In the past few days, people on social media have debated something Ayra Starr’s Nigerian fans could not have seen coming: “Why is Ayra Starr dressing like Tyla?” The conversation was sparked by a teaser of her upcoming single, “Hot Body,” in which Ayra wore a cropped white singlet and bum shorts, a look almost identical to Tyla’s current aesthetic.
But while the internet debates who’s copying who, her OG fans know that Ayra Starr has never shied away from carving her own unique fashion identity, heavily tapping into the re-emerging Y2K culture and modern alte fashion.
So, is she being influenced by Tyla, or has this always been her style? We dived deep into her fashion choices throughout the year to find out.
Here is Ayra Star’s fashion evolution.
2021 — Gen-Z Y2K era
When she burst on the scene with “Away,” Ayra’s early looks were classic Gen-Z coded fits, featuring crop tops, really short skirts and thigh-high boots. Everything you’d expect from a 2000s Nollywood baddie, you might see her wear.
Her sense of style also reflected her sound at the time: fresh, bold and experimental.
BTS photos of Ayra Starr on the set of the visuals for her song “SARE” in 2021
A still image of Ayra Starr from the visuals of “Away” in 2021
Ayra Starr poses for a picture in 2021
ALSO READ: I Look Like Ayra Starr—But People Keep Calling Me a Catfish
2022 — Finding her style
By mid-2022, her sound was crossing borders, and Ayra had cemented herself as a true breakout star. She doubled down on the Gen-Z ambassador look, which many of her core following had come to love.
Either she was performing on stage, or on the red carpet at events, she was sure to strut out in teeny shorts, micro skirts, and cutout tops, often pairing them with funky sneakers or combat boots.
Ayra Starr at the Headies Awards in Atlanta in 2022
Ayra Starr at the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever European Premiere in 2022 in London
Ayra Starr at The Fashion Awards in 2022 in London
2023 — Making fashion statements
As 2023 kicked off, her style began to mature. After all, it was the year she turned 21. She refined her look and began to rock more high-end designers. While she still donned miniskirts and crop tops while performing on stage, she was more interested in making fashion statements.
Ayra Starr shows up for an interview at SiriusXM Studios in 2023 in New York City
Ayra Starr at the 2023 REVOLVE Festival in California
Ayra Starr at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in New Jersey
2024 — The new Ayra Starr
By 2024, she had become a global star, and her fashion was beginning to reflect this. She went from attending fashion shows in Paris to walking the red carpet at big music events like the Grammy Awards. At the Grammys, she stunned in a hand-beaded turquoise JÉBLANC two-piece, a far cry from the early schoolgirl miniskirts we first knew her in. Yet the look is 100% Ayra.
Ayra Starr at the 66th GRAMMY Awards in California in 2024
Ayra Starr at Variety’s 2024 Power of Women: New York event
Ayra Starr at the Business of Fashion BoF 500 Class of 2024 during Paris Fashion Week
Ayra Starr at the 2024 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in New York
2025 — Becoming a style icon
In 2025, we see an Ayra that doesn’t need to prove anything. Her look at the MET Gala in May was proof of this. She looked more relaxed and less interested in impressing. It was a polarising look, with some expecting a stronger outfit. But ultimately, she felt comfortable enough to be at the event.
Ayra Starr at the 2025 MOBO Awards in February
Ayra Starr at the 2025 MET Gala in May
The teaser for Ayra Starr’s new single, “Hot Body”
