WRITTEN and PHOTOGRAPHED by Nyah Khan

Nowadays, it seems musicians are more than just their discography - they’ve become icons in the fashion world. Just as much as we enjoy their music, their stylistic influence is increasingly on the rise. Though the following artists have varying aesthetics, they each possess a distinct style that can easily be reproduced with what you have in your own wardrobe. Here’s your “Ultimate Style Playlist” for recreating the looks of these fashionable musicians!

1.) Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator has experienced a significant style revolution, shifting from hip-hop-influenced fashion from his time in Odd Future to a much more refined aesthetic in his look today. However, while the individual garment styles are more sophisticated, he takes a unique approach by juxtaposing fun colors and fabrics in each ensemble. He takes what people have named “grandpa-core” and makes it fresh and youthful by articulating unique accessories and color palettes that appeal to trendy audiences.

To achieve a quintessential Tyler, The Creator look, make your foundation a sweater vest with a colorful pattern. Add a basic white tee underneath for a touch of casual streetwear in this juxtaposition of styles. Mix it with a colorful pair of pants to complement the vest, or tone it down with plain jorts or black slacks to create a more straightforward look. Additionally, Doc Martens are an easy, versatile choice of loafers that can easily emulate Tyler’s look. As for accessories, shopping vintage can lead to discovering hidden treasures and unconventional items such as brooches, scarves, etc.- the chunkier and more colorful the piece, the better! And when in doubt, check out Tyler’s fashion brand GOLF WANG. What better way to dress like Tyler, The Creator, than to wear something he created!

2.) Olivia Rodrigo

As the “All-American” girl, Olivia Rodrigo quickly became a style icon in time with her gravitational musical success. As she gained more and more attention from her massive debut single, “Driver's License,” in 2021, teenage girls all around began to pay attention to her fashion influence, seeing a relatable young woman rather than an unobtainable image. Her connection to her viewers prompted a copycat surge as young men and women began replicating her look. Rodrigo’s signature color, purple, and modern pop-punk style have become a trend that her fans have aspired to copy.

While purple tends to be Olivia’s staple color in a multitude of outfits, you can still achieve the essence of this pop star through edgy patterns, dynamic silhouettes, and spirited accessories. She is seen wearing lots of plaid on and off the stage, so including some in the ensemble is a must. You can incorporate warmer tones such as reds and oranges if cooler tones like purple aren’t your vibe, as she has worn her fair share of these colors, especially as she has begun to mature and shift eras. The most obvious way to channel Olivia’s iconic tartan plaid is undoubtedly in a skirt, but you can absolutely incorporate the print elsewhere to convey her essence. Finally, be sure to include lots of edgy accessories like fishnets (in both gloves and tights) and some black platform boots to top off this rockin’ look!

3.) Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey has captivated her audience with her soft, ethereal presence and image. Ribbons complement the sweetness of her enchanting voice in her hair, while dark colors, lace, and a surreal mix of vintage and modern imagery represent her “dark feminine” vibe. Although Lana Del Rey’s style may not always be cohesive, she has curated an aesthetic that is feminine, timeless, and dreamy, appealing to a wide range of fans.

To style a Lana-inspired look, consider the color scheme first and foremost. Start with a white, cream, or other light-colored dress. Not everyone has a perfectly Lana-esque dress in their closets, so you can easily reimagine a dress into a matching set like this cream-colored skirt and corset pictured here. Layer a white blouse underneath to soften the form-fitting corset top for an added dreamlike dimension. Take liberties in channeling your inner Lana Del Rey with pastel colors, flowy silhouettes, and soft, feminine textures like linen, cotton, tulle, etc.

4.) Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter is a perfect example of how the elements of fashion and music media intertwine to shape a star's trajectory. Through meticulously curated fashion looks and authentic storytelling in her music, she is blossoming into a pop sensation. Throughout the past three years, Sabrina’s style has completely evolved, thanks to the brilliant work of stylists like Jason Bolden and Jared Ellner, who have curated a look that is absolutely enamoring. By employing dreamy silhouettes and pastel colors, her styling creates a sweet and chic image.

One thing to keep in the front of your mind when styling like Sabrina is the immense amount of heart imagery she includes in her looks as an ode to her album “Emails I Can’t Send” and the route she has taken in promoting it through fashion and media. As a result, pinks, reds, and direct heart-shaped icons or references are crucial to achieving her vibe. This is easy to do because I’m sure we all have at least one Urban Outfitters corset in the back of our closets! For this look, opt for a corset with pinks, reds, and hearts all over it as an ode to Sabrina. And, of course, Sabrina isn’t herself without a skirt as mini as possible, so it’s essential to select a miniskirt that is comfortable enough to be danceable but short enough to be flirtatious. Finally, the absolute must-have for recreating Sabrina’s look is a pair of platform shoes, preferably ones that will make you tall enough to see the stars. She typically wears knee-high platform boots, but you can also go for a platform Mary Jane-type shoe to achieve the same effect.

5.) Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish’s edgy street style has sparked the attention of the press since her debut as an artist when she was just 15 years old. She began her career donning dark aesthetics, heavy jewelry, brightly colored hair, and oversized silhouettes. Nowadays, she still pursues this look, but she has branched out into more traditionally feminine looks and a softer color palette.

Despite Billie’s style changes, she always seems to return to one go-to look: the basketball player with an extensive amount of jewelry. Achieving this look is easier than you’d think; all you need are your dad’s basketball shorts, which are probably three sizes too big, and layer a jersey over a tee shirt with the same size difference. Then, don’t hold back on layer upon layers of silver necklaces. You can top it off with a beanie and sunglasses or style your hair in her iconic spiky buns, as seen in this look. Finally, any basketball shoe or sneaker that is bold and chunky will be just perfect to complete your look.

6.) Bad Bunny

Benito Ocasio, also known as “Bad Bunny,” has an experimental style. He has played with exaggerated silhouettes, particularly in the shoulders, and a Western aesthetic and bold colors. He has explored many images of himself, including some more feminine looks that have sparked controversy, proving that he is not afraid to branch out with his style despite what others think. Overall, his style is dynamic, unpredictable, and unapologetic, filling a space in men's fashion that not many others achieve to the same extent.

Because Bad Bunny has played with many different styles over the years, achieving his look may be a bit challenging. Capturing his complete essence in just one outfit is impossible without juxtaposing his various style eras. Try pairing an edgier black vest (as an ode to his rocker era) with cowboy boots and a pattered shirt layered underneath the vest to bring out a Western touch. Additionally, select sleek sunglasses and classic baggy blue jeans to reference his current cool-guy street style. If you want to achieve the Bad Bunny look, it’s up to you how you’d like to combine his styles or just stick to one!

Overall, it’s clear that an iconic look goes a long way for an artist. Trendsetting and displaying their essence through their style has a great capacity to connect them even further to those who are already in their audience and those who may just be discovering them. For the newer fans, artists’ fashion and aesthetics are an entry point to their music. The fashion and music worlds are intricately linked, and opportunities between them should be taken advantage of. The connection between an artist and their fans is extraordinary, and relating to fashion is a great way to strengthen the love between the two parties. After all, imitation is often the sincerest form of flattery!

The Ultimate Style Playlist: A Guide to Modern Musicians’ Iconic Looks