Dua Lipa's Retro Revival: Disco Glam Meets Modern Cool

By: Paulina Guajardo

Dua Lipa is that girl. Whether she’s shutting down red carpets or dancing across our screens in glittery music videos, her fashion is consistently in conversation with her music. But lately, she’s been on a whole different wave—bringing the full-on glam of the disco era into the 2020s, and I am so here for it. In this post, we’re going deep into Dua’s fashion evolution, why this retro revival works so well for her brand, and how she’s turned disco chic into the ultimate modern style statement.

Let’s start with the most iconic visuals: the “Future Nostalgia” album era. That entire album was designed to make us dance—and she dressed the part. Think metallics, lamé, plunging necklines, and enough sparkle to light up Studio 54. She wasn’t just singing about nostalgia, she was serving it on a silver platter. One of the most memorable moments? The chainmail Versace dress she wore to the 2021 Brit Awards. It was giving full disco ball, but styled in a way that felt fresh. Her hair was sleek, her makeup was bold, and the whole look screamed confidence. Dua knows how to honor an era without looking like she’s in costume, and that’s the key.

But her retro glam isn’t just red carpet. Her everyday and tour looks have been just as committed. During her “Future Nostalgia” tour, we saw her in sequined bodysuits, neon catsuits, and lots of high-cut silhouettes that echoed the energy of icons like Donna Summer and Cher. She’s channeling that fearless, ultra-feminine vibe from the ’70s, but remixing it with modern tailoring and fabrics. What makes this work so well for Dua is that her music supports the aesthetic. She’s not dressing in disco just because it looks cute (even though it does). She’s leaning into an entire mood—feel-good, bold, confident, unapologetic.

And then there’s her music video fashion. “Levitating” was a literal fever dream of sparkle and sass. The outfits weren’t just cute, they told a story: a sparkling pink bustier with latex pants and space-age boots to match the retro-futuristic sound of the track. Or her look in “Physical”—a rainbow of neon workout wear that gave Jane Fonda aerobics instructor but make it 2020s editorial. These aren’t just clothes, they’re part of the vibe. Dua’s stylists understand how to pair fashion with tempo, rhythm, and nostalgia.

Off-stage, she’s kept it consistent. Her street style has started to echo that same aesthetic—platform boots, halter tops, colorful sunglasses, and lots of shimmer. She mixes archival designer pieces with up-and-coming labels, always keeping the vibe effortlessly cool. One day she’s in vintage Mugler, the next she’s in an edgy look from an indie brand. It gives the feeling that she’s not just copying a trend, she is the trend.

What’s also really interesting is how her style has become aspirational but also accessible. You don’t have to own a custom Versace piece to recreate the look. Brands like Poster Girl, House of Sunny, and even Zara have pieces inspired by her vibe. Dua’s impact is trickling into our closets whether we realize it or not. I literally bought a holographic mini-dress last month because I saw her wear something similar on tour. That’s influence.

Let’s talk glam for a second, too. Her makeup during this era has been all about bold liner, glossy lips, and flushed cheeks—another nod to disco glam but with a 2020s twist. Hair? Bouncy blowouts and slicked-back ponies. She always looks like she’s two steps away from hopping on stage at Studio 54, but like, in the best way.

What I love the most is how Dua’s retro revival doesn’t feel like cosplay. She’s not dressing like someone else; she’s dressing like the version of herself that makes the most sense for her music and message. She’s in control of the narrative. Whether it’s through sequins or sparkles or metallic boots, she’s telling us: I’m here, I’m confident, I’m fun, and I don’t take myself too seriously. And honestly, that’s the energy I want in my wardrobe.

So yeah, Dua Lipa didn’t just revive disco—she redefined it. She took the best parts of the past and made them feel exciting again. And in doing so, she’s become a modern-day fashion icon who isn’t afraid to shimmer, shine, and stand out.