Image via Complex Original
2 Chainz has been everywhere in the past year. He's had tons of guest appearances and dropped his first full-length album, Based on a T.R.U. Story. The Atlanta rapper has also undergone a style progression, and documented it all through his Instagram account. And today, his latest album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time is dropping.
Once known for his True Religion addiction, 2 Chainz has switched up his style and heavily gotten into leather, designer gear, and remembering his throwback days of being a college basketball player. In fact, he's not just a rapper we listen to for witty and funny punchlines, flows, and references, but he's also someone we can look up to for style advice.
Along the way, he's had his successes and hiccups, but 2 Chainz overall is one of the best-dressed rappers from his city and in the game right now. So while you're bumping his latest tracks, take a few cues from his style, too. Here are Style Tips You Can Learn From 2 Chainz' Instagram.
RELATED: Style Tips You Can Learn From Drake's Instagram
RELATED: Year in Style: 2 Chainz
Layering is always great, even if it's done in unconventional ways.
Caption: That's it......
Date: February 18, 2013
When it's cold, we all love to layer our clothing. But what if you don't wear oxford shirts and lambswool sweaters? This is where you can try and layer in new ways. Take notice of how 2 Chainz rocks spandex underneath his leather shorts, and a sweatshirt underneath his vest. This look might not be for everyone, but in moderation, it can be real dope.
The least stylish man is the one who's not dressed for the situation.
Caption: I woke up in a new polaris
Date: March 10, 2013
We all want to stunt on a regular basis, but this means dressing differently for every situation life throws at you. Sometimes this means wearing a sweatsuit if you're going to ride four-wheelers in the woods. Sure, we'd all love to shoot an ironic picture of wearing double monk straps or a leather shirt while doing this, but you don't look fresh, you look like a dick. And that's exactly why 2 Chainz ditched his crazy gear to enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
Timbs can literally be worn with anything.
Caption: Euroslimm
Date: March 18, 2013
We're glad that Timberland boots are back in style. The rugged footwear staple looks great with anything when it's cold outside. 2 Chainz shows that they can be worn with a shearling-lined coat, and we can't wait until it's officially Timbs season again.
Great style, with all your faults, will always give you at least one redeeming quality.
Caption: Locked me up and then Wanted pictures smh
Date: February 13, 2013
In February 2013, 2 Chainz was arrested for marijuana possession in Maryland, but after he was apprehended, the cops wanted a picture with the rapper. Maybe it's because he's famous, or maybe because he has cool personal style. We know one thing for sure, these two cops could definitely take pointers from how casual 2 Chainz dresses, and relax just a bit.
Wearing an insane amount of fashionable pieces at once should be left to rappers and celebrities.
Caption: Coachella
Date: April 13, 2013
We all look at what rappers and celebrities are wearing, and more times than not, it's an insane amount of high-end, designer, and next-level pieces. We can pick and choose what we dig from their outfits, but leave wearing it all at once to people like 2 Chainz. He's a performer, it's part of his persona. If you wear En Noir leather pants and a sleeveless Givenchy T-shirt, you'll become an Internet meme.
Don't try too hard when you're kicking it with fashion-forward women.
Caption: @ritaora and I at this @itsjeremyscott event at Frank Sinatra krib
Date: April 14, 2013
We understand, you finally get your chance to hang out with the super trendy girl on Tumblr you've been following for two years. Don't go all out, and try and dress as street stylish as possible. 2 Chainz is chilling with Rita Ora at a Jeremy Scott event. But instead of wearing the most challenging pieces from the designer's collections, he just sported a tank top and still made a great impression.
Mixing fabrics and prints gives a new dimension to a white and black outfit.
Caption: Euro Slimm
Date: April 20, 2013
White and black ensembles are so easy to put together, but if you don't switch things up, they can become predictable. 2 Chainz does a good job of wearing white sneakers with printed leggings underneath black shorts with a black shirt with printed, see-through sleeves. This isn't a style for everyone, but adding prints and different fabrics into your steez will make a world of difference.
If the weather calls for it, try and go sleeveless.
Caption: Doing Wut I luv to do
Date: May 10, 2013
When it's warm, there's no shame in going sleeveless. It's rarely appropriate, but if you're at a music festival, bask in the freeness that letting your pits breathe gives you. 2 Chainz is doing what he loves to do, and not breaking a sweat.
Invest in quality loungewear.
Caption: GQ magazine : Versace boxing robe wit Belt
Date: May 21, 2013
There's nothing more luxe than relaxing in a designer robe in the comfort of your own home. It's a style that others won't see, but you'll give an extra bounce to your step when you choose to go out in society. No surprise, 2 Chainz has a Versace robe, and it's so opulent, that he's proud to wear it out of his abode.
One standout accessory can differentiate your style.
Caption: Virgo Season, me and Nas
Date: February 11, 2013
Remember when 2 Chainz wore a crazy Versace belt and looked like Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase? We sure do. And if it wasn't for this accessory, we wouldn't be talking about this outfit from the rapper. But his large, gold belt made it awesome—even if it seems like crazy idea. Hey, if Nas co-signs you, it can't be a bad thing.
Always, always wear a watch.
Caption: I jus b koolin
Date: May 30, 2013
These days, we can all tell time from our constantly-charged cell phones. Watches are no longer necessary, but keeping a timepiece isn't just a good look, but it sets you apart as someone who has completed their style. 2 Chainz' Versace watch does a lot of different things for him: it shows his love for the Italian brand, it keeps time, and gives him status. Even if you can't afford this watch, there are plenty of options with your price range.
