They say that clothes maketh the man, but in the case of Harry Styles it is definitely the popstar who makes the outfits sing.
Ahead of Styles’ next tour down under later this year, the Tubi documentary Harry Styles: The Finishing Touch riffles through the singer’s wardrobe to map his evolution as an artist and style setter.
And it’s certainly a colourful story (in more ways than one). From natty ensembles that look like they’d belong on a grandmother rather than a 32-year-old sex symbol, to flamboyant ballgowns that would be at home on the Met Gala steps, Styles hasn’t been afraid to experiment with his look – or with his music.
That was evident in his recent performance at the Brit Awards where, donning a chic Chanel suit, Styles opened the ceremony with a much-talked-about rendition of his single Aperture.
After the high-octane opener, many noted that this new song sounded as though it were infused with the spirit of David Bowie.
It’s an apt comparison. Just like the ever-evolving musical chameleon Bowie, Styles’ sense of savoir faire makes fans swoon.
When Robbie Williams – another boy band alum turned breakout solo act – was asked what advice he’d pass on to his heir apparent, the former Take That wild child had to laugh.
“I don’t think Harry Styles needs any tips from me about women,” he quipped. “I mean he’s a
magnet like I’ve never seen before. I wasn’t him when I was 18. That didn’t happen to me. He’s beguiling.”
Not everyone is as enamoured with Styles being compared to Bowie, however.
When Styles won Album of the Year at the 2023 Grammy Awards after performing his hit As It Was in a glittering jumpsuit with a plunging neckline, Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti took to social media to complain: “Someone just told me that Harry Styles is the new Bowie? From what I saw tonight, he’s not worthy of shining his shoes.”
Despite Visconti’s protestations, there are many parallels between the original Let’s Dance hit maker and Watermelon Sugar sensation. But that doesn’t mean Styles is aiming to be Bowie 2.0. Indeed, the singer has paid homage to many pop gods who have come before him in his sartorial choices – and he’s always been keen to be his own man.
Even early in his career as one-fifth of One Direction, Styles wore his skinny jeans and woollen coats with a panache that set him apart from his equally well-coiffed and talented bandmates.
Described by style commentator Terry Newman in the Tubi doco as the “fashion-curious member of One Direction”, Styles has become the band’s breakout star at least in part because of his sartorial risk-taking.
He was the first man to grace the cover of US Vogue solo, in November 2020, rocking a tiered ballgown and black jacket. It was a shoot that showcased his ability to seamlessly bend and blend gender clothing lines.
“What strikes me about Harry Styles’ wardrobe is that it’s a real mirror on music fashion history,” Newman says in Harry Styles: The Finishing Touch.
“A lot of the clothes he wears are refreshed reincarnations of looks some of our biggest stars have worn, whether it’s Mick Jagger, Prince, Little Richard, Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash. You can see parallels with the clothes that he wears and the clothes that they also wore.”
And Styles is now inspiring others to follow his, er, suit.
Melbourne radio host Chrissie Swan fronted up to work in a week of tribute looks inspired by the singer in the lead-up to his Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally album release on March 6.
Likewise, knitters were kept busy trying to recreate a patchwork cardigan worn by Styles during the pandemic. And his 2023 tour of Australia spawned a feather boa shortage as concertgoers flocked to Spotlight and Lincraft looking to emulate his stage costumes.
Just what impact his 2026 concerts will have on local fashion remains to be seen. But whether it will be sequined onesies or velvet suits, one thing is for certain: Styles has earned his surname.
Harry Styles: The Finishing Touch
Streaming, Tubi