Image via Complex Original
The entertainment industry isn't just about talent anymore—though that's definitely still a big component. It's also about appearance, which is why celebrities like to (or at least try to) put their best foot, jacket, or shirt forward.
This year we saw rappers, athletes, singers, and actors undergo sartorial transformations, work with new stylists, and educate themselves on new brands. But with that said, not everyone pulled it off. Some were trendy, but being "trendy" doesn't always mean looking good in your clothes. All things considered, though, there were some who stood out from the pack.
Admittedly, they wore some of the most popular brands right now, and have tried their hand at the hottest trends. What the hell sets them apart? Without sounding like a broken record, originality (like, putting their own spin on trends), risk-taking, consistency, and mastering the art of not looking like they care too much, but still looking great in their clothes.
While usual suspects like Kanye West and A$AP Rocky, are on the list, there plenty of stylish underdogs who made the cut too. Meet the The Most Stylish Celebrities of 2013 (So Far) .
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15. LeBron James
All hairline jokes aside, LeBron James is one of the better dressed NBA players in the league, and one of the more stylish celebrities. The two-time champion frequents in designer clothing, and on occasion, custom-made whatever-he-wants, like these sold-out Balenciaga Arena sneakers. He didn't always dress like this, but it's a good thing the past is in the past.
14. Big Sean
It isn't that Big Sean just became stylish now—the opposite, he's been one of the better dressed dudes in the industry for years. He nabs a spot on this list because of his new-found minimalistic, sometimes street goth look. He's worn more familiar designer brands, such as Balenciaga and Balmain in the past (and still does at times). But he's widened his reach, adding lesser known label such as Alexandre Plokhov.
13. Zachary Quinto
Truth be told, Zachary Quinto hadn't really made it onto our radar until this spring, when he promoted Star Trek Into Darkness, wherein he plays Commander Spock. But once we started seeing him everywhere, we noticed something: He could easily make a case for being one of the most stylish actors right now. There wasn't a single guy out there who wore a suit better than him. And even better, he didn't miss a single note even when he was dressed more casually.
12. Miguel
It's been a huge year for Miguel so far. He put out one of the best albums and arguably one of the hottest tracks with "Adorn"—even the toughest guys sing along to it. But it isn't just talent that he has, he's actually also pretty stylish. What makes his look more interesting than other R&B singers' is that he doesn't necessarily dress the way an R&B singer should or is expected to. Miguel's style is more of a mix between rock and 90's grunge. He'll wear a suit when the event calls for it, but you're also as likely to see him in a T-Shirt with holes, ripped denim, and plenty of leather motorcycle jackets.
11. John Mayer
John Mayer's style is undoubtedly different, which is why, at a quick glance, his outfits may make some of you question his tastes. But the closer you look at it, and the more you see it, you'll realize that this guy's actually killing it. His Visvim looks are second to none, and he doesn't look half bad in a suit either. If there's one celebrity who still keeps things interesting and unique, it's Mr. Mayer himself, who we might add is getting ready to drop another album. So, hide your daughters, sisters, and—fuck it—mothers, too.
10. Pusha T
Pusha T makes the list because he's one of the most consistent of the bunch. His style hasn't changed much in the last year or so, and that's okay. At this point, he's figured out what works for him. He still rocks the same brands, save for a few new ones he's introduced us to, such as Juun.J and Marcelo Burlon.
His new album, My Name is My Name, will drop next week. Which means we'll be seeing more of the G.O.O.D Music rapper. Which also means that maybe some of these ill-dressed rappers can learn a thing or two about style from Pusha.
9. Diplo
Diplo's music is all about finding inspirations from various cultures and, essentially, finding what's "next." The same can be said about his personal style, though. The producer, label owner, DJ, and sometimes model, doesn't necessarily have just one look. But whether he's in Hood by Air, Kokon to Zai, Givenchy, or a sharp suit, it's still somehow clear that it's Diplo's style.
Sometimes, all the focus is on rappers because they take center stage. But Diplo is a prime example that we also need to pay attention to the people who work in the background. That and because truth be told, Diplo's probably more stylish than half of the artists he's worked with.
8. Pharrell
When Pharrell likes a certain look or trend, he'll wear it for a few months, straight. Right now, he switches between his head-to-toe Lanvin and Billionaire Boys Club outfits. Admittedly, that sort of thing can get repetitive, but it does show the super producer knows what works for him and that he isn't afraid to try new things.
