Cardi B knows how to command attention in barely-there dresses, plunging necklines and curve-hugging designer looks, but her latest New York City appearance proved she can make a buttoned-up cardigan just as memorable.
The rapper switched gears for the Old Navy Denim Dive in NYC on August 12, arriving in a colorful, unexpectedly preppy outfit that felt noticeably different from the skin-baring wardrobe fans are accustomed to seeing her wear.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupInstead of a cleavage-forward top or dramatic cutouts, Cardi layered a bright cobalt-blue cardigan over a sunny yellow button-front knit. She paired the colorful combination with dark indigo denim capri pants that hugged her figure before hitting just below the knee.
Cardi B's Denim Outfit Was a Major Style Switch
The outfit may have been more covered up than some of Cardi's most recognizable fashion moments, but understated it was not.
The vivid blue and yellow knits immediately made the look stand out, while the fitted dark-wash denim gave the outfit a distinctly nostalgic finish. Capri pants and pedal pushers have steadily worked their way back into celebrity wardrobes, and Cardi leaned all the way into the throwback silhouette.
Cardi completed the outfit with pointed-toe dark pumps, adding a polished touch to the casual denim.
© Splash News/The Grosby GroupShe wore her dark hair long and sleek with face-framing pieces and curled ends, while glowing makeup, defined eyes and a glossy neutral lip kept the focus on the outfit's punchy color combination.
As she made her way inside the NYC event, Cardi stopped and posed for photographers, giving a full look at the unexpected ensemble.
Cardi B’s high-low styling
Of course, Cardi wasn't about to leave the luxury accessories at home. She carried a large quilted green Chanel 25 bag, instantly adding a high-fashion twist to the accessible denim look. The emerald handbag featured gold hardware and a chain strap, creating another strong pop of color against her blue and yellow layers.
Even her manicure got involved. Cardi's extra-long, pointed nails were painted a coordinating green shade that closely matched her Chanel bag. The detail made the three-color palette of yellow, blue and green feel intentional from head to fingertips.
© Splash News/The Grosby GroupShe also stacked bracelets at her wrist and wore oversized gold hoop earrings, bringing a little more of her signature glamour into an otherwise surprisingly classic outfit.
Cardi B's Preppy Outfit Shows a Different Side of Her Style
Cardi has never been particularly interested in sticking to one fashion identity. Her wardrobe can move from extravagant couture to streetwear, body-conscious dresses and now bright cardigans with denim capris. “I don’t feel like I have a blueprint of style,” she said. “Sometimes I want to dress cute and modest. Sometimes I want to be simple. Sometimes I want to be extra,” she told InStyle.
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© Backgrid/The Grosby Group
© REX Features/Shutterstock /The Grosby GroupThe styling also tapped into the ongoing return of early-2000s fashion. Between the capri-length denim, layered cardigans and pointed pumps, Cardi's outfit wouldn't have looked out of place during the height of Y2K and early 2010s fashion.
Yet the oversized green Chanel bag and dramatic matching manicure pulled everything firmly into Cardi territory.
