Words by Amelia Gregory
The world’s coolest, most mysterious singer is also one helluva style icon.
There’s a lot to like about Frank Ocean. There’s the voice – the smooth, silky, angelic voice. There’s the calm, unbothered persona – and there’s the impeccable, head-turning, camera-attracting style. When it comes to style, there’s a lot – a lot – to learn from the 35-year-old.
Graphic Tees will always be an easy win
The graphic tee is a trend that’s seemingly always in season. Like other stylish stars, Frank Ocean’s the owner of a vast collection of graphic tees, and he’s been spotted wearing them just about everywhere. For added effect, Ocean’s variety of graphic tees often conveys important messages such as his iconic ‘why be racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic when you could just be quiet?’ tee that took the internet (and us) by storm.
Like Ocean, jazz up the t-shirt collection by adding a few graphic tees here and there. There’s nothing wrong with plain t-shirts – but they’re not exactly head-turning, either.
Opt for a Pop of Colour
Colour matters – a lot. For proof, look no further than Ocean. Whether it be a bright red bandana or an orange jacket, Frank Ocean knows the importance that one vibrant colour can play in completing a look. You too should opt for a bit of colour every now and then. For your next plain outfit, grab someone colourful, and you’ll never regret it.
Smart Casual
Even on the most formal of red carpets, Ocean doesn’t shy away from his own cool, laid-back style. At the Met Gala – the most formal, overdone event on earth – Ocean graced the pink carpet in a Prada anorak. While I’m not recommending that you show up to your sister’s wedding in jeans, Ocean’s Met Gala look is a perfect example of how to make formal attire more casual. Frank was still wearing a formal suit and tie to the event but just dressed the look down with an informal jacket.
Like him, don’t be scared to interpret dress codes in a way that allows you to look good and stylish.
Your Hair Could just be your best accessory
Listen up kids: there’s a lot more to style than just clothes. For the sceptical, look no further than Frank Ocean. When Frank Ocean pairs his universally beloved personal style with a vibrantly dyed head of hair, it serves as a perfect accessory to his effortless looks. While you may not be ready to rock a bright greez buzzcut like Frank Ocean, just know that your hair could just be your best accessory. Whether it is long or short, dyed or bleached, there are so many ways that you can use your hair as a way to elevate your style. So why not spice it up a little, eh?
Invest in Staple Pieces
If there is one thing that encapsulates Ocean’s style perfectly, it’s simplicity. He’s often seen sporting basic items – t-shirts, jeans, shorts – in a way that’s far from basic. On Ocean, a t-shirt isn’t merely a t-shirt, it’s a beautiful piece of clothing straight from the wardrobe of a style icon. My point? It’s not what you wear – but how you wear it. Ocean’s a walking advert for investing in good, quality, well-fitting pieces that can be styled and re-worn in different ways. For him, it’s all about the staple pieces, the standout items that transform mere clothes into stylish pieces.
Be Experimental
No one likes a bore. And when it comes to matters of style, there’s nothing worse than playing it safe. Yes, Ocean keeps it simple – but that’s far (FAR) from boring. The man’s a walking experiment, constantly trying this or that piece, in the hope of achieving a new yet beautifully assembled look each time.
For you, this means this trying new things, opting for new accessories, and trying the odd pair outside your comfort zone.
