A guide to Tyler The Creator’s colourful grandpacore style
Tracking the artist’s vibrant style from his skater boy origins to the sharply tailored Igor persona
Tracking the artist’s vibrant style from his skater boy origins to the sharply tailored Igor persona
Tyler The Creator’s least favourite colour is black. If you’re at all familiar with his personal style then this will come as no surprise. The singer-songwriter, rapper and producer is known for his vibrant cool grandpa ‘fits which sit at the meeting point between skater, dopamine dressing and prep. Tyler’s idiosyncratic fashion sense led to his own fashion brand of comfy basics, Golf Wang (also simply known as Golf) and collaborations with Vans and Lacoste that sold out immediately.
While bright colour palettes have remained a constant, Tyler’s style has evolved since he emerged onto the scene in the late 00s as part of hip hop collective, Odd Future. Back then, Tyler stayed true to his skater boy style roots in oversized tie-dye tees, Supreme hoodies and baseball caps, even at awards shows. As the rapper matured and launched his solo career, preppier details started to work their way into his wardrobe, such as polo shirts, sweater vests and tailored trousers. But Tyler’s most major fashion persona arrived with the 2019 album IGOR. In a rotation of pastel hued and acid bright suits, topped off with dark sunglasses and an Andy Warhol wig, this was Tyler’s most glam look to date.
Below, we explore some of Tyler’s most pioneering looks, from sleek skater ‘fits to daring on-stage ensembles. Here’s how to get Tyler The Creator’s style.
Skatercore
Back in 2011, Tyler wore a tie-dye cat tee and leopard print Supreme cap to collect his first award with Odd Future at the MTV VMAs. He looks like a teenager who spends half his time at the skatepark and the other half on Tumblr. And we’re here for it.
True blue
At the 2018 Grammys, Tyler elevated his style from the usual laidback look in a baby blue Supreme AW18 wool overcoat and matching Louis Vuitton scarf. Yet the white Converse Chuck Taylors betray the skater kid within. The t-shirt’s from Tyler’s streetwear brand, Golf, founded in 2011. But the pièce de resistance is, of course, the furry white Ushanka, predicting the fluffy hat trend that would come into fashion in a few years’ time.
Grandpacore
When Tyler The Creator made the soundtrack for 2018 remake of The Grinch, including a cover version of ‘You’re A Mean One Mr Grinch’, in a way, it made sense. After all, Tyler’s wardrobe of brightly coloured sweaters and fun accessories feels like a playful take on kidcore. For the film premiere, though, he toned it down in beige trousers, a bucket hat, and a leather Golf clutch, worn as a side bag. The peach coloured garden adds a bright touch. It’s no wonder pink is one of Tyler’s favourite colours to wear when it looks this good.
Introducing Igor
2019’s Grammy award winning album IGOR not only delivered some serious tunes, but also gifted us with Tyler’s new avant-garde style persona. On-stage he traded his casual skater boy style for colourful suits, dark shades and a Warholian wig. Aware of how iconic the look became, Tyler released a series of Igor-esque suits via his streetwear brand in October so that fans could dress up as him for Halloween.
Award winning style
To collect his first Grammy, Tyler dressed down in a striped Golf rugby shirt, a pair of brown Dickies, a brown Golf hat, and a pair of baby pink Clarks Wallabees. After the ceremony he criticised awards, telling reporters, “On one side, I’m just grateful that what I made could be acknowledged in a world like this, but it also sucks that whenever we – and I mean guys that looks like me – do anything that’s genre-bending or anything they always put it in the Rap or Urban category. So, half of me felt like the Rap nomination was a backhanded compliment.”
Leopard print legend
Tyler wore yet another sweater vest to the BRIT Awards in 2020 where he won the award for Best International Male Artist. He dressed down this smart grandpacore look with a pair of Converse x Gold Le Fleur trainers. The artist dedicated his award to Theresa May who was Home Secretary in 2015 when he was banned from the UK over controversial song lyrics.
Back to casual
Tyler wore this preppy streetwear ‘fit to the Black Music Action Coalition Second Annual Music in Action Awards Gala last year. The Golf cap, collegiate Sigma Kappa jacket, sweater vest, jeans and brown leather loafers felt casual yet carefully curated. The artist presented the Amazon Music Team with the BMAC Social Impact Award.
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