Abel Tesfaye, known universally as The Weeknd, isn’t just a musical giant. To be honest, he’s become a major player in the fashion world too. His personal style has shifted dramatically over time. [Imagine] the transformation he’s undergone. It’s really quite something. He started with a look that was super low-key. Now he makes choices that are bold, sometimes even wild. This article dives into his style right now. We’ll stack it up against his earlier looks. We can see how these changes connect to bigger trends in fashion. Honestly, this kind of evolution is fascinating.
The Humble Beginnings: Casual and Mysterious
Back when he first started, his style was really chill. Think of those early mixtapes like *House of Balloons* from 2011. He had this aura of mystery about him. His clothes were often one color tone. He liked wearing things that were oversized. Dark, quiet colors were his standard. They fit perfectly with his moody, introspective music. Hoodies and bomber jackets were staples. He wore beanies a lot too. This helped build that enigmatic vibe. Fans really felt that connection. It wasn’t just clothes; it was a whole feeling. A survey by Lyst highlighted something cool. Searches for oversized clothes shot up significantly in 2012. It seems to me The Weeknd definitely played a part in that.
During this phase, being comfortable came first. High fashion wasn’t his main game yet. His outfits were simple jeans. He wore easy graphic tees. Casual sneakers finished everything off. This approach made him feel relatable. Fans felt like he was authentic. They loved the rawness of his sound. [Imagine] his outfit at Coachella in 2012. He had on a classic black hoodie. Ripped jeans were part of it. Those signature high-top sneakers stood out clearly. This wasn’t about looking fancy at all. It was about showing the realness of his art.
Stepping Towards a Polished Look
His career moved forward quickly. Albums like *Beauty Behind the Madness* dropped in 2015. *Starboy* came out in 2016 right after that. His personal style began changing noticeably. It started looking much more polished. He embraced a new, sophisticated appearance. This happened as he became more famous globally. He started linking up with major fashion houses. His relationship with Givenchy felt like a big moment. He wore sharp, tailored suits to events. Unique little accessories always finished the looks. This really showed his move into high fashion spaces. It was definitely a shift!
This wasn’t just a personal style tweak. It mirrored a growing trend for stars. Artists began using their fashion choices powerfully. In 2016, H&M made him a brand ambassador. This collaboration boosted his fashion profile a lot. The Fashion Institute of Technology did a study on this. They found that many consumers feel more connected to brands. This happens when celebrities endorse them. It shows how his style choices started influencing people broadly. I believe artists have a real power here.
The Boldness of Recent Style
Let’s jump ahead to now. *After Hours* arrived in 2020. *Dawn FM* followed in 2022. The Weeknd’s style became much more dramatic. It got really experimental. He now wears colors that scream for attention. Complex patterns are common features. Shapes that feel avant-garde appear often. That red suit from the *After Hours* period is legendary. It’s a perfect example of this new direction. Vogue pointed out something important. Searches for bright colored menswear surged after *After Hours* dropped. The Weeknd truly leaned into this new wave of menswear expression.
His current looks blend streetwear with high-end pieces. You’ll see him in Balenciaga outfits. Prada and Versace are also in his rotation. He often mixes these luxury items. He’ll add something casual like sneakers. Maybe a simple graphic tee too. This blend shows his versatility. It also reflects a huge fashion trend. Mixing expensive pieces with everyday wear is massive now. Streetwear holds huge power in fashion today. Business of Fashion reported on this clearly. They estimate the global streetwear market could hit $185 billion soon. That’s a serious amount of money! Quite the rise for something so casual at its roots.
Using Fashion to Tell Stories
What really makes The Weeknd stand out lately? It’s how he uses fashion to tell a story. His performances and public appearances have themes. They always connect back to his music. Think about the *After Hours* music videos for example. His promotional shows followed a narrative too. It was all about heartbreak and finding redemption. His dramatic outfits perfectly showed this journey. They often felt surreal, like a dream. It was more than just dressing up; it was a whole show.
He wore a custom red suit during the Super Bowl halftime show. That was in 2021, remember? He paired it with a black turtleneck. This really emphasized the theatrical side of his style. That performance reached millions of viewers. It showed just how much visual impact he has now. Experts agree this link between fashion and story helps. It makes audiences feel more deeply connected. Fashion consultant Amy O’Toole put it well. She said fashion in music is about creating a visual story. That story needs to connect with the audience. It’s a powerful tool.
A Nod Towards Ethical Choices
Here’s another interesting piece of the puzzle. The Weeknd’s recent choices suggest something else. There’s more awareness about sustainability now. Ethical fashion is becoming a bigger deal for many. He talks openly about supporting certain brands. These are brands that truly value ethical ways of working. A study by McKinsey & Company found something telling. A majority of consumers consider sustainability when they buy clothes. This really shows a big shift in what people value. Honestly, it’s genuinely encouraging to see artists acknowledging this.
He partners with brands trying to be eco-friendly. This shows his personal commitment clearly. He uses his huge platform to promote better practices. His collaboration with Puma is a good example. They’ve worked on collections aimed at being more sustainable. They want to lessen their impact on the planet. [I am excited] to see how more artists will influence fashion. They can push it towards fairer, more sustainable paths. This makes fans think about their own choices. It encourages them to consider where their clothes come from. That feels like a good step forward.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter in Style
Thinking about the future is pretty fun. Where will The Weeknd’s style journey go next? The fashion world keeps spinning and changing. We can probably expect even more experiments. We’ll likely see bolder, maybe stranger, choices. Streetwear is still gaining power everywhere. I believe The Weeknd will continue to pull from that world. But he’ll definitely keep that theatrical flair he’s known for. It feels like a core part of his identity now.
Digital fashion could also play a big role. Clothes for virtual spaces might shape his future looks. Virtual reality technology is growing fast. Digital avatars are becoming very popular. [I am happy to] imagine a future where his style goes beyond real clothes. His looks could exist purely in digital worlds. This would allow for limitless creativity. It offers endless ways to express himself. That’s a pretty wild possibility, isn’t it? It certainly makes you wonder what’s coming next.
Why This Matters: Personal and Cultural Reflection
So, The Weeknd’s personal style has truly transformed. It’s a long way from his early career days. His journey reflects bigger changes happening in fashion and culture. This includes the massive rise of streetwear style. It also shows how high fashion now blends with everyday clothes. And there’s that growing focus on being more sustainable. We get to watch this whole evolution happen. It adds another layer to our connection to his music. It can also inspire us too. We can feel encouraged to explore our own unique styles.
I believe The Weeknd will keep pushing boundaries. He’ll do it with his music and his style. He invites us all to think differently about things. His journey reminds us of something important. Fashion is way more than just the clothes we wear. It’s a powerful way to show who you are. It can even inspire changes in the world. It can make us think deeply. It connects us all in interesting ways. Let’s definitely keep watching what he does next. It’s bound to be something to talk about.
Quick Style FAQs & Myths
Is The Weeknd always in character with his style?
Not always. While he uses fashion heavily for music eras, his everyday look can be more relaxed.
Does he pick all his own outfits?
Likely not entirely. He probably works closely with stylists. This helps bring his vision to life.
Is his recent style just about looking expensive?
Not really. It’s a mix. He blends high-end with more accessible pieces. This makes it relatable.
