Style History: Frank Ocean
Here is a look back at some of the singer's most memorable looks.
Image via Complex Original
Frank Ocean, without a doubt, gets the award for most improved style—we've even named him one of the best dressed celebrities of the year already. That isn't to say he dressed badly before, just that his look now is more put-together with a solid identity. And frankly, that's something we think deserves recognition—don't pull a Chris Brown; acknowledge it. As they say, "Give credit where credit is due." Right?
But instead of just doing a recap of the past few months, we decided to go the extra mile and give you a look at Ocean's style over the years. Without further ado here is Frank Ocean's Style History.
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cardigan
Where: The Lonny Breaux Collection mixtape cover
When: 2011
Complex says: The photo above is the same photo that was used for his mixtape, The Lonny Breaux Collection (he previously went by the name Lonny Breaux). It's always interesting to see how celebrities (or anyone, really) dressed before. He is clearly channeling his collegiate days with that cardigan.
polo
Where: Unknown
When: 2011
Complex says: This is the singer from his Odd Future days. He was a lot more casual back then, and wore polo shirts. Thankfully, he's moved on from that style.
odd future
Where: Los Angeles Times
When: April 10, 2011
Complex says: It could be argued that Odd Future is one of the best dressed crews in hip-hop history... Actually, we did say that.
studio
Where: Studio
When: 2011
Complex says: Mr. Ocean showing love to Fucking Awesome, a.k.a one of the greatest streetwear brands ever.
streetwear
Where: Unknown
When: 2011
Complex says: It's unclear where and when this photo was taken, but one thing's for sure: This was Frank Ocean during his streetwear days. Not that he doesn't wear Supreme or ONLY NY anymore, maybe the former more than the latter, but he's expanded his wardrobe to include other brands. These days, he's also wearing Dior Homme, Common Projects, and Maison Martin Margiela, amongst others.
novacane video
Where: "Novacane" video
When: June 2011
Complex says: This was our first glimpse at what would become Frank Ocean's signature style for the year (he wore plenty of Asian style garments in 2011). He hasn't worn them as much since but you really can't talk about the singer's personal style without acknowledging them.
swim good video
Where: "Swim Good" video
When: September 2011
Complex says: Consider this his signature look throughout the Nostalgia, Ultra time. It may not be for everyone, but you've got to give him credit for trying something different.
bowery ballroom
Where: Bowery Ballroom in New York City
When: November 27, 2011
Complex says: This crisp white shirt and double-breasted suit jacket will forever be remembered by Frank Ocean fans, especially considering it's what he wore during his NYC debut.
vogue
Where: L'Uomo Vogue December 2011 issue
When: December 2011
Complex says: Does he get a pass for wearing that green velvet suit because it was for a magazine photo shoot, and was presumably styled by someone else? Discuss.
Channel Orange Promo
Where: Channel Orange Promo
When: 2012
Complex says: This tennis fit is fresh. Nice choice on the Fred Perry polo, too.
lollapalooza
Where: Lollapalooza festival
When: August 2012
Complex says: The interesting thing about this look is both of Frank Ocean's shirt and rising sun bandana have sort of become signatures of his look. He'll often wear button downs (the two-tone on this Sidian, Ersatz, and Vanes one is a nice touch). He's worn the headband so many times that it's easily recognizable as a Frank Ocean thing. We challenge you to go to one of his shows and tell us you didn't see a single fan wear one, too.
paris
Where: Paris
When: Unknown
Complex says: "Got my Oakley sunnies and camo Stone Island jacket on, and the Eiffel Tower in the background for shits. No biggie."
terry
Where: Terry Richardson's studio
When: August 2012
Complex says: That's a pretty awesome T-Shirt.
mtv vmas
Where: 2012 MTV Video Music Awards
When: September 6, 2012
Complex says: Who says you can't wear polka dots and plaid at the same DAMN TIME? Nothing is off limits for this guy.
2012 mtv vmas
Where: 2012 MTV Video Music Awards
When: September 6, 2012
Complex says: A lot can be said about the subtlety of his all black look. A lot can also be said about his awesome stage set-up at the VMAs.
uncapped
Where: "Uncapped" show in New York, NY
When: September 2012
Complex says: Battle of the headbands? Both Frank Ocean and Bon Iver hit the stage wearing a bandana that night.
SNL
Where: Saturday Night Live
When: September 15, 2012
Complex says: The Supreme hockey jersey was a great choice for his SNL debut.
all tomorrow's parties festival
Where: All Tomorrow's Parties Festival in New York, NY
When: September 21, 2012
Complex says: Is that a camo Stone Island jacket we see? Yes, indeed it is. Nice one, Frankie.
chanel
Where: Chanel "La Petite Veste Noire" Paris launch
When: November 2012
Complex says: He gave this one a shot, but don't know how we feel about that shirt and vest combo. We wonder what Karl Lagerfeld is thinking. He always has something to say.
gq party
Where: GQ Men of the Year party
When: November 13, 2012
Complex says: Yves Saint Laurent sweater? Check. Rihanna on your arm? Double, triple, quadruple check.
gq
Where: GQ December 2012 issue
When: December 2012
Complex says: Even Frank Ocean, who doesn't normally fall for trends, wore Givenchy, and the widely popular Shark T-Shirt, no less.
gq 2
Where: GQ December 2012 issue
When: December 2012
Complex says: Not everyone can pull off a tartan plaid blazer. Frank actually manages to pull off this one from GANT Rugger.
levis party
Where: Levi's 501 140 Year Anniversary Party in Los Angeles
When: February 2013
Complex says: Lucky Frank got his hands on this Visvim varsity jacket.
Grammys 2013
Where: 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards
When: February 10, 2013
Complex says: It was really right around this time that we started to see Frank Ocean grow into his own, eccentric sense of style. The yellow suit is definitely a style risk, but what's life without risks?
brit awards
Where: 2013 BRIT Awards
When: February 20, 2013
Complex says: February has been a pretty successful month for Frank Ocean. He took home two Grammys and then a BRIT award for "International Male Solo Artist" (and the statue designed by Damien Hirst, no less). During the latter, he accepted his award in an Undercover by Jun Takahashi leather biker jacket and a Supreme floral tee (before the collection was even out). If that isn't ending strong, we don't know what is.