5 of Nicki Minaj’s EMAs Outfits You Could Wear to a Holiday Party. No, Really.

In typical MTV fashion, last night’s EMAs were an even mix of entertainment and honoring some of today’s top pop acts. Who better to take us on that journey than the one and only, Nicki Minaj? As you may have guessed, the hip hop powerhouse kept folks on their toes throughout the entire award show. Minaj gave the entire audience free drinks, took home the award for best hip hop artist and underwent nearly 10 wardrobe changes. Never one to shy from a head-turning look, Minaj’s outfits were just as wild and crazy as always. While they might be a bit much to sport on the street, a subtler version of these sartorial stunners would look totally gorgeous at that upcoming holiday party. Here are five of Nicki’s coolest looks from this weekend’s awards show translated for the real world.
1. Drama Rama: You have to give it to her, Nicki sure does know how to make an entrance. The hip hop powerhouse made her hosting debut by repelling down from the ceiling in a dress with a 14-foot train. Obviously, while it’d be awesome to rock this dress in its entirety, it probably isn’t so practical for a festive fête – unless you want to double as the table runner. Instead, try this Nicole Miller dress that you can borrow from Rent the Runway for just $40.
2. Lady in Red: Holiday party here you come. Nicki sported this crimson number as she performed an impromptu, acappella rap dedicated to Scotland (where the award ceremony was held). Translate her look into this BCBG piece ($91) that’s similar in color and cut, but substitutes those wild accordion details for classic lace.
3. No Fear Sheer: Compared to her opening outfit, this piece looks like standard street wear. While it’s not too crazy, that plunging neckline might be a bit much for some. If you’re not feeling like baring it all this holiday season, try this cut-out dress ($108) that still draws attention to your neckline, but in a slightly less revealing way.
4. Optical Illusion: Minaj had the audience captivated during one of her performances not only because of her serious vocal chops, but also because of this crazy, eye-catching number. Keep that psychedelic print, but tone down the drama with this slim cut mini-dress ($66). If price is no object, go for this minimalistic Kenzo dress ($616) that has almost the exact same pattern.
5. Classy in White: This was definitely one of Nicki’s tamer looks, but might still be a bit much for a semi-formal holiday party. Keep the long sleeve + lace combo with this affordable piece ($32 USD). If you’re still really wanting that accordion detailing, throw on a midi-length accordion skirt over this number. Nobody will ever know your “top” is actually a dress.
What was your favorite look from the EMAs? Share a picture or link with us in the comments below.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.