Because of her ability to breathe magic into basics, Rihanna shines brighter in casual wear than most of us mere mortals would in even the swankiest of wares. Case in point: this simple, stunning look she sported at a basketball game in December 2012.

Never one to play it safe, Rihanna rocks even the boldest prints seemingly effortlessly. We are still head-over-heels for this Mary Katrantzou tunic plus Tom Ford sandals she sported last spring.

Rihanna rocked her own River Island Fall 2013 collection while out and about in New York last summer, and the combined attitude and ease with which she compiled the pieces had us rushing to our computers to get our own.

Do you hear soft harps and a choir of angels all of a sudden? Don't worry, it happens to us every time we revisit Rihanna's 2013 GRAMMY look.

RiRi took Paris Fashion Week by storm earlier this year, most notably in this head-to-toe Givenchy look she wore to the label's runway show, designed by pal Riccardo Tisci. We love the sexy, Aaliyah-esque contrast of the oversize jacket with the bandeau bra. And if you think we're not 110% on board with the Givenchy hat/veil, you're playin'.

Rih demonstrated her versatility at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, where she was looking as soft and sweet as we've ever seen her. The simplicity of the styling let her natural beauty shine.

Okay fine, this is technically two looks from Rihanna's 777 Tour, but both were just too good to choose a favorite. We love the sexiness and sass, but both looks were still just down-to-earth enough that we could picture them in a real-life setting. Rih looks like that cool girl at a house party that you totally want to be friends with.

While other stars strutted about the red carpet in suits and gowns, and Miley Cyrus was practically naked onstage, Rihanna dressed down for the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and still looked as stunning as ever. In baggy boyfriend jeans and a vintage tee, plus simple sandals and statement jewelry, she knocked the "less is more" model out of the park. As you can see, even One Direction took notice.

This look RiRi wore to her River Island collection launch last fall hinged on her unique androgynous sex appeal and her reinterpretation of otherwise conventional silhouettes; two of her greatest stylistic strengths. The small accents– like the icy blue lipstick, and the sheer top under the varsity jacket –electrify the look.

See what we mean yet? Whether it's her excellent eye for accessories, or just her overall attitude (which can transform any outfit,) Rihanna has a way of making basic pieces seem anything but. 

Likely our favorite summer look ever, this outfit was designed by Rihanna's personal stylist/designer Adam Selman, who custom designs countless outfits specially for Rih, including many of her stage looks. We love that it's sexy while being super laid-back, or in other words: Rihanna's specialty.

This Kokon To Zai outfit Rihanna sported onstage last summer is another perfect example of why no one else can do what she does. Can you think of any other human that would even own a floor-length, pinstripe jersey gown, much less rock it this effortlessly?

Although Rihanna didn't make an appearance at the actual GRAMMY ceremony this year, her presence was still very much felt thanks to this heavenly gown she wore to a Pre-GRAMMY Gala that made her look like a golden statue herself.

Rihanna excels at being over-the-top, of course, but what solidifies her status as a style icon is the strength of her looks when she scales it back. This look she wore onstage in Paris in 2012 demonstrates how Rih at her most minimal is often the most beautiful.

We realize that Rihanna's style doesn't suit everyone's taste, but how can you not admire the hell out of a woman who will walk around Soho wearing Nikes, a men's jacket, and no shirt? Confidence is the best accessory.

Rihanna accepted her Fashion Icon Award last night in this jaw-dropping number made by her longtime designer Adam Selman and stylist Mel Ottenberg, who decked her out in 230,000 Swarovski crystals and virtually nothing else. In her speech, Rih said fashion is "an outlet for me to express myself, to speak up, to say who I am and to be very loud about it at times." Let us all happily continue to listen.