The 20 Stages of Jay-Z's Style

Era of Prominence: Late 1980s

It was the 1980s and Jay-Z definitely was dressed like it. The rapper worked with Jaz-O at the time and appeared on tour with Big Daddy Kane. His look? A hi-top fade, four-finger rings, and dookie chains. This clearly isn't the same Jay we know now, but how awesome would it be if he grew a hi-top fade again?

Era of Prominence: 1998-early 2000s

Before Jay-Z changed clothes there was this: a time when he wore jerseys. No sports team was off-limits. Hov's extensive collection included the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Cubs, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Angels, amongst others. He wore jerseys in some of his most memorable videos and shows. Who could forget the New York Knicks jersey he wore in the "Izzo (H.O.V.A)" video? Or the one he wore at Hot 97's Summer Jam in 2001 when he brought Michael Jackson on stage? These days you're more likely to spot him in a custom Brooklyn Nets jersey.

Era of Prominence: Late 1990s-early 2000s

Sure, Jay wore regular durags, as many rappers did at the time. But let's be honest, his T-shirts as durags were far more interesting (positive or not, take it how you will). Some even say he was responsible for popularizing the look. Whether or not you agree with that statement or the trend itself, you can't deny the fact that this Hov once existed. And if it weren't for him (and a few other rappers), there would be no YouTube videos about how to wrap a shirt on your head, or step-by-step instructions on eHow. 

Era of Prominence: 1999-early 2000s

Who better to promote Rocawear than Jay-Z himself? When he and Dame Dash launched the clothing line in 1999, the rapper was the first one to rock the gear. And seeing Jigga, one of the biggest rap stars, wear the designs made fans want it, too. Which would explain how Rocawear became one of the most popular labels in the early 2000s.  

Era of Prominence: Early 2000s

By this time, Jay had already tried a few trends, from a hi-top fade to team jerseys. But he didn't stop there. Next up? Polo shirts. He adopted the preppy look, one of the greatest men's style innovations. He rocked Lacoste and, of course, Rocawear. 

Era of Prominence: early 2000s

Jay-Z's raps reflect his life in all ways possible, including his interests at the time. When songs like "All I Need", "Show You How", and "Big Pimpin'" were released, he was known to wear bucket hats. Even Kanye West, who shared a story about his first time meeting Jay at Baseline Studios in "Last Call", made a reference to a Hov who wore the popular headgear. 

Era of Prominence: Early 2000s

Jay-Z made the denim and button-down shirt combination more popular than ever. Dudes everywhere went to the mall and picked up their own striped button ups following Jay's raps and videos, such as "Change Clothes" and "What More Can I Say?"

Era of Prominence: Mid 2000s-present 

Fact: Jay-Z's bank account allows him to spend thousands of dollars on clothes. And while he certainly does that at times, he still appreciates a good graphic T-shirt or hoodie from some of the best streetwear brands, particularly Pharrell's Billionaire Boys Club. Hov's been rocking and name-dropping BBC since the early 2000s and, to this day, gives it his co-sign—as a partner.

Era of Prominence: 2008-2010

At the time, it wasn't just chains that were hanging around Jay's neck. It was rare to see him without a scarf—maybe his ice was just too chilly, zing! Though the scarves were always different, they were always worn the same way: We call it the I-just-threw-this-on wrap-around.

Era of Prominence: Late 2000s

If there's one thing item that Jay-Z's known for, it's a New York Yankee hat. The rapper wore it and rapped about it so often that people began associating him with the headgear—it helps that he's a devout fan of the team. Even the baseball organization understood Hov's impact. In 2010, they worked with him to create a line of Jay-Z branded Yankee hats, sweaters, and T-shirts in honor of his show at the Yankee stadium with Eminem, the first concert at the venue. 

Era of Prominence: 2009

When Jay-Z rapped, "I might wear black for a year straight" in "Death of Autotune" he meant it. Throughout the year, he wore the shade during performances, in videos, and events. He even inspired his fans to dress alike—they definitely attended the Blueprint 3 Tour in all black everything, just as Jay did. And while no one can really claim to have started wearing all black first, at the very least, Hov was the one to have popularized it. 

