop star style, the swirling folds of any of these options can elegantly emphasize your every step and gesture.
6
Explore ethnic variations. You should always remember to be respectful of other cultures, but the fashion industry and pop stars throughout history have borrowed extensively from traditional styles and fashions.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- A turban has been featured by such notables as Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, and Coco Chanel.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- A graceful kimono or sari might offer nice counterpoint to pop star edginess, and you can include extra flair by changing up the way in which you wear your ethnic apparel. A quick google search can teach you traditional knots, bows, and the best way of tying a garment to keep you looking your best.
  - The Indian sari has over 80 recorded ways in which it can be worn, and here are three different ways that this look might accentuate your pop stardom.
7
Accessorize. You've got a lot of options when it comes to accessorizing your look. Choose from bracelets, earrings, long necklaces, and jackets. The metallic look is very popular among K-Pop right now, so you might consider wearing metal finger clips or rings with a lot of shine.^{[7]
X
Research source}^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Nails are usually painted in wild, bright colors. You may even want to have false nails applied in order to get long nails with a designer look.
- Don’t forget eyewear! Many pop icons, Elton John for example, have made names for themselves based on their choice in sunglasses alone.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- Scarves, belts, and shawls can add a dash of excitement that kicks your pop star appeal out of this world. You might capture the spot light just like a pop star with a glittery shawl or a classy belt buckle.
- Hairpins and bows can add a new level to your pop star persona. Tiny hats attached to bobby pins will leave your stylish hair visible for all your admirers.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair

1
Choose a bold color. You don't need to stick to traditional hair colors. Instead, pick a fun bright color in an eye-popping shade. For example, pop icon Pink frequently sports bright colored hair, and Rhianna favors bright reds and oranges.^{[10]
X
Research source}
2
Consider wearing a wig. Wearing a wig can keep your hair from the damaging effects of hair dye,^{[11]
X
Research source} and is especially useful if you want to frequently change the color of your hair, as pop stars often do. Wigs have the added benefit of protecting you from the potentially cancerous effects of some hair dyes.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Cancer Society
Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support
Go to source} Look for wigs with different styles, such as short sleek bobs or shoulder-length curls. Lady Gaga frequently uses wigs and extensions in order to put her hair up into bows.^{[13]
X
Research source}
3
Keep it sleek. This is an extremely popular option for male pop stars. Keep the sides of your hair cut short and leave a lot of hair on the top of your head for styling interesting hairdos. Comb over the top, revealing a part on one side of your head. Pink, Justin Bieber, and others frequently use this style.
- Use a pomade, wax, or gel to keep the top of your hair in place.
4
Do something dramatic. Don't try for the usual sophisticated updo. Create a unique, somewhat messy hairdo. For example, wear your hair in one giant braid (this works well with extensions), put your hair in two small buns on the top of your head, or shave one side of your head and keep your hair long on the other. Miley Cyrus has frequently sported edgy looks.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Doing Your Makeup

1
Apply basic concealer and foundation. You'll want to keep the makeup look minimal on most of your face. Simply correct any splotches or pimples and use a light foundation to ensure your facial tone is even. Taylor Swift is known for her fresh faced look.
2
Avoid blush. Pop stars put most of the emphasis on their eyes and mouths, so bright blush can be distracting. If you do want to use a little blush to contour your cheeks, choose a nude or very light shade and apply it lightly.
- You'll also want to skip any bronzer, as this can overemphasize your cheeks.
3
Apply a bright lip color. You have a couple of color options for your lip makeup. Some pop stars favor a simple bold red lipstick, which can make your lips look larger and give them pop. Or you can choose a bubblegum pink lip gloss, which can give your lips a shiny appeal.
4
Use a simple eye shadow. Pick a metallic or rich color to highlight the crease of your eyelids. Avoid completely covering your eyelids with a very bright color; the emphasis should be on large lashes and creative eyeliner. Lorde usually downplays eye shadow in favor of edgy eyeliner.
5
Use eye liner creatively. Consider using liquid eyeliner in black or another color to create a bold shape. Be sure to go over your upper and lower lash line and create a shape at the end of your eye. Cat eyes are a pop star style which Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have featured.
6
Use several coats of mascara. Apply at least two coats of mascara to your eyelashes and brush them out. You may also want to apply fake eyelashes in order to really highlight your eyes.
7
Fill in your eye brows. Don't worry about really styling your brows into a unique shape. Instead, simply use an eyebrow pencil and fill in your brows so that they are uniform. Stick to a minimal arch and instead keep your brows pretty straight. Beyonce always has thick full eyebrows with a subtle arch.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

What if I wear glasses?

Community Answer

Pop stars are allowed to wear glasses but if you are really worried about that, try contact lenses.
Question

Could I use hair chalk?

Community Answer

You could most definitely use hair chalk if you are going for a more vibrant and colorful look.
Question

If I have peachy skin and green eyes, what eyeshadow would you recommend?

Community Answer

I think pink, yellow, black, grey, or maybe white would all be good options.