20 Outfits Only Rappers Should Attempt

Image via Complex Original

Where: 2011 Bet Music Awards
When: June 26, 2011

You should only attmept this look off if you're a rapper, a Justin Bieber, or the type of person who speaks English louder when traveling abroad and no one understands you. No exceptions.

Where: Dior pop-up shop in Miami
When: November 29, 2011

As is often the case when it comes to Pharrell's style, there's just so much going on here that it's fairly self-evident that this outfit should not be attempted by non-rappers and non-rapper/producers. The hat alone is a feat of bravery.

Where: Watch the Throne show in Kansas City, Missouri
When: November 29, 2011

To quote the man himself, Kanye will not be reduced to "regular walking-down-the-street-ness." And the now-iconic leather leggings-and-kilt combo he debuted on the Watch the Throne tour was the peak of that sentiment. You can make jokes about it, you can admire it from afar, you can be envious as hell, but please keep the imitation pleather off our regular streets.

Where: 2012 Hot 97 Summer Jam
When: June 3, 2012

French Montana is so committed to this rap life that one piece of silk per outfit is simply not enough. French shows us that the new frontier in Versace stunting is matching a silk scarf—worn hijab-style—with a shirt of the same gaudy print. This is an "alphet" only he and fellow rappers should even contemplate trying out.

Where: Buckingham Palace in London, Engalnd
When: June 4, 2012

If Will.i.am weren't a rapper, he'd be the a leader of a historical reenactment troupe and that's the only other instance in which this look should be worn. With studded loafers, no less.

Where: 2012 BET Awards
When: July 1, 2012

There are some looks even rappers should leave alone.

Where: 2012 MTV Video Music Awards
When: September 6, 2012

In addition to the three different tones of red, Tyga came prepared with a massive gold Medusa head medallion, a backwards snapback, and a pair of leather gloves. Why? Because he's a rap star. No other explanation necessary.

Where: Y-3 New York Fashion Week show
When: February 2013 

All-black-everything will always be a de facto look for the fashion-friendly, but the mask takes this to weirdo levels. What used to only be reserved for the deformed and the bank robber type is now entering the canon of rapper steez. 

Where: Opening for Rihanna at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA
When: April 8, 2013

There's nothing wrong with playing with proportion and silhouette, but something this exaggerated is best left to those in the spotlight. And even then, only rappers at the forefront of progressive fashion are capable of making us think, "Okay, sure."

Where: 2013 BET Award nominations at 106 & Park
When: May 14, 2013

The bulletproof-vest is a classic item in any self-identified tough rapper's wardrobe (thanks, Fiddy) but for obvious reasons has made a significant retreat over the past decade. Shout out to A$AP Ferg for resurrecting the look in bright-red leather, but if you're not in the stylish A$AP Mob or a Guatemalan politican, leave the kevlar alone. Trap Lord is in stores now.

Where: Aria Hotel in La Vegas, NV
When: May 27, 2013

Only a rapper could look at the monstrosity that is Flo Rida's Jesus piece and think, "This would complement my gold-studded denim vest very nicely." Actually, only Flo Rida would think that.

Where: Backstage at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
When: August 25, 2013

2 Chainz’s style tends to fall exclusively under the "rappers only" umbrella and this outfit showcases that pretty damn well. The matching sweatshirt-and-sweatshorts worn with a bunch of vintage gold and the Duane Wayne flip-up sunglasses (actually flipped up!) is ridiculous.

Where: 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
When: April 14, 2013 

Olé! Like a lot of steezy regular dudes, Macklemore typically keeps his stylish gear on the lowkey side. This bullfighter get-up is the exact opposite of that, and you'll only see this on a non-rapper on Halloween.

Where: 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
When: August 25, 2013

Actually, this could be attempted by either a rapper like Busta Rhymes or a vacationing Italian soccer player. We get it, Busta. You're proud of your massive arms, and your ability to keep up with the brands the young go-hards are chasing after these days.

Where: Backstage at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards
When: August 25, 2013

We get it, we get it, this year is all about Versace. But unless you’re a rapper, keep it to one obnoxious baroque piece per outfit. The head-to-toe steez paired with multiple chains, two wrists worth of gold jewellry, and a leather snapback frankly requires more swag than we mere mortals can handle.

Where: On set for the music video for 'Honest'
When: August 30, 2013

Is it a poncho? Is it a cape? That much has remained unclear since Future posted this photo on Instagram and even after the video for "Honest" hit Vevo. What is patently certain, however, is that the cape/poncho worn over quilted, panelled pants is not for everyone. We're just being honest.

Where: iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, NV
When: September 20, 2013

The two pieces that make up this black-and-white leather look seem safe enough to attempt individually. But only a superstar can pull them off in tandem, especially with that many gold chains piled on.

Where: 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards
When: September 28, 2013

Is it just us or are Quavo and Takeoff of Migos taking this Versace thing a little too seriously? The commitment to this pair of textured, colorful looks requires a level of confidence that only a rapper could provide.

Where: Indigo O2 in London, England
When: October 7, 2013

As is his wont, Rick Ross shows off his magnificent belly by going shirtless under an allover-print jacket. Comfort is always to be applauded, after all. And it's a pretty innocuous move all things considered, but the addition of an alligator leather jogger worn well below the waist is the rapper-est/baller-est a look can get.

Where: "Yeezus Tour" Opening Night; Seattle, Wash.
When: October 19, 2013

This isn't only something a rapper should and attempt, but probably only something Kanye should attempt. Kanye's been known to rock a mask, but the complete Margiela wardrobe that was supplied for the "Yeezus Tour" will probably be comprised solely of outfits that should only be worn during a wild and dramatic spectacle like Ye's current tour.