The 15 Stages of Drake's Style

Image via Complex Original

Era Of Prominence: 1986-2000

Started from the bottom right? From an early age Drake was rocking polka dot sweatshirts, plaid vests, and sideways lavender hats with coordinating T-shirts. And who could forget his memorable outfit from the "HYFR" video? Perhaps style was always in his genes?

Era Of Prominence: 2001-2004

Drake's Degrassi days used to get brought up often, but it's clear that his current success far outweighs his past gig. His style on the show looked like every other kid transitioning from tween to teen, and seeing Drake come of age in front of the camera is eerie but at the same time it's nice to know that he didn't always wear Versace or En Noir. He's just like us.

Era Of Prominence: 2004-2007

Drake finished off his last few seasons of Degrassi in a wheelchair, which would come back and haunt him as the "Wheelchair Drake meme" a few years later. He took it all in stride though, as a self-aware Drake debuted the "Wheelchair Jimmy Dance" at a California show last year.

Era Of Prominence: 2006-2008

Drake started to shed his teenage years and adopt a more grown-up look as he transitioned from child actor to rapper. His love for warm clothing was foreshadowed by his outerwear game. One of the most popular photos of Drake that circulated in his early rap days had him rocking a shawl-collar peacoat with the collar popped. He also wore toggle coats and donned shades on the regular—something we'd see later in his career.

Era Of Prominence: 2009

When Drake dropped So Far Gone, his star began to rise higher than ever. His style followed suit, not only rocking covetable kicks like Jordans and Yeezys, but also designer gear from Comme des Garcons PLAY. He also started to appear in ads for streetwear brands like LRG.

Era Of Prominence: 2009-2011

Like his own version of the Rosewood Movement, Drake really knew how to rock a suit well. He liked to even get a little experimental and throw a black button-down underneath or even rock unorthodox colors like burgundy. He can keep it classic when he needs to, and when he stunts in a charcoal grey suit and white button-down, no one can touch him.

Era Of Prominence: 2010

Following the release of his first album, Drake stepped out into the spotlight wearing an array of sneakers, streetwear, and hardy boots from brands like Yuketen. He embraced patterns like camo, foreshadowing his later predilection for prints like leopard, and the world got its first glimpse of the October's Very Own brand in the form of a custom Roots varsity jacket.

Era Of Prominence: 2011

Drake was being literal in "Say What's Real" when he spit: "When Stefano Pilati suits are your night clothes / And Jordan sweat suits are your flight clothes." You already know he cleans up well in a suit, but his casual game was all about comfort for a time. He wasn't afraid to step out in coordinating sweats, and even turned it up in a velour Versace track suit.

Era Of Prominence: Fall 2011-Summer 2012

Drake went about launching his OVO line in a smart way. As he told us in this interview:

"I want people to be a part of our movement, I just want it to be right. And everybody else wants me to make it with the cheaper fabric and put it in Macy’s and ‘Oh don't worry we will make 100 million in the first year.’ Naw, fuck you, because that's not what we are about. I'm not ready for OVO to be that. Because OVO is still something I represent."

From limited distribution to high-quality products like a leather Canada Goose jacket with 24K gold accessories, it's evident that motto hasn't changed.

Era Of Prominence: Fall 2011

Drake's love of sweaters has got him a lot of flack, but you can't fault the Canadian for wanting gear that keeps him warm. It's cold up there, after all. From cardigans to shawl-collar crewnecks to magenta cable knits to designer interpretations from Missoni, Drake embraced them all with open arms, and didn't care what the haters had to say. In fact, he said he'd like to collaborate with Missoni if they're down.

Era Of Prominence: 2011-2012

Perhaps influenced by Miami, Drake took to dressing like pseudo-drug overlord during certain appearances and videos. The look was characterized by shades, an open silk patterned shirt, and details like velvet slippers, a Cuban link necklace, and accessories like pinky rings and bracelets.

Era Of Prominence: Late 2011-2012

Drake's outerwear game has always been consistent, but here's when he stunted in it. From limited-edition North Face jackets from Supreme and his own OVO x Canada Goose Chilliwack parka and luxurious bombers from Rick Owens, he also showed an appreciation of the classics, rocking Patagonia down jackets and a Synchilla Snap-T. Way to rep Patagucci, Drizzy.

Era Of Prominence: Late 2011-Early 2012

For a time Drake rocked athletic gloves with practically everything. From batting gloves to football gloves, it seemed like Drake was aiming to start a new trend. Or maybe he just wanted to get a more secure grip on the mic?

Era Of Prominence: Spring 2012

Drake started rocking a mix of established streetwear and high-fashion brands like Supreme, Jil Sander, and Marcelo Burlon for a time, mixing in other high-end designers like Balmain for good measure.

Era Of Prominence: Early 2013

As of late, Drake's readily embraced the street goth aesthetic. He's been spotted in everything from bright red leather pants from En Noir to black screenprinted tees from Hood By Air. Of course, he keeps it real and mixes in some of his own signature style choices, like OVO gear, covetable Jordans, and gold chains.