After two years of a pandemic, the social element of our livelihoods finally feels like it’s back in swing — and while the world still needs improving, that’s something to be celebrated. The easiest ingredient to call on for a glorious stance? Style. And our current source for inspiration? The aptly named Harry Styles.
Whether the pop star sits at the top of your listening list or not, the power he carries in the modern menswear industry is second to none, and it boils down to three elements of expression: flair, flamboyance and fun. Since his teenage boyband days, the musician has really excelled in the style department, frequently favoring immaculately tailored suits (’70s-shaped), heeled footwear and a fair share of feather boas. Fair play, if you ask us.
After a short break from his world tour to promote the imminent release of cinematic thriller Don’t Worry Darling (he’s acting now too, in case you didn’t know), Styles has just arrived in New York for six sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. So since style and sound go hand in hand, we’ve taken a look back on the singer’s strongest stage outfits to date — along with the easiest ways to embrace them with your own wardrobe today.
1. A double denim statement
First up, denim. It’s highly likely the texture already sits in your wardrobe, so here’s the simple Styles cue to follow when wearing: double it up. Often described as a bit of a hit-or-miss style move, a double denim ensemble hits hard, but only if embraced through the most flatteringly shaped pieces. When it comes to the jacket, you want to invest in a cropped trucker style: ideally complete with a pointed shearling collar as chosen by Styles, because it softens the statement of the full look to a point of elegance. As for the jeans, keep the cut high rise and straight: a failsafe silhouette for any height and shape. Given its eternally chic status in fashion, French-house Saint Laurent is a winning port of call for both.
2. A good pair of heeled boots
Styles has positioned himself as a frontrunner of flamboyance, and the key way of doing so was by putting his best foot forward: specifically, through heeled footwear. Most often chosen in the form of a leather cuban boot (the heel of which tends to measure around two inches), his approach to the style is subtle yet carries an assured confidence, especially when topped by some excellent tailoring. Paris-based brand Husbands is making waves in menswear thanks to its immaculate offering of both, and in the footwear department, you’ll find this crackled patent boot design. Made in Italy with a beige leather insole and golden buckle on the side, it measures well to Styles’ selection and is a perfect way of basing your best essentials with serious flair.
3. A sharp leather jacket
To anyone intimated by Styles’ approach to fashion, just take a look at his most worn textures, and you’ll quickly realize that they’re as classic as can be. Case in point: leather. Pictured here in performance at the GRAMMY Awards, he opted to double up his fabric of the day once again through some tight trousers and a sharp blazer (sans shirt underneath; follow suit if you dare). The sharp structure of his leather jacket is the thing to focus on here: adaptable to any avenue of style, whether you want to double it up à la Styles, mix it with some wool trousers or keep it casual with denim. Crafted from a Japanese vegan leather and fitted with metal button closures, this shoulder padded style by SÉFR is our go-to option for the months ahead.
4. A quirky shirt and tie combination
Now, onto the more formal side of Styles’s wardrobe. Simple and well-crafted though each of his tailored pieces are, the singer’s mode of making them sing comes through a masterful blend of fabrics and shades. During this stage moment, the trousers were twill and burgundy. The blazer was a wool twill blend and pastel pink. The shirt was cotton and coral blue. The tie was satin and printed with bold polka dots. Arguably a modern take on traditional Ivy League style, we’ll draw your eyes to the shirt and tie combination here in particular. Opting for a more saturated shade of blue to contrast to the deep monochrome of his printed accessory, this is a fun act of layering to keep in mind for your next soirée. Dolce and Gabbana is on hand to help.
5. Some ’70s-influenced tailoring
Given that the ’70s was the moment when flair and flamboyance exploded amongst youth (take a look at the history of bespoke houses like Edward Sexton for proof), it’s no surprise that Styles calls upon the decade’s key details for a tailored stage moment. Our favorite to date? This electric blue velvet ensemble, served to him by Gucci. Nodding to the aforementioned period through exaggerated peak lapels on the blazer and a fabulous flair on the trouser, this is the greatest reference to bear in mind if you’re wanting to deliver a fully Styles-influenced outfit. Good news if so: the Italian house still offers a rich blue velvet blazer — single-breasted, satin-lined and simple proof that formal sex appeal is here to stay. Styles is definitely ensuring it.
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