Easy denim, soft-toe loafers, classic trench coats, the occasional space-age sunnies—no, this isn’t the uniform of your favorite downtown cool girl. It belongs to style heartthrob Harry Styles—and my newest spring style reference. (Sorry, Jacob!)
Ahead of his much-awaited return to the SNL studio this weekend in New York, the singer has been gallivanting around the city streets—often on the arm of his equally stylish girlfriend, Zoë Kravitz—in everything from Matthieu Blazy’s new Chanel to classic black ballet flats and, of course, a mini running short or two. The takeaway? Effortlessly cool wardrobe staples that I—and you, too—should be eager to sport this spring and well beyond.
Styles is no stranger to pushing sartorial limits—he’s worn Gucci dresses on the cover of Vogue, slung slouchy raffia bags from The Row across his shoulder, and most recently sported a cropped sequin blazer from Jonathan Anderson’s Dior on the Grammys stage. Still, I’d argue it’s his street style that’s most ripe for inspiration.
When he’s out for coffee in Rome (or perhaps ushering in the new pope), he reaches for a butter-yellow button-up, a pair of wide-leg black trousers, and his signature black Adidas Sambas. For a springy New York day, he sticks to sneakers but swaps in sporty-with-a-twist staples, like a canvas zip-up jacket layered over a worn-in navy hoodie, to wear with jeans. Not one to shy away from color, Styles also loves a pop of red, a flash of royal purple (keep an eye out for his cap!), or even a hint of mint green.
The next time you’re planning a run across the Brooklyn Bridge at golden hour; jet-setting across the pond, or perhaps sipping an espresso in an Italian piazza, why not ask yourself: What would Harry wear? That’s what I’ll be doing—starting by taking a closer look at his latest outfits, below.
Humble Basics, With a Side of New Chanel
Let’s hear it for the boy—and his new It bag. More specifically, a pony hair leopard-print Chanel 25 flap from Matthieu Blazy’s Métiers d’Art collectsion. Styling-wise, Styles stuck to his textbook casual uniform: a luxe cashmere crewneck layered over a plain white tee, straight-leg blue jeans, and a pair of soft-toe black penny loafers from The Row. The remaining accessories were equally refined—Jacques Marie Mage’s slightly tinted sunnies and a Cartier Tank Louis watch. It’s a look I definitely would wear—and everywhere for that matter. That is, if I can ever get my hands on that new Chanel…
Sporty In-the-City
Shed your winter layers à la Styles and embrace the ultimate sporty-in-the-city transitional outfit. Start by zipping up Prada’s navy cotton jacket, layered over a cozy, lived-in hoodie in the same laid-back hue. Relaxed denim and a pair of Adidas Sambas complete the look, while bright white, space-age sunnies from Miu Miu add that signature Styles je ne sais quoi.
Bon Voyage!
Let Styles be the reason you swap your practical travel sneaker for something slightly sleeker: a simple black, bow-topped ballet flat paired with a crisp white ankle sock. The rest of his look felt equally jet-setter friendly, from slouchy black jeans to a vintage-inspired raglan sweatshirt and a simple gray baseball cap. For a spring-forward finish, follow the pop star’s lead and make a textural raffia bag your go-to travel tote. I know what I’ll be wearing on my next long-haul flight!
Minty Fresh
When Styles took the Grammys stage this February, the crowd didn’t just erupt in applause at his grand entrance. It was his sequin-encrusted, cropped blazer from Dior that truly stole the show. A pair of mint-green ballet flats with dainty bowed laces sealed the look—a somewhat unsurprising touch given how many men are wearing ballet flats this season. (Elordi included.) Dark-wash denim and a glittering chain necklace polished it all off—earning him gold, sartorially speaking, of course. Maybe next year!
A Touch of Raffia
Styles confirms a raffia tote isn’t just for the beach—in fact, it makes the perfect travel companion. Just take this one from Jenni Kayne. Not only is it a favorite of his love interest, Zoë Kravitz, but it fits any on-the-go essential with undone elegance. Lean on a few classic staples to complete the look: a menswear-inspired striped button-up, a pair of straight-leg denim, black penny loafers, and a cozy cashmere crewneck tossed casually over the shoulders. Time to bring my own raffia tote out of cold-weather retirement!
The Transitional Outfit Formula
Tackling in-between dressing can be a feat, but no need to worry—Styles knows exactly what makes a great transitional outfit. As demonstrated here, it’s all about smart layering: think an oversized trench coat, crisp button-up shirt, and suede retro sneakers (bonus points if they’re this pair from Dries Van Noten). Add Styles’s signature playful twist with a pop of color—butter yellow—and a pair of goggle-like sunnies made for the occasional disco moment.
A Pop of Red
We’re not the only ones seeing red this spring. Styles is a fan of adding a bold dose of color to an otherwise tonal ensemble. Here, take a cue from the singer and wrap up in Lisa Yang’s cherry-red cashmere scarf, styled with a polished car coat, tailored black trousers, and a pair of Adidas Deacon trainers. Bag-wise, Harry’s beloved Mulberry suede weekender may be unavailable from season’s past, but this one from Métier is just as sumptuous—and presumably Styles-approved.
See You At the Rose Bowl
The L.A. life seems to have captured the pop star—for good reason. While out on an iced coffee run earlier this year, Styles sported a look that could work just as well at the Rose Bowl as it would front row. Take a cue from the singer and embrace the city’s laissez-faire spirit in a long-sleeve graphic tee paired with loose gray trousers and a pair of Thistles’s sporty goggles. Not pictured—but equally noteworthy—a pair of retro soft sneakers, a raffia handbag, and a cobalt-blue beaded necklace (a recent favorite color of the singer’s).
Track Star
Musician first, marathon runner second—the singer truly does it all, and always in style. Channel one of his leggier looks this spring in a pair of red-hot mini shorts from Staud, Prada’s ballerina sneakers in topaz, and a simple black crewneck sweater. A royal-purple cap and bright yellow tote bag finish the post-gym ensemble in perfect color-blocked fashion. If you spot me in this exact look at my next Pilates class—well, you’ll know where it came from.
