In our opinion, someone is only worthy of the title of style icon if they refuse to follow trends and wear only what they enjoy. This year, Justin Bieber absolutely fulfilled the bill: Bieber’s 2021 was all about embracing streetwear, with a major emphasis on playing with unique proportions and fits, thanks to stylist Karla Welch. He’s worn extra-loose pants on several occasions, a look that’s clearly divisive. This is the year that Gen Z labeled thin jeans as “cheugy.”
This year, Bieber also understood how to look his best. The musician played the part of a Hollywood hunk while making appearances with his wife, Hailey Bieber, by his side—but never succumbed to dull, standard suiting. He wore a custom Drew House design to the 2021 Met Gala, which gave the black tux a sleek, modern touch thanks to his wider-leg pants. He also nailed a black tie in an immaculate black tuxedo on date night with Hailey in July. He went all out with the details, including black lace-up dress shoes and a small bowtie as a bonus. That’s another evidence of a true style icon: they keep to their own personal style while also appreciating the power of classic and timeless looks on occasion.
Bieber, of course, has always had a sense of style. He’s dabbled in western clothing, skater chic, and classic suiting. But this year, he appears to have found his stride, combining all of these components into a sleek, coherent design. Take, for example, the oversized blazer, black hoodie, and light-wash jeans he wore while winning the MTV VMAs’ Best Pop award—it’s the perfect combination of all three!
More of Bieber’s greatest clothes from 2021 may be found here.
