Trendsetters
Rock stars, pop icons, and artists from other genres have also been style leaders, with their signature looks copied and adapted worldwide. So it’s clear that many artists make their name through their innovative style. With that in mind, here are 5 of the most fashionable musicians around.
1. Elvis Presley
Rock ’n’ Roll music, with its rebellious fashions, was already well established by the time Elvis Presley hit the scene. But Presley had no qualms about pushing the envelope with his outrageous style of dressing and became synonymous with men’s fashion in the 1950s. From neck-knotting shirts, high collars, rhinestone-studded accessories, and swirling pompadours to fitted trousers and zip-front blazers, Elvis set the tone for cool men’s streetwear.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. Reproduction Number: LC-USZ6-2067 Location: NYWTS -- BIOG on Wikimedia
2. Rihanna
Rihanna broke the mold of what it means to be a fashion influencer, with streetwear, couture, and fearless innovation defining her day-to-day style. Rihanna has used the Fenty brand to challenge the notions of inclusivity and body positivity. The way she has blurred the lines between masculine and feminine clothing has given a generation the courage to express themselves and feel confident.
3. Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s laid-back, bohemian style defined the effortless cool of the 1960s counterculture. His denim jackets, work shirts, and worn-in boots influenced generations of musicians and artists to prioritize authenticity over polish. Today, his impact lives on in the enduring popularity of vintage Americana and minimalist, folk-inspired wardrobes.
Alberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz on Wikimedia
4. Harry Styles
Harry Styles is a style icon in the 21st century for pushing gender-fluid fashion and embracing himself. Styles has been seen in countless outfits, from floral suits to pearls to painted nails, making a statement and crossing traditional masculine boundaries. He has set the standard for self-expression and artistic looks through his genre-bending clothing that encompasses everything from classic rock glamour to high-end couture.
5. Madonna
Madonna’s bold fashion sense made her a global style icon in the 1980s and beyond. From lace gloves and corsets to her continuous reinventions, she made clothes a statement of empowerment and rebellion. Her legacy lives on in today’s pop stars and designers who see fashion as a means of self-expression and transformation.