Harry Styles and his 'Styles'

Article by Sarah Mann

For most, when the name Harry Styles is mentioned, they think about one of the five former members of famous British boyband One Direction. They think of the young boy with a head of wild curls, blazers, and khaki pants. But what most don’t know is why he dressed that way in the first place, or where he is now. In this case, where he is fashion wise.

The band grew in popularity at a rapid pace. Their debut album Up All Night sold 176,000 copies within a week of it’s release. It wasn’t just the music that people were falling in love with, it was the coordinating, yet different outfits the boys wore. Their management, Modest, knew how to make them stick out from other boy bands at the time. Looking at some of the most famous groups, such as N Sync and New Kids on the Block, most of their outfits were the same, or at least very similar. That’s where One Direction differed. They matched, yes, though they were never wearing the same clothing. Modest knew what was going to appeal to their audience, which was teenage girls. Their fashion choices of course matured with the boys. From blazers and polos to white t-shirts and skinny jeans. Around 2013 and 2014, Styles was very safe with his clothing choices. It was his iconic chelsea boot, black jeans, and t-shirt look. It was simple, but as he got older he started experimenting more. For instance, at the 2015 AMAs, Styles wore a floral suit designed by Gucci, definitely making a statement.

Once the band decided they wanted to go on to solo careers and try something new, Styles started releasing music inspired by many rock legends, such as Elvis Presley and Paul McCartney. He also became very comfortable with himself and more in touch with his feminine side, sporting painted nails and glittery Gucci suits. Many of his looks have been inspired by more famous musicians, from Elton John to David Bowie. He has appeared in many magazines, Rolling Stones, Vanity Fair, and more recently Beauty Papers. Which is arguably his biggest statement yet. He surprised many fans with his stunning makeup and fishnets.

Styles has always been extroverted, both with the way he entertains any crowd and his looks that will go down in fashion history. Within the past decade he has changed as he’s grown, though he is still the talented, passionate, and genuine performer we all know and love.