This is an editorial piece.  Sophia Bongiovanni is a junior at Mendham who writes for Arts and Entertainment News.  All opinions expressed in the following editorial are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Patriot. 

For the past five years, Harry Styles has been sporting a look not many can pull off, although they try.  His fashion is a perfect fusion of elements from the mid to late century rock n’ roll movement, specifically the ’60s and ’70s.  Styles’ music is reflective of this.  His 2017 debut album, Harry Styles, gave way to his unique, old-school vibe with a twist that makes him perfectly recognizable.  It is rare that people can listen to music and immediately be able to note who is singing.  This idea coincides with the fact that his clothing has the ability to convey the message that comfort zones are a trap.  Harry Styles has influenced men’s fashion through embracing vulnerability, sexual ambiguity through his appreciation for femininity, and his passion for rock and roll.

Styles’ plays with gender-fluidity which ultimately leaves him more vulnerable to criticism.  A Vogue article wrote, “[he] was praised by fans for his ability to blur gender boundaries, but it’s also worth taking note of the ease with which he has pushed the envelope,” (Pike).  In 2017, Styles began an era of post-One Direction rebirth.  As he did press for his new album, he wore items such as, “candy pink suits, printed satin flares, increasingly stacked heels, and a constant supply of rings,” (Pike).  The year 2018 was highly relevant in Harry’s evolution because, “Gucci announced that he would become the face of its tailoring campaign,” (Pike).  This gave a rise to his significance in the fashion world.  Furthermore, Styles has the ability to separate

clothing from sexuality.  Kate Halliwell stated in a GQ article, “he’s got his nails painted, he’ll wear a women’s sweater with shorts.  He plays with what you would think of as women’s,” (Tashjian).  He is often accused of dressing the way he does as some kind of allusion to being gay, but in reality, it is simply him refusing to conform to labels.  This is something that inspires his fans and backs the star’s message of kindness and acceptance.

Styles exhibits an appreciation for femininity and romance, almost regarding it as an art.  In his most recent album, Fine Line, he writes of, “capturing late-hour moments, drunk calls, [and] ‘wandering hands’,” (Lamont).  Styles’ personality, music, and clothing reflect a certain sexual ambiguity that keeps people guessing.  This makes him all the more captivating because he never fails to leave some sort of mystery.  Styles believes, “there is a power in doing one thing [and he wants his] whole weight behind it,” (Lamont).  He realizes his influence, but not yet how effortlessly that influence has already taken hold.  Styles has the capability to uplift and inspire so many young people to express themselves through fashion just as he does.  In an interview with The Guardian, he posed, “‘Am I sprinkling in nuggets of sexual ambiguity to try and be more interesting? No’,” (Lamont).  Styles knows who he is but there is a juxtaposition between his security with being himself and still taking the opportunity to explore different sides of his personality.

Harry Styles takes immense inspiration from people that were at their height during the ’60s and ’70s.  He loves rock stars such as David Bowie, Elvis Presley, and Mick Jagger.  He has been compared to Jagger a plethora of times specifically because of looks and the “glam rock direction” his style was going in as stated by fashion designer Harris Reed in an interview with Cheat Sheet (Trzcinski).  It can be said that he was only influenced by men, however, Styles said the person who has had the most impact over the way he dresses is actually singer-songwriter Shania Twain.  Elements of her style are noticeably relevant in what Harry wears.  Similar to Twain, “Styles uses leopard print as a neutral and pulls off metallic prints just as well,” (Fischer).

Styles is able to create memorable outfits with clear odes to the past that promote positivity and acceptance.  He rejects gender roles and instead embraces his true self.  Harry Styles’ outfits are insightful and go beyond the fabric.  His music is mesmerizing, his glance bewitching.  All of these components are what makes Styles so easy to connect to.  His fashion is truly exemplary of social progression.