The Style Evolution of Tyler, the Creator

The story behind Tyler, the Creator's style evolution.

Like many other artists, Tyler incorporates his artistic vision and style, not solely through his music but also through his fashion. So to better understand Tyler’s stylistic progression, this article highlights his progress throughout his career, serving as an evolution chart of his personal style.

As did Tyler's music career, all began in 2007, upon the formation of the music collective Odd Future. At that time Tyler dressed like a skater, as such was his environment. He hung out with his friends and skated near Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles, a place that would later become the center hub of LA streetwear. Stand-out brands he wore at the time were F*cking Awesome, Vans, Converse, and later on Bape, but most notably Supreme. Supreme and Tyler go back a long way, Tyler used to camp out all night for their in-store releases on Fairfax, cherishing the community the brand had built before it became the big fashion conglomerate it is today. Pieces most often seen on Tyler at the time include the supreme caps as well as graphic and box logo t-shirts from the brand. While the mentioned brands initially served as an entry point in Tyler’s fashion evolution, the relationship between Tyler and some of these brands extends beyond that. Something explained later on in this article.

During those years Odd Future was renowned for its eponymous merch line, which garnered attention for its bold and colorful designs most often screen-printed on a hoodie or t-shirt. Oversaturated colors with the retention of laid-back skater style, is the overall mood of OF merch and one of Tyler’s first experiments in the world of fashion, which was a strong point of reference for his next project.

Golf Wang

As Tyler, the Creator’s solo career began to flourish, his style evolved significantly, and so did the merch line. In 2011, Tyler launched Golf Wang, a fashion brand that served as a more personal and refined extension of his creative vision. Unlike the grungy, monochromatic vibe of early Odd Future merch, Golf Wang embraced a vibrant, colorful palette and whimsical designs, showcasing Tyler’s love for skate culture and his growing interest in fashion.

Golf Wang’s collections started to feature more sophisticated items, including patterned button-ups, colorful socks, and accessories. Tyler’s personal style, known for its boldness and unique color combinations, was evident in every piece. The brand’s evolution mirrored Tyler’s journey from an underground provocateur to a mainstream fashion icon, and it became a platform for him to experiment with new styles and concepts.

This transition in the merch line was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlighted Tyler’s maturation as an artist and entrepreneur, allowing him to carve out a unique space in the fashion world. Secondly, it broadened the appeal of Odd Future’s aesthetic, attracting a wider audience beyond their initial fanbase. Yet in 2013, Golf Wang and Odd Future parted ways. 

The most notable collaborations Golf Wang was a part of were:

• Vans. Their partnership lasted from 2013 to 2016.

• Converse. Tyler, the Creator, and Converse created the shoe collection GOLF le FLEUR*.

• SUICOKE. Golf Wang collaborated with this Japanese sandal brand.

• Lacoste. For an SS19 collection named GOLF le COSTE*.

After consistent success in the fashion industry over the years Golf Wang is now an established brand with its preppy and colorful uniqueness that distinguishes the brand from the rest and plays a pivotal role as an insight into the world of Tyler the Creator.

2013 – 2015: “Wolf” and “Cherry Bomb” Eras

With the release of “Wolf” in 2013, Tyler began to showcase a more refined and eclectic style by incorporating elements of preppy fashion, such as button-down shirts, sweaters, and fitted pants, while still maintaining his love for bright colors and unique patterns. 

The “Cherry Bomb” era in 2015 brought another shift. The album’s experimental and chaotic sound was mirrored in Tyler’s fashion choices. 

2017 – 2018: “Flower Boy” Transformation

The release of “Flower Boy” in 2017 marked a significant turning point in Tyler’s style. The album’s introspective and melodic nature was reflected in his more polished and mature wardrobe. He embraced a vintage-inspired aesthetic, with pastel colors, floral prints, and tailored pieces becoming prominent in his outfits. Iconic looks from this period include his baby blue suit and Louis Vuitton scarf, paired with a white ushanka hat worn at the 2018 Grammy Awards, which highlighted his transition into a more sophisticated fashion realm.

2019 – 2020: The “Igor” Persona

Tyler’s fashion reached new heights with the release of “Igor” in 2019. Adopting the persona of Igor, he wore brightly colored suits, often paired with a blond bob wig and shades, creating a distinctive and memorable character. The ushanka hat became a staple during this era, adding to the eccentric image of Igor. His appearances in these outfits were part of a larger narrative that complemented the album’s themes of love and heartbreak.

2021 – Present: “Call Me If You Get Lost” and Beyond

With “Call Me If You Get Lost” in 2021, Tyler continued to evolve his style, embracing a blend of luxury and vintage aesthetics. His looks often featured tailored pieces, such as double-breasted blazers, loafers, and high-waisted trousers. The promotional campaign saw Tyler sporting a more sophisticated and worldly style, inspired by the concept of a globetrotting adventurer. 

His style is best portrayed through the videos released accompanying his “Call me if you get lost” rollout where he expresses himself through the lens as well as incorporating his car collection, jewelry, hair and nail color, and glasses to add sophistication. 

To put it as simply as possible, over time, whilst retaining the same color palette and signature items Tyler's style transitioned from edgy to sophisticated.

Tyler’s public appearances also reflected his evolving style. His performance at the 2021 BET Awards, where he wore a red and pink cheetah vest (by Golf Le Fleur), loafers, vintage briefcases, an ushanka hat, and a chain and pendant by Alex Moss, showcasing his ability to blend high fashion with his signature boldness.

One of his latest accomplishments in fashion is a collaboration with his long-time friend and inspiration Pharell Williams on the Louis Vuitton Spring 2024 Men’s Capsule Collection.

Louis Vuitton unveiled a men’s capsule collection in partnership with Tyler, the Creator, on March 21, 2024. The collection includes jackets, collegiate knitwear, golf kits, bags, and a new interpretation of the brand’s monogram. Tyler’s preppy style harmonizes with the sophisticated dandy fashion introduced by LV’s creative director, Pharrell Williams.

In 2024, Supreme and Tyler The Creator joined forces for their Fall/Winter collection. The collaboration was confirmed through a series of posters featuring Tyler, spotted first around Brick Lane in London, and later in other cities like Paris, New York, and more. These visuals showcased Tyler wearing a green box logo T-shirt, accessorized with a colorful scarf and a brown top-tied hat. Photographer Luis Perez captured additional images of Tyler grabbing his T-shirt, clearly displaying the logo. A short interview with Tyler was released on Supreme's YouTube channel shortly after in which Tyler fondly recalls the days he used to camp out all night in front of Supreme's Los Angeles location and how he used to hunt for the brand's pieces on eBay or resale communities like Strictly Supreme. Now this interview marks a full circle moment for Tyler as this season he's releasing his own t-shirt with the brand. In the interview Tyler also mentions how Supreme at the time of his youth held high cultural significance to him and his friends, calling it "their Louis Vuitton".

To sum up Tyler’s journey in fashion, it has always been vibrant and colorful, yet with time as Tyler grew himself, the way he dressed changed as well, switching out hoodies and graphic t-shirts to sophisticated high-quality leather garments, eccentric jewelry, and tailored suits, whilst retaining definitive elements of his signature bright colors. 

If I was to describe Tyler the Creator’s style now, I’d call him a playful and romanticized modern reiteration of a 20th-century adventurer.