Era of Prominence: 2010

The year was up, and so was the all black everything phase. Following that look, Hov tried a military-inspired style, often rocking cargo shorts and even a military hat. The hat sort of came from left field, but at this point, Jay broke the record for most number-one albums, which he previously shared with Elvis Presley, so he really was el capitán of the game. Why not let everyone know?

Era of Prominence: 2011-present

Though Jay-Z doesn't walk around in suits all day, he does know when formal wear is needed. And when it is needed, more often than not, Hov wears Tom Ford. He made the announcement of the new Brooklyn Nets team while wearing one of Ford's designs. He also wore the label during his Carnegie Hall shows. When he got with Justin Timberlake for their "Suit and Tie" track, both were also outfitted by the American designer. It's probably safe to say that Tom Ford is Jay's go-to for suits. Ford is, after all, the only one who got a song named after him in the upcoming Magna Carta Holy Grail. 

Era of Prominence: 2011-2012

Jay-Z was undoubtedly inspired by Kanye West, who, if we're being honest, (probably) introduced hip-hop to Givenchy. The same year the pair embarked on their Watch the Throne journey—the album and the respective tour—Jay started wearing plenty of leather and gold chain, a la Yeezy, and of course Givenchy. From custom Riccardo Tisci designs to silk shirts from the spring/summer 2013 collection that had yet to hit stores at the time, the King of New York was on top of it all, at times even outshining  the dozens of other celebrities who hopped on the Givenchy train. 

Era of Prominence: 2011-present

It started with a Just Don snakeskin snapback that, at the time, wasn't in stores yet. Soon, that was followed by a few other Don C creations—including an all black cap and a custom Nets snapback—a sold-out Leroy Jenkins floral headgear, and a Mighty Healthy New York hat. Since then, it's been pretty rare to see Hov without a snap back, one you could see his cut through the holes. 

Era of Prominence: 2011-present

It was 2011 when we got a peak at Jay's new accessory: the very rare, very expensive $24,000 Cartier Panthère ring. And it was in 2011 that the rapper really began to put everyone else's accessories to shame. The ring was followed by a custom Dries van Noten brooch pin, a diamond Cartier pin, a Lanvin chain, and, possibly the most impressive of all, his five kilo Rafaello & Co. chain. What a line up. 

Era of Prominence: Spring 2012

In the spring of 2012, Jay-Z was constantly spotted in a black blazer with a V-neck underneath. He wore the look when he announced his Made in America two-day festival, and again at the YouTube Upfronts event, and while out in London. This look was short-lived, though, and only lasted a few months.  

Era of Prominence: Summer 2012-present

After being anti-skinny jeans for years, Jay finally succumbed to the look in the summer of 2012. He was spotted in Manchester wearing slim-fit denim paired with Timberlands and a grey hoodie. So what changed? Did his stylist June Ambrose have a hand in this? Maybe Jigga finally realized it was 2013 and it was time to give up the baggy look. 

Era of Prominence: Winter 2012-2013 

Hov killed the outerwear game between 2012 and 2013. He rocked everything from a Simon Spurr coat to an Alexander Wang double breasted coat with leather sleeves, and even a $4,580 Balmain Pinks Punk calfskin leather jacket. This stage was important because it showed the growth in his style. It was no longer just leather bomber jackets or hoodies. 

Era of Prominence: Summer 2012, Spring 2013

Hot off the heels of Watch the Throne, and the Givenchy stage that came with it, Hov toned down his look quite a bit. His style went from leather garments and gold chains to slogan T-Shirts and sweaters, and sometimes camo pants, though the former was more frequent than the latter. We saw him rock everything from Acne's "Global" crewneck to the Rodarte for Opening Ceremony hoodie at an NBA game. More recently, he announced his upcoming album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, wearing a Surface to Air "Go Home" sweatshirt.