Skip to main content

The Most Stylish Male Musicians of the Modern Era

Musicians tend to be fashionable. The most iconic lead singers, guitarists, and more are also trendsetters, reimagining what we wear in addition to what we hear.

It runs much deeper than a big hat (thanks, Pharrell) or a frayed denim vest (looking at you, Sid Vicious). The most stylish musicians are the ones who not only look good or even provocative on stage — they do all of the above effortlessly — but who also do so with an underlying cool factor that’s practically palpable. The best of the best have us following their lead, mimicking their distinctive styles in front of our own mirrors at home.

Recommended Videos

Here are the top ten most fashionable male musicians of the modern era:

Little Richard

Little Richard
Getty Images

The one-of-a-kind musician passed away earlier this month, but Little Richard lives on through his contributions to both rock ‘n’ roll and fashion. Dubbed “the Innovator,” the singer and multi-instrumentalist brought as much energy to his attire as his music and stage presence. Little Richard’s outspoken outfits managed to strike a fine balance between the pizzazz of Liberace and the boldness of Prince. RIP.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix
Michael Putland/Getty Images

In the era of the flower child, Jimi Hendrix was king. Not only was he arguably the best electric guitarist of all time, he was also one of the best dressed. Hendrix’s hippie vibes blossomed beautifully out of exotic colors, incredible patterns, and fantastic accessories like hats and headbands. What’s more, it came off as completely and utterly natural.

Julian Casablancas

Julian Casablancas
David Wolff - Patrick/Getty Images

The frontman for legendary NYC band the Strokes has long donned a getup that exudes toughness and confidence. Casablancas is not trying to blow minds or make outlandish fashion statements. Instead, the singer simply goes the route of cool, nonchalantly sporting things like tropical dress shirts, leather jackets, and a good pair of jeans or Chuck Taylor’s. He’s also one of a select few who can pull off the single singing glove.

Kanye West

Kanye West
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Love him or not, Kanye West is something of a revolutionary. In fact, his style is even more avant-garde than his personality or approach to hip-hop. You see it in his own line of clothing, along with just about everything he wears when he’s performing or out and about. Sometimes subtle, sometimes far-reaching, West’s style is always thought-provoking and has inspired leaders in a range of industries from fellow musicians to fashion moguls.

Serge Gainsbourg

Serge Gainsbourg
Ulf Andersen/Getty Images

Suave, timeless, just the right amount of dapper — that’s how you’d describe the fashion of the late Serge Gainsbourg. The man did it all, from acting and directing to writing music, poetry, and scores, and even playing the piano. It was a busy lifestyle that leaves little time for style, but you’d never know it. Gainsbourg always seemed to be in a perfectly tailored suit, sharp jacket, or vintage wool top. He very much looked the part of a bright sophisticate.

Kamasi Washington

Kamasi Washington
Matthew Baker/Getty Images

Heady saxophonist and bandleader Kamasi Washington turns out jazz that’s as colorful and detailed as a giant tapestry. Much the same could be said for the musician’s style, which revolves around arresting color schemes and incredible robes. It’s comfortable, commanding, and always on point. It’s what you’d expect from one of the brightest musical minds in today’s music landscape.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

The Elvis effect is real and resounding. He helped create rock ‘n’ roll, sexualized the musical stage, leapt practically seamlessly to the silver screen, and more (did you know he was really, really into racquetball?). He also immortalized certain fashion facets, like the skinny tie, striped shirt, popped-collar, and turtleneck. Sure, Presley was later known for his jumpsuits but it was his more reserved choices, especially early on, that defined his style.

Prince

Prince
BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images

The late Prince had every right to go the tacky or completely embellished fashion route. He was, after all, The Purple One and a supreme sex symbol. Yet, the pride of the Twin Cities pulled off what so many couldn’t — translating seduction and intoxication into a real, bonafide style. Somehow, his countless outfits were both revealing and fully realized. And the number of textures, combinations, motifs, color combos, and cuts was practically unrivaled.

David Bowie

David Bowie
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Bowie was way ahead of his time, mixing fashion mediums and blurring gender lines in incredibly innovative ways. We like to think of the gifted musician as the zany cat in the makeup, but Bowie’s look was so much more complex than that. Bowie’s intricate outfits served like dazzling defiance, proudly ruffling the feathers of stale old-fashion traditions. His best trait may have been the ability to stay ahead of each and every decade of fashion he inhabited, without so much as a hiccup.

