Words by Amelia Gregory.
There’s a lot to like about Tyler, The Creator.
Tyler, the Creator’s cultural impact is extensive. From the moment he broke out onto the music scene he marketed himself in a completely different way to other rappers, and this included his sense of style. Now known as one of the best dressed musicians of the moment, he continues to prioritise creativity and individuality in his looks.
When in Doubt… Wear Loafers
In a fashion world that is dominated by trainers, Tyler’s love of leather loafers is like a breath of fresh air. Styling them with a pair of visible ankle socks, they immediately elevate any outfit. Whether it’s a tailored trouser, baggy jean or pair of shorts, Tyler proves that the loafer does in fact go with everything.
To get this look try the Dr. Martens Adrian Smooth Leather Tassel Loafers or Walk London’s Oliver Loafers.
Shorts and Socks
Another styling tip that ties in with his love of loafers, is the way that Tyler uses socks to play with the proportions of his outfits. Tyler is often seen combining a pair of shirts with higher socks, coming somewhere between the ankle and the shin. This not only adds an interesting accessory to the look, it also works to break up the proportions of the lower body within his outfits. Our tip: find a pair of socks that sit somewhere above your ankle and below the knee and pair with some shorts that sit just above the knee for a perfectly proportioned look.
Invest in Knitwear
Whether it’s a cardigan or a sweater vest, Tyler, the Creator is the king of knitwear. The popularisation of eye-catching knitwear definitely falls into the realm of Tyler’s cultural influence and is the perfect way to elevate your day-to-day dressing. Instead of opting for your usual hoodie or sweatshirt to keep you warm during these winter months, go for a sweater vest or cardigan that gives you the perfect opportunity to experiment with layering. Alternatively, you could just go for a vibrant knit to add some alternative colour or texture to your look.
Get the look in this Butter Goods Mohair Knitted Vest or this Cos Knit Shirt for a more summery option.
Don’t Shy Away from Colour
Tyler is no stranger to a colourful outfit, and you shouldn’t be either. In recent years, the fashion world has glorified a neutral colour palette, and so an array of beige or grey pieces may seem like a safe way to ensure that your outfits always look good. Tyler, the Creator does not agree with this philosophy, and he quite frankly disproves this theory every time he steps outside. Our favourite maximalist is usually spotted wearing a perfectly curated colour palette with every look, proving that dressing boldly is normally a recipe for success.
Neckerchief
The neckerchief was an accessory that, quite frankly, none of us saw making a comeback, and yet here we are. Not only has Tyler himself been spotted incorporating a loosely tied neckerchief in his looks but he has also started selling the accessory in his GOLF le FLEUR x Converse collections. Our tip: loosely layer a neckerchief over a minimal chain necklace to add some high-fashion flare to your more minimal outfits.
Get one from Tyler’s very own brand Golf Le Fleur or try Kapital if you want a busier design.
Reinvent Preppy
Tyler’s eclectic style works so immaculately because it reinvents the preppy schoolboy aesthetic that has been abandoned by many as they transition from youth to adolescence. Tyler, however, has reinvented this youthful look in a way that looks cool and fashionable rather than collegiate. The important lesson here is not to follow the traditional recipe of a preppy look, style these pieces in a more modern way, opting for layers, loose-fitting silhouettes and a well accessorised outfit.
Don’t Neglect Eyewear
Eyewear can make or break an outfit. Whether it be staple sunglasses or wide brimmed spectacles, Tyler knows the importance of eyewear. One of the best things about eyewear as an accessory is that you don’t even need to wear them on your eyes in order for them to elevate your outfit. Put them in your hair or dangle them from the neck of your t-shirt if you don’t fancy wearing them and they are still sure to add an interesting element to your look.
For sunglasses we recommend Weekday’s Cruise and Saunter frames. But when it comes to optical frames, you can’t go wrong with Ray-Ban’s Aviator Optics or these square Gucci frames.
Grab a Bag
Whether it be a crossbody or a literal suitcase, Tyler loves a bag. Not only is this a practical accessory to incorporate into your wardrobe, the man-bag has the ability to take your outfit from mundane to chic. Our tip: opt for a cross-body bag to add an additional layer to your look.
When it comes to bags, the Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag and Carhartt Essentials Bag are popular for a reason. However, if you are looking for a more formal option, the Acne Studios Mini Crossbody Face Bag is the perfect accessory for you.
For more style lessons, check out what you can learn from Frank Ocean.