Aside from all the cringe-worthy auditions, moments of brilliance and the inevitable joke act, the X Factor brings us a weekly battle of the fashion stakes between the female judges.
And with Rita Ora on the panel this year, along with other newbie Nick Grimshaw and regulars Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell, we’re excited to see what completely outlandish outfits she rocks throughout the series.
Based on Rita’s belted red dress and thigh-high patent leather boots she wore to the first round of auditions in Manchester, we can tell she means business. So who’s style sense will triumph this year? We’ve had a look at how the pair have fared against each other in the past.
The deep v nude gown
While both the ladies look stunning, Cheryl’s cape thing and high neck in Cannes wasn’t to everyone’s taste. Meanwhile Rita kept it simple and sultry in an embellished champagne gown at the Brit Awards in February.
Verdict: Rita
The blue fish tail dress
Rita’s hourglass figure perfectly suited the strapless navy number she wore to the Oscars earlier in the year. But when Cheryl sauntered down the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards, all eyes were on her. The elegant high neck and train was deceivingly demure at the front, while it was actually backless, showing a hit of *that* tattoo.
Verdict: Cheryl
The LDB
We’re not sure if Rita’s ensemble is technically an LBD. In fact, we’re not sure what it is, but visible suspenders is never chic. It doesn’t matter how high your neckline or how long your sleeves. Meanwhile Cheryl rocked this cute below-the-knee number and gorgeous heels without managing to flash her lingerie.
Verdict: Cheryl
Tailored
These guys know you need to keep it chic at a fashion show. Rita wore a simple white trouser suit to the Tom Ford AW15 presentation, but how adorable does Cheryl look in this monochrome ensemble? The slick side parting, two-tone heels and neck ruffle win it for us.
Verdict: Cheryl.
Show-stopping gowns
Who doesn’t love a bright ‘look at me’ gown with a huge train? But Rita’s yellow Zac Posen dress was probably better suited to the Oscars rather than the AMAs. It apparently even needed to be carried by an assistant as she walked. Cheryl meanwhile went for classic Hollywood glamour at the Foxcatcher premiere in Cannes last year. She stole the limelight completely in this spectacular dress.
Verdict: Cheryl.
Sheer black
It takes a brave woman to pull off fabric this sheer, but we kind of admire how outlandish Rita’s fashion sense can be. The front of this dress she wore to a Vanity Fair party this year cleverly covered the important bits (sort of) while playing on the asymmetric trend. Cheryl went for a sheer gown went she was papped with Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini for the first time since her shock marriage announcement.
Verdict: Rita
The mini
Well, only Cheryl managed to pick an outfit that actually constituted as clothes here. Rita appears to have wrapped a towel around herself in an artistic manner and called it a dress. Cheryl’s summer two piece wins hands down.
Verdict: Cheryl
Our money’s on everyone’s favourite Geordie.
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