Pharrell Williams: Stylish and doesn't age.
7. Jaden Smith
Jaden Smith kind of just crept up on everyone this year. He has had his fair share of questionable looks, as with many kids who are still figuring out who they are, let alone how they want to dress. But in 2013, right now, he is one of the most stylish celebrities, despite the fact that he's only 15 years old.
Granted that he has the funds (of his own and his parents') to spend at his leisure, Jaden understands that brands don't make an outfit. Of course, he does still wear Givenchy, Raf Simons, and 3.1 Phillip Lim, but he opts for designs and fit, not prints or logos. Rarely will you ever see him in something that's obviously a designer piece, save for the fact that it (probably) looks expensive.
6. Frank Ocean
Much like Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean made one of the biggest style improvements this year. The Channel Orange singer started rocking a dope Stone Island camo jacket, bright colored suits, Maison Martin Margiela sneakers, and a Visvim varsity jacket. He even showed more interest in fashion, sitting front row at the Dior and Valentino shows and appearing in Band of Outsiders' campaign. But what's most notable is his eye for picking great pieces. So, it was inevitable that he would make the list.
5. Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony may not be able to say he's a stylish NBA champion yet, but he's stylish nonetheless. Unlike his basketball peers, he doesn't try to stand out too much, or rock trends for the sake of rocking trends. For that, the man who won the NBA scoring title is also the most stylish NBA player of the 2012-2013 season, and one of the most stylish celebrities, period.
4. Justin Timberlake
2013 was Justin's year. It was this year that we saw the pop singer make a comeback after a five-year hiatus. It's also the year we saw him really come into his own, style-wise anyway. He, with a little help from Jay-Z, popularized the term "suit and tie", and going further, made it every bit a part of his look. Whether it was in videos, at events, or during performances, Timberlake was dressed in the finest suits (often designed by Tom Ford). When he wasn't in his suits and ties, he was rocking Givenchy scarves and plenty of dope outerwear.
This isn't the first time the former 'NSYNC member has landed in one of these lists. But what makes this time different is that JT finally listened. His look is still simple and clean, as it was previously, but it's no longer boring. Woop!
3. Kanye West
Much like Kanye's new album, Yeezus, his personal style takes some getting used to. A prime example is the leather kilt he wore during the Watch The Throne tour. Many scoffed at the look, someone even went as far as making a parody Twitter account. But now, there are other celebrities giving it a shot, making it even possible to call it a "trend." The same could be said about the masks he's worn to fashion week and during his recent shows. Which is why we've said examining his look is like "grading the advanced course." See, whether or not you approve of the jacket he wore on Saturday Night Live or the military jacket he wore in Paris, you're always still sitting in front of your computer, Googling "What was Kanye West wearing at ______ (insert event here)." His outfits alone spark conversations, and for that he deserves a spot.
2. A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky is a shoe-in for any "most stylish celebrities" list. We're not just auto-adding him in here, though. Take a step back for a second and think about the influence this guy has had on fashion and the way rappers dress today. Not only has he introduced us to a plethora of brands, some of which we would have never known or even know how to pronounce if it were not for him. He consistently brings something new to the table, whether it be a mask, as he wore during New York Fashion Week, or a bullet proof vest. Not to mention, if you were to look around you, chances are there are dozens, if not hundreds, of little Rockys around you. We admit that some of the stuff he wears is too wild for us, but it'd be irresponsible and ignorant to ignore his personal style, actual knowledge of fashion, and ability to #influence others.
1. Kendrick Lamar
Truthfully, Kendrick Lamar is one of the bigger surprises on this list. The rapper really stepped up his game this past year, going from someone who wore all variations of hoodies almost all the time (and not much else) to one who has a much more diverse wardrobe, both in terms of trends and brands. We've seen him try the street goth look, and rock brands like Hood by Air, Christopher Kane, and Clothsurgeon. With that said though, what we appreciate most about Lamar's look is that he stays within his lane, meaning he doesn't wear garments for the sake of wearing them or to be "trendy"—he's aware of what works for him and what should be left to other celebs. Everyone knows he is one of the better lyricists in the game, but he's also quietly but steadfastly becoming one of the most stylish as well.