Shawn Mendes, 22, is not only a chart-topping, award-winning artist (including GQ Solo Artist Of The Year 2020) who has fronted advertisements for Calvin Klein and Armani, but he’s also a regular on GQ’s red-carpet radar and one of our favorite street style sites.
Mendes’ unwavering sense of personal style has seen him become a regular presence on our weekly best-dressed roundup, whether he’s dressed up or in casual performance mode. He knows what looks good on him, from vividly printed shirts undone to his navel to perfectly tailored tailoring.
Here, we take a look back at some of our favorite Shawn Mendes looks from the past, including rare behind-the-scenes photos from his breakthrough year.
1. A black denim jacket can spruce up your off-duty look.
In Toronto, where Mendes and Camilla Cabello are quarantining with the former’s parents, the Wonder singer layers a black denim jacket over a white sweatshirt with black tracksuit bottoms, lending structure to an otherwise slouchy – or scruffy – ensemble. The monotone palette (which includes a face mask) and matching grey beanie and chunky knit scarf keep things sleek and uncomplicated. If you look closely beneath the scarf, you’ll discover a shearling collar — Levi’s, Carhartt WIP, and Saint Laurent all make good variations of this style.
2. Color-block till you’re satisfied.
Mendes is a great supporter of the color-block suit, favoring bright hues that add a splash of personality to usually conservative tailoring. It’s a look he always pulls off, as evidenced by this Louis Vuitton claret three-piece suit he wore at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in January 2020.
3. Make your figure stand out.
Mendes was a clear leader when it came to nailing the theme for the 2019 Met Gala (“Camp”), with slicked-back hair and a Yves Saint Laurent suit that was subtle but still on-point. We give major ticks to the super-slim silhouette, silver linings, unbuttoned shirt, and golden highlights.
