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Cardi B’s wigs have stolen the spotlight at her civil trial: Here's a gallery of her most memorable looks over the years


. Cardi’s wig game reminded the world that style is power, and presentation is part of the argument


Image© ABC via Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
AUGUST 29, 2025 4:34 PM EDT

If you tuned into Cardi B’s 2025 civil trial expecting courtroom tension, you got that, plus a front-row seat to one of the most meme-worthy fashion moments of the year. The rapper, facing a lawsuit from a 2020 incident involving a security guard, didn’t just show up to defend herself. She turned the trial into a wig showcase so iconic it could’ve been scripted by Hollywood.

At one point, a lawyer grilling her seemed genuinely confused by her ever-shifting hairstyles, asking whether her look was natural. Cardi’s deadpan but hilarious reply landed like a punchline. It felt straight out of "Legally Blonde," as if Elle Woods had suddenly jumped in to remind everyone that yes, fashion and wit can be a form of defense strategy.

Cardi’s deadpan but hilarious reply landed like a punchline.© GC Images
Cardi’s deadpan but hilarious reply landed like a punchline.

Why This Wig Drama Is Peak Cardi B Energy

Cardi’s wig parade wasn’t accidental. It was a deliberate flex, showing that even in the middle of high-stakes litigation, she refuses to shrink herself.

Fashion as a defense strategy.© GC Images
Fashion as a defense strategy.

Fashion as a defense strategy. Cardi’s wig game reminded the world that style is power, and presentation is part of the argument. Where most people would downplay, Cardi amplified. She turned a high-pressure situation into a defining cultural moment.

The Most Iconic Cardi B Wigs so Far

Her courtroom collection was unforgettable, but Cardi’s wig history is a style saga in itself. Here’s a greatest-hits gallery:

Sleek Black Bob with Blunt Bangs

Sleek Black Bob with Blunt Bangs© FilmMagic

A sharp, jet-black bob with precision-cut bangs paired with a vibrant floral blouse. This look is polished yet playful, giving Cardi a chic, doll-like edge.

Wavy Asymmetrical Lob

Wavy Asymmetrical Lob © WireImage

Glossy black waves swept to the side, cut into an angled lob. Paired with a white structured gown, this hairstyle oozes sophistication and red-carpet glam.

Fiery Red Braided Ponytail

Fiery Red Braided Ponytail© Getty Images for BET

Bold and commanding, this waist-length red braid channels pure stage energy. Worn with camo and fishnets, it’s Cardi in warrior mode.

Burgundy Glam 

Burgundy Glam Waves© Getty Images

Deep red, glossy side-parted hair, paired with oversized hoops and a fur vest. This courtside look balances luxury and casual cool, dripping with understated confidence.

Retro Green Ruffled Hood & Waves

Retro Green Ruffled Hood & Waves© GC Images

Serving high-fashion surrealism, Cardi pairs slick, curled waves with a vibrant green hooded jumpsuit and matching shades. It’s futuristic couture meets comic-book heroine.

Platinum Blonde Old-Hollywood Flip

Platinum Blonde Old-Hollywood Flip© WireImage

Platinum waves styled in a retro curl, framed by red feathers and jewels. A showgirl moment that channels Old Hollywood and Las Vegas drama all in one.

Lavender Glam with Vintage Headband

Lavender Glam with Vintage Headband© GC Images

Glossy black hair styled in a voluminous flip, topped with a lavender headband and paired with matching sunglasses. Retro chic meets modern hip-hop royalty.

Big Curls & Disco Energy

 Big Curls & Disco Energy© Getty Images for MTV

A cascade of voluminous curls paired with a sparkling blue stage bodysuit. This look screams disco diva energy, designed to own the spotlight.

Sleek Jet-Black Layers with Side Bangs

Sleek Jet-Black Layers with Side Bangs© Variety via Getty Images

Straight, glass-like strands with dramatic side bangs. Paired with a power suit, this look is CEO Cardi.

Honey Brown Lion’s Mane

Honey Brown Lion’s Mane© Getty Images

Long, textured honey-brown waves paired with a metallic mesh dress. This look is untamed glamour, regal, bold, and commanding attention.

Avant-Garde Bangs and Power Suit

Avant-Garde Bangs and Power Suit© Getty Images

Cardi steps out in a structured black suit with dramatic shoulders, but the real scene-stealer is her futuristic hair. Long, heavy bangs cover her eyes in a sleek, sculpted style, paired with exaggerated lip liner for an artistic, almost editorial effect.

Beehive Elegance in Black Satin

Beehive Elegance in Black Satin© Getty Images for Messika

This look channels retro glam. Cardi rocks a voluminous beehive hairstyle with soft bangs, complementing a strapless black satin gown draped with dramatic folds. Diamond jewelry adds sparkle, but it’s the 1960s-inspired hair that elevates this to classic screen siren territory.

Jessica Rabbit Fantasy

Jessica Rabbit Fantasy© WireImage

Cardi embodies cartoon vixen energy with fiery red Hollywood waves. Styled with a side part and glossy bounce, the look is paired with a strapless red corset gown, purple opera gloves, and bold red lips. It’s pure Jessica Rabbit cosplay with a Cardi twist

Velvety Green Glam with Textured Hair

Velvety Green Glam with Textured Hair© Patrick McMullan via Getty Image

For this moment, Cardi wears a moss-green velvet suit with a ruffled neckline, accented by beading and brocade. Her hair, styled in a voluminous, textured side-swept afro, brings a mix of vintage soul and high couture edge. A daring, unconventional take on Met Gala-level fashion.

Sleek Bob and Architectural Gown

Sleek Bob and Architectural Gown© Getty Images

With a sharp black bob tucked sleekly behind the ear, Cardi pairs the style with oversized pearl earrings and an avant-garde ivory gown with sculptural, winged shoulders. The contrast between minimal hair and maximalist dress creates a futuristic balance.

Romantic Black Braid with Lace Gown

Romantic Black Braid with Lace Gown© Corbis via Getty Images

Cardi softens things up with a long, thick braid styled over one shoulder. Her gown is ethereal—an ivory lace creation with layers of tulle and delicate embroidery. This look gives a bridal fantasy with a gothic edge, leaning into fairytale beauty while keeping her signature boldness.

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