A look at the men that have an iconic sense of style
/ 14 PHOTOS
Elvis Presley
From his pompadour hair to his white jumpsuit, Elvis Presley had an indelible look. But he’s not the only one who’s made a mark on the world with his signature style. In honor of the anniversary of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s death on Aug. 16, 1977, we’re highlighting the male celebrities whose iconic sense of style has proved timeless.
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David Byrne
The frontman for rock band Talking Heads helped make nerdiness chic in “Once in a Lifetime” with horn-rimmed eyeglasses, bow tie and plain black suit. Not to mention the oversize suit he wore in “Stop Making Sense." Many of his most outrageous get-ups were created by his ex-wife, costume designer Adelle Lutz.
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Bill Cosby
The longtime actor, comedian and creator of “The Cosby Show” has done quite a lot over the years, but nothing trumps his ability to wear a sweater. His reliable appearance in these patterned, often colorful and unfailingly unique sweaters over the course of his show made the Cosby sweater an icon, giving rise to “ugly sweater parties” that remain popular today – a whole 20 years since the TV show ended.
— Jason Merritt / Getty Images North America
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George Clooney
Though Clooney’s now off the market (cue tears), his bachelor style will continue to live on. His ability to look red carpet-worthy in a simple suit (usually without a tie), a pair of well-fitting jeans and some aviator shades is something men can’t help but envy.
— Samir Hussein / Getty Images Europe
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Kanye West
From mink coats to kilts, there isn’t an article of clothing Kanye West hasn’t tried. Yet the “Yeezus” singer and husband to tabloid sensation Kim Kardashian has also been known to put away the shutter shades and give his expert touch to more traditional outfits, like the varsity jacket and jeans look or the all-white tuxedo blazer ensemble.
— Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images North America
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James Dean
Dean’s rebellious style, which could include anything from a tight white T-shirt and jeans to a laid-back sports jacket, was a departure from the preppier male fashion of the 1950s. No doubt his boyish good looks were also important in branding him as the very essence of cool – but his signature red windbreaker certainly helped.
— Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive
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Marlon Brando
With his role as a bike-gang leader in “The Wild One,” Brando helped to pioneer the rebellious, bad-boy look of his generation. His leather jacket motorcycle get-up served as the new ideal for what was considered hot in male fashion, while his classic white T-shirt and jeans look showed that a simple style could be pretty sexy, too.
— Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive
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Frank Sinatra
Sinatra rocked the classic look of perfectly fitted suits and an ever-present fedora like very few could ever hope to. Coupled with his trademark cuff links and perfectly folded pocket scarves, this iconic crooner put himself on the map with more than just hits like “Come Fly With Me” and “My Kind of Town” – he served as an inspiration of refinement and class for all male celebrities, both then and now.
— Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive
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The Beatles
Arguably the most famous band of all time, The Beatles have been trendsetters in just about every way imaginable – including fashion. The four Brits broke out of the leather-clad rock band style of the 1950s with their turtlenecks, collarless suits, paisley psychedelic patterns and of course, their trademark heeled Beatle boots.
— Terry Disney / Hulton Archive
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David Bowie
This British musician was known for a number of tight-fitting get-ups – most notably, his 1972 Ziggy Stardust playsuit – but Bowie rocked a number of other eccentric looks over the span of his 40-year career as well. Patterned suits, voluminous pants and colorful silk shirts were among a few signature items in the star’s iconic wardrobe.
— Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive
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Miles Davis
The legendary jazz musician played with a number of looks over the years, but managed to give each one his own personal, attainable touch of cool. Whether it was a silk scarf and crewneck sweater, polo shirt and khakis, or a slim-cut European suit, Davis knew how to dress the part of one of the most iconic men of the 20th century.
— Keystone / Hulton Archive
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Bob Dylan
This 1960s singer gave a voice to the social problems of his generation, but he also gave fans style inspiration as the original hipster. Dylan was known for everything from his trademark Wayfarer sunglasses to his striped shirts to his signature suede jacket, but mostly he was known for the effortless way he wore just about anything.
— Express Newspapers / Hulton Archive
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Johnny Cash
The “Walk the Line” singer was known for a signature black ensemble that matched his somber stage presence. He could typically be seen in a tailored black leather jacket or vest, collared button-down shirt and cowboy boots, which earned him the nickname “The Man in Black” and impressed his fans with its unpretentious yet cool simplicity.
— Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive
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Mick Jagger
There are few looks as signature as that of Mick Jagger, the original rock star. The Rolling Stones’ frontman introduced the tight skinny jeans and T-shirt look decades before teenage girls donned it, while the rock ‘n’ roll bad boy’s iconic suit-and-silk scarf ensemble continues to live on, even today (hint: He’s still wearing it.)