Style Icon: Tupac's Memorable Looks

Image via Complex Original

"Tupac Back!" Thank Rick Ross and the rest of MMG for bringing his name back into the rap lexicon. Unfortunately, the Harlem-born, Cali-bred rapper is no longer with us. If he were still here, today the rapper would be celebrating his 40th birthday. So as a way of remembering the impact he made on music, culture and style, we've collected some classic moments from his too-short life. Some of Pac's fashion choices may seem borderline-crazy today, but he rocked them with confidence and they still look awesome today. So raise a glass, we'd like salute Pac as a Style Icon and take a look back at his strong individualistic style.

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WHERE: Baltimore School of the Arts High School
WHEN: 1980s
COMPLEX SAYS: Pre-Thug Life days, Pac looks like a young prep.

WHERE: Soul Train Music Awards
WHEN: 1993
COMPLEX SAYS: Pac was one of the first to rock this new version of the denim chore coat.

WHERE: Partying in LA
WHEN: 1993
COMPLEX SAYS: Notice how fresh Pac looked rocking the different shades of blue in one 'fit.

WHERE: On the set of A Different World
WHEN: 1993
COMPLEX SAYS: Trend Alert: snapback, beaded necklace, and colored denim jacket. We also love this cameo from pre-Will Jada.

WHERE: With friend, Mickey Rourke
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: Anyone bold enough to pull off the all-white look has our respect.

WHERE: Vibe Magazine shoot
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: THUG LIFE!

WHERE: Leaving NYC courthouse
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: This throwback Detroit Red Wings jersey is super dope. If only we had it in our collection.

WHERE: Above The Rim
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: When everyone was on classic leather jackets, Pac switched it up with an orange joint.

WHERE: Nick Broomfield's Biggie and Tupac
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: The leather vest and skull tee are tough. The bike gang look still pops off today.

WHERE: MTV Video Music Awards
WHEN: 1996
COMPLEX SAYS: Dude held his own, standing next to the West Coast trendsetter, Snoop.

WHERE: Death Row photoshoot
WHEN: 1996
COMPLEX SAYS: We're confused by the leather body contraption, but the buffalo plaid shirt is fresh.

WHERE: Backstage
WHEN: 1995
COMPLEX SAYS: The velour shirt and snakeskin belt are a lot of "fashion" for one rapper, but Pac pulls it off, along with his extensive collection of gold.

WHERE: Photoshoot
WHEN: 1995
COMPLEX SAYS: The Cartier frames are ill.

WHERE: Unknown event
WHEN: 1996
COMPLEX SAYS: What better way to end than with Pac suited up with a top hat. West side for life, R.I.P.