Beck

Beck
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Something of the shy kid next door with a few sneaky dance moves up his pant legs, Beck dressed accordingly. The style of the indie-pop icon is svelt and dialed-in, stressing clean fits, pastel colors, and memorable patterns. In an era when influential figures are thrown bad fashion ideas and over-the-top costumes on the daily, it’s refreshing to know that Beck seems to politely decline every offer and simply do his own mindful thing.

Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
Adidas Originals dominates Paris Fashion Week with bold style
Adidas Originals takes over Paris Fashion Week
person tying adidas shoes

With just under a year left until the FIFA World Cup lands in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, it’s no wonder that every brand has football fever. Brands like Nike and New Balance have launched their football iterations, which will gradually build excitement over the next year. However, football isn’t only coming to our wardrobes, it’s officially landed on the runway. Last month, Adidas Originals took their football inspiration to the next level via a series of collaborations with multiple fashion designers during Paris Fashion Week. While it seems like football-inspired looks, also known as “blokecore”, is here to stay, no one has established this trend more than Adidas. With new iterations of their various football-inspired footwear, Paris Fashion Week becomes the center of Adidas Originals’ football world, and their multiple collaborations are only a piece of what to expect over the next year from the brand.

Adidas brings football to the runway at Paris Fashion Week

Read more
The art of timeless design: Why Urban Jürgensen is one to watch
How Urban Jürgensen redefined haute horlogerie with its remarkable comeback
Urban Jurgensen has returned to the forefront of horology

The revival of historic watchmaker brand Urban Jürgensen has been a marvel to witness as it once teetered on the brink of obscurity. Today, UJ has re-emerged as a benchmark in the industry, working under the direction of a visionary new leader. Founded in 1773, the brand faced the possibility of extinction in the late 20th century before being revitalized by a group of watchmaking purists. Currently, Urban Jürgensen is getting rave reviews for blending centuries of craftsmanship with modern innovation — proving that true luxury is timeless.

Tradition meets state-of-the-art innovation

Read more
Norqain makes Independence Skeleton smaller and smarter
Swiss watchmaker Norqain refines skeleton collection with transparent mainplate design
Norqain new slimmed skeleton promo

Norqain has added two new 40mm models to its Independence Skeleton collection, offering slimmer, more refined options than the earlier 42mm watches. The updated timepieces feature a transparent mainplate design that enhances visual depth while showcasing the brand's commitment to innovative skeleton watchmaking.
The first model features a classic stainless steel case with brushed, polished, and sandblasted surfaces, accented by subtle turquoise details. The second adopts a bolder aesthetic with a black DLC-coated case, khaki rubber strap, and vibrant orange accents, creating a stealthier and sportier appearance.
Both versions are powered by the Norqain Caliber NB08S, a mechanical automatic skeleton movement that has earned COSC chronometer certification. This high-performance movement features 26 rubies and a personalized oscillating weight bearing the brand's logo. It offers a 41-hour power reserve, with the balance frequency operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), ensuring precise timekeeping.
The standout feature of these new models is the transparent mainplate positioned above the anthracite openworked dial. This innovative design element adds visual depth while housing Norqain's logo, marking a significant improvement from the previous 42mm versions where the logo was printed on the sapphire crystal.
The dials incorporate faceted black-plated indexes and diamond-cut hands filled with white X1 Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility in low-light conditions. The second hand's tip comes in turquoise on the steel version and orange on the DLC model, providing distinctive color coordination.
Measuring 40mm in diameter and 12.05mm thick, both models offer 100-meter water resistance and feature double anti-reflective, scratch-proof sapphire crystals on the front and back. The reduced case size makes these watches more wearable while maintaining the collection's bold skeleton aesthetic.
The steel version is priced at $4,490 on a rubber strap, with the matching steel bracelet option increasing the price to $4,790. The DLC-coated model comes with a choice of black or khaki rubber strap, both priced at $4,690.
These new Independence Skeleton models represent Norqain's evolution in skeleton watch design, combining traditional Swiss watchmaking excellence with contemporary aesthetics. The transparent mainplate innovation demonstrates the brand's commitment to advancing skeleton watch construction while preserving the visual drama that defines the collection.

Read more