Everyone uses fashion as a form of self expression, but no one goes harder with it than dedicated music fans. Some fan bases are harder to distinguish than others, but when your favourite artist is someone with a style as distinct as Tyler, the Creator’s, it’s not hard to see who’s bumping Chromakopia on their daily commute.
Tyler, the Creator’s style evolution through the years
In order to break down what Tyler, the Creator’s fans’ style options are, we’ve first got to take a brief look at his own style history because, to be a Tyler fan, it’s not just about copying whatever he’s wearing. You’ve got to know his style history and evolve with him to develop these preferences in your style just like he did.
Tyler, the Creator burst onto the scene in 2007, as part of the collective Odd Future, releasing his first album Bastard in 2009 before following that up with Goblin, his second album. During this early era, he was repping that infamous skater style, wearing Supreme like his life depended on it. He then transitioned into wearing Golf Wang, his own brand that infused skate culture with rap influences. In this era, it was all about wearing skinny jeans with logo and tie-dye tees paired with Vans - Old Skools, Authentics and Slip-Ons were his favourites - which eventually even landed him his own Golf Wang x Vans collab.
His next album Flower Boy, which released in 2017, would prove to be a transitional time for Tyler, during which he started to smarten things up. He began mixing his love for skate culture with an elderly, grandpa-esque style, paired with the GOLF le FLEUR* x Converse collab that he landed during this time. The result led to this era being characterised by cropped slacks (white socks showing, of course), a cuban collared shirt, and a cardigan overtop with the GOLF le FLEUR* Chucks on feet.
The “Igor” and “Call Me If You Get Lost” era from 2019 to 2024 saw Tyler, the Creator lean completely into this contemporary, grandpa style, with his affinity for loafers on full display. You can’t forget about his alias Igor’s pink suit and blonde bob wig, which he always wore during his performances. He also started rocking the ushanka heavy along with smaller puffers and blazers, leopard print anything and retro shades of every shape and colour. In short, this era saw a push into more formal wear, with Tyler channelling his elderly heart through his designs.
Although the “Chromakopia” takeover has just begun, we can see that Tyler, the Creator is going for a new iteration of his old look, swapping the blazers and cardigans for a green military-style set with epaulettes on the shoulders and stripes on the arm. Along with the distinct hairstyle and face mask, it seems more like an alias with “Igor” than an everyday uniform.
The makings of a Tyler, the Creator fan
With all this in mind, what does the modern Tyler fan look like? Well, for starters, they take after the street style outfits of his most recent era that channels his nonchalant attitude towards fashion, with a slanted cap or hair comb sticking out adding to this.
The essential footwear options are either a pair of Dr. Martens (1461 derbies or Adrian loafers are best) or GOLF le FLEUR* Converse of any kind, whether they’re the Chuck 70s or the classic One Stars. Wearing white socks with any of these is crucial - it’s arguably the most important part.
Moving up into legwear, Tyler’s fans are often seen wearing pleated slacks in beige, brown, or navy. The fit of these are always straight leg and cut right before they touch the shoe, because Tyler fans never stack their trousers - never. The trousers are also always worn either at the hip or high-waisted so, sagging is not allowed.
When it comes to tops, the playfulness and funky side is only brought out in the garment’s print, not cut. Silhouettes remain preppy and traditional instead of quirky. They can range from flowy options such as revered-collar shirts and regular button-ups to knits like sweater vests (bonus points if it has a leopard print) and cardigans (usually Lacoste) to even tweed blazers and puffers - whatever you could reasonably pick out from your grandpa’s own wardrobe.
Although the “Call Me If You Get Lost” era is over, ushankas have become synonymous with Mr. Okonma, and every Tyler fan will always have one to whip out when the temperatures drop below 12°C. Tyler himself has also been seen wearing fitted LA Dodgers caps recently so, naturally, his fans will most definitely be rocking them in every shade. Finally, to top it all off, is his neckwear, including funky ties or neck scarves as well as thin black shades to wear with your slanted cap.
Whether you're the biggest Tyler fan or have no clue who the man is, you can always take some advice from the style GOAT Tyler. If anyone knows how to make preppy grandads look cool, it’s definitely him.
Featured image via Tyler, the Creator©
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