Socks just don't keep your feet warm and dry, they can also make a statement.
Caption: Big Sean adidas
Date: December 30, 2013
Fall is on its way, and the sockless trend is going to meet its end in a few weeks—unless you haven't done your laundry in a minute. This mean we'll all be reaching for heavier socks to keep us warm, and make a style statement. Usually, we opt for something printed or cozy and wooly, but 2 Chainz opted for these COMME des FUCKDOWN socks. We can't argue with him.
When everyone goes right, it's time to switch up your style and go left.
Caption: TurnUPPPP
Date: June 2, 2013
This year at Summer Jam, everyone—literally, everyone—wore leather. 2 Chainz, who has been known to wear leather himself, decided to don a Katie Eary shotset instead of being draped in hides. So when you see a trend get over-saturated, it's time to try something new.
Always pride yourself in your past successes, but don't be afraid to move in a new direction.
Caption: Jus left mama krib
Date: January 6, 2013
Throwback Thursday is always a time to stunt your epic steez from younger days. Give yourself a pat on the back, and remember the times past. Then, you should move on and continue on your style evolution. Look at 2 Chainz: He used to have a high-top box fade back in the day, which is a look that used to kill it in the late-'80s and early-'90s. But if he had that style today, we're not sure how it would mesh with his head-to-toe look.
Don't be afraid to play with proportion.
Caption: South African swag
Date: July 4, 2013
2 Chainz knows what's up with wearing something that drapes. We've seen him wear long shirts, but for his visit to South Africa, he wore a huge robe placed over a dashiki. This is an unexpected combination, and it's also what makes it the best.
Vintage sports gear is always worth sporting.
Caption: Thought we wus da Miami Boyz haha
Date: January 6, 2013
The Miami Hurricanes used to be one of college football's unfuckwithable programs, and they had the on-field swagger to match their play. Their mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, was found on T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts all across the country. This is personified by 2 Chainz and his boys all rocking the team's gear. If you happen to have a piece or two of vintage sports gear sitting in your closet, don't be afraid to break it out and mix it into your modern outfits.
Sports jerseys don't have to designate you as a jock.
Caption: Gwen Paltrow and I
Date: July 14, 2013
This past summer, we saw the resurgence of sports jerseys, specifically baseball and hockey jerseys. But you don't have to wear a throwback. Search-out high fashion or streetwear options. 2 Chainz' baseball jersey game is letting him chill with Gwyneth Paltrow. Was it his jersey or his rap career? We'd like to think it's both.
When in doubt, it's OK to fall back on an old classic.
Caption: Last pic from me of the game
Date: January 13, 2013
There are certain clothing pieces that will get props no matter what decade it is. They come in many different forms: flannel shirts, straight-leg jeans, or, in 2 Chainz' case, San Francisco 49ers jackets. The Niners are finally back since the days of Joe Montana and Steve Young, and 2 Chainz' jacket was cool then and now. But realize, he doesn't keep it 100 percent old school, either, and that's why this look works.
Have a signature scent that matches your personality.
Caption: Look, dress and I even smell like success
Date: July 15, 2013
The way we smell can get an equal reaction to the way dress, so it should be a reflection of how we want to be perceived. For 2 Chainz, it's Bond No. 9's "Success" cologne. And, by the look of things, smelling like success has translated to his life and career.
We all make mistakes, but the point is to learn from them.
Caption: Lil sumthn
Date: January 20, 2013
2 Chainz buttoned the bottom button of his suit jacket. You should never do that. Not even 2 Chainz gets a pass for this faux-pas. But, as awful as this miscue is, it's OK. We all slip-up from time to time, but it's an opportunity for growth. Just as long as we can admit we fucked up. Other than the button mishap, 2 Chainz' suit and tie look is official.
Details, such as custom jerseys, are always a good touch.
Caption: Me at the 1 and @kobebryant at the 2... Best backcourt in the league
Date: August 4, 2013
Putting your own signature on a garment is a special feeling. Instead of just putting a monogram on your short sleeve, executing a tongue-in-cheek joke on a sports jersey is way better. 2 Chainz' custom Los Angeles Lakers jerseys (yes, two of them), are something that only he can wear. And they will make him leagues flyer than everyone else.
The varsity jacket will get you respect from people from all walks of life.
Caption: Me and director Michael Patrick King, my acting debut
Date: January 22, 2013
The varsity jacket is a piece of outerwear that will never go out of style. Even if it's not actually from a high school squad, they bring back memories for everyone and pull their nostalgic strings. It will also get you cred with more than just your stylish friends. Case and point: Here's 2 Chainz chopping it up with the director of 2 Broke Girls, Michael Patrick King, and he's subtly rocking a crazy amount of leather, but his varsity jacket makes it acceptable.
Take note of the up-and-coming brands, and rock them your own way.
Caption: I'm addicted to working hard
Date: August 24, 2013
KTZ has become one of hip-hop's favorite brands, but it still has underground cache. The brand's apocalyptic-and Ilumminate-referencing designs have been worn by the likes of A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, and, now, 2 Chainz. Instead of copying either of those artists' looks, 2 Chainz's flip-up sunglasses from Vintage Frames make the look completely his own, and he rocks it with full confidence.
