Style History: Frank Ocean

Here is a look back at some of the singer's most memorable looks.

Feb 25, 2013
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Complex Original

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Frank Ocean, without a doubt, gets the award for most improved style—we've even named him one of the best dressed celebrities of the year already. That isn't to say he dressed badly before, just that his look now is more put-together with a solid identity. And frankly, that's something we think deserves recognition—don't pull a Chris Brown; acknowledge it. As they say, "Give credit where credit is due." Right?

But instead of just doing a recap of the past few months, we decided to go the extra mile and give you a look at Ocean's style over the years. Without further ado here is Frank Ocean's Style History.

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cardigan

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Where: The Lonny Breaux Collection mixtape cover

When: 2011

Complex says: The photo above is the same photo that was used for his mixtape, The Lonny Breaux Collection (he previously went by the name Lonny Breaux). It's always interesting to see how celebrities (or anyone, really) dressed before. He is clearly channeling his collegiate days with that cardigan.

polo

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Where: Unknown

When: 2011

Complex says: This is the singer from his Odd Future days. He was a lot more casual back then, and wore polo shirts. Thankfully, he's moved on from that style.

odd future

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Where: Los Angeles Times

When: April 10, 2011

Complex says: It could be argued that Odd Future is one of the best dressed crews in hip-hop history... Actually, we did say that.

studio

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Where: Studio

When: 2011

Complex says: Mr. Ocean showing love to Fucking Awesome, a.k.a one of the greatest streetwear brands ever.

streetwear

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Where: Unknown

When: 2011

Complex says: It's unclear where and when this photo was taken, but one thing's for sure: This was Frank Ocean during his streetwear days. Not that he doesn't wear Supreme or ONLY NY anymore, maybe the former more than the latter, but he's expanded his wardrobe to include other brands. These days, he's also wearing Dior Homme, Common Projects, and Maison Martin Margiela, amongst others.

novacane video

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Where: "Novacane" video

When: June 2011

Complex says: This was our first glimpse at what would become Frank Ocean's signature style for the year (he wore plenty of Asian style garments in 2011). He hasn't worn them as much since but you really can't talk about the singer's personal style without acknowledging them.

swim good video

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Where: "Swim Good" video

When: September 2011

Complex says: Consider this his signature look throughout the Nostalgia, Ultra time. It may not be for everyone, but you've got to give him credit for trying something different.

bowery ballroom

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Where: Bowery Ballroom in New York City

When: November 27, 2011

Complex says: This crisp white shirt and double-breasted suit jacket will forever be remembered by Frank Ocean fans, especially considering it's what he wore during his NYC debut.

vogue

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Where: L'Uomo Vogue December 2011 issue

When: December 2011

Complex says: Does he get a pass for wearing that green velvet suit because it was for a magazine photo shoot, and was presumably styled by someone else? Discuss.

Channel Orange Promo

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Where: Channel Orange Promo

When: 2012

Complex says: This tennis fit is fresh. Nice choice on the Fred Perry polo, too.

lollapalooza

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Where: Lollapalooza festival

When: August 2012

Complex says: The interesting thing about this look is both of Frank Ocean's shirt and rising sun bandana have sort of become signatures of his look. He'll often wear button downs (the two-tone on this Sidian, Ersatz, and Vanes one is a nice touch). He's worn the headband so many times that it's easily recognizable as a Frank Ocean thing. We challenge you to go to one of his shows and tell us you didn't see a single fan wear one, too. 

paris

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Where: Paris

When: Unknown

Complex says: "Got my Oakley sunnies and camo Stone Island jacket on, and the Eiffel Tower in the background for shits. No biggie."

terry

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Where: Terry Richardson's studio

When: August 2012

Complex says: That's a pretty awesome T-Shirt.

mtv vmas

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Where: 2012 MTV Video Music Awards

When: September 6, 2012

Complex says: Who says you can't wear polka dots and plaid at the same DAMN TIME? Nothing is off limits for this guy.

2012 mtv vmas

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Where: 2012 MTV Video Music Awards

When: September 6, 2012

Complex says: A lot can be said about the subtlety of his all black look. A lot can also be said about his awesome stage set-up at the VMAs.

uncapped

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Where: "Uncapped" show in New York, NY

When: September 2012

Complex says: Battle of the headbands? Both Frank Ocean and Bon Iver hit the stage wearing a bandana that night.

SNL

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Where: Saturday Night Live

When: September 15, 2012

Complex says: The Supreme hockey jersey was a great choice for his SNL debut.

all tomorrow's parties festival

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Where: All Tomorrow's Parties Festival in New York, NY

When: September 21, 2012

Complex says: Is that a camo Stone Island jacket we see? Yes, indeed it is. Nice one, Frankie.

chanel

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Where: Chanel "La Petite Veste Noire" Paris launch

When: November 2012

Complex says: He gave this one a shot, but don't know how we feel about that shirt and vest combo. We wonder what Karl Lagerfeld is thinking. He always has something to say.

gq party

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Where: GQ Men of the Year party

When: November 13, 2012

Complex says: Yves Saint Laurent sweater? Check. Rihanna on your arm? Double, triple, quadruple check.

gq

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Where: GQ December 2012 issue

When: December 2012

Complex says: Even Frank Ocean, who doesn't normally fall for trends, wore Givenchy, and the widely popular Shark T-Shirt, no less.

gq 2

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Where: GQ December 2012 issue

When: December 2012

Complex says: Not everyone can pull off a tartan plaid blazer. Frank actually manages to pull off this one from GANT Rugger.

levis party

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Where: Levi's 501 140 Year Anniversary Party in Los Angeles

When: February 2013

Complex says: Lucky Frank got his hands on this Visvim varsity jacket.

Grammys 2013

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Where: 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards

When: February 10, 2013

Complex says: It was really right around this time that we started to see Frank Ocean grow into his own, eccentric sense of style. The yellow suit is definitely a style risk, but what's life without risks?

brit awards

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Where: 2013 BRIT Awards

When: February 20, 2013

Complex says: February has been a pretty successful month for Frank Ocean. He took home two Grammys and then a BRIT award for "International Male Solo Artist" (and the statue designed by Damien Hirst, no less). During the latter, he accepted his award in an Undercover by Jun Takahashi leather biker jacket and a Supreme floral tee (before the collection was even out). If that isn't ending strong, we don't know what is. 

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