Image via Complex Original
In 2009, Justin Bieber released his debut album, My World. He was only 15 years old, and at the time, he still wore purple hoodies and had his signature "Bieber sweep" hair. But it's a different ball game now. Since then, the Biebs has collected dozens more awards, topped the charts with a few new hits, and has even more Beliebers following his every move. And in case you haven't noticed, his personal style has gone through its own period of development and progress, too.
These days, the pop singer is all about leather—leather shirts, leather tank tops, and leather sweatpants. But of course, he didn't just jump from point A to point Z overnight. Check out the rest of the trends and looks he's tried throughout the years in The Stages of Justin Bieber's Style.
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1. The "Purple People Bieber" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2009
When Justin first hit the scene, he wore this purple hoodie almost all the time, and it practically became a part of his persona. When Pauly D dressed up as the popstar for Halloween, he threw on a purple hoodie and let the gel down to emulate the singer's side-swept hair. Anyone who had this haircut and wore a hoodie may or may not have been mistaken for the young Canadian. This was three years ago, but chances are, people still recognize this as the "Justin look."
2. The "The Pop Supra-Star" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2009-2011
Early on, Supra was the sneaker of choice for the young singer. It was rare to see him wear anything else, and the kicks became as much a part of his look as were his side-swept hair and purple hoodie. His fans are aware of this—a pair of his Supras were even on display at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. He still wears Supras every now and again, but not as often as he used to. These days, he's taken a liking to Givenchy sneakers.
3. The "One Less Lonely Vest" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2010
Songs like "Baby", "One Less Lonely Girl", and "U Smile" became big hits, so Justin was attending quite a few award shows. At the time, he didn't rock designer suits. Instead, his outfit of choice often included a vest, which made him look like a waiter (minus the plate of hors d'oeuvres). We wanted to call this look style fail, but we couldn't do that to a 16-year-old boy.
4. The "Who Framed Justin Bieber?" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2010-2011
In 2011, Justin tweeted, "'my fans are like my glasses..yeah..without them i'd be blurry!' #ILOVEMYFANS!!" He was, perhaps, recapping what had been one his early looks. For a few months between 2010 and 2011, he wore thick-rimmed glasses on a regular basis. Because, you know, without them his vision would be blurry.
5. The "I'm a Man Now Because I Wear Fedoras" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2011
Was Justin inspired by another Justin? If you recall, Justin Timberlake also wore fedoras at the beginning of his solo career. Bieber gave his fitted hats and snapbacks a rest and embraced the more mature style of headwear. Of course, this came after he shocked the world and cut his signature side-swept hair because, could you imagine those bangs underneath this hat?
6. The "YMCMBieber" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2011
It's no secret that Justin and Drake are great friends. The Canadian-bred artists hang out regularly, and JayBee even calls the rapper his "big brother." So, it only makes sense that he reps Young Money.
Also, by this time, Justin was already making that young money. He had several hits under his belt, sold millions of copies of his albums, released a film, and was ranked #2 on the Forbes list of Best-Paid Celebrities under 30.
7. The "Junya Wish You Had the Same Varsity Jackets" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2011-2012
Justin made a killing in 2011 and 2012, putting everyone's varsity jackets to shame. It started with the very rare, and very expensive, Junya Watanabe Nordic Varsity Jacket he wore on The Today Show. Then, we saw more awesome varsitys by the likes of Kith, Band of Outsiders, and Sons of Heroes. He definitely made a few guys envious.
8. The "Gold All in My Chain" Stage
Era of Prominence: Late 2012
For the most part, Justin manages to stay on-trend. Last year, we saw long gold chains make a comeback. Jay-Z, T.I., Theophilus London, and more all wore their versions of Cuban link chains. And so did Bieber. The young singer started rocking the jewelry around December, and would continue to do so for a few months.
9. The "It's Hammer Time" stage
Era of Prominence: Late 2012-2013
In the last year, Justin has taken a few more style risks than usual. The most recent one being drop-crotch sweatpants. He's worn them while on tour, at appearances, and on his days off (if there is such a thing). He even wore a pair of MC Hammer-like pajama pants with an all-over print to one of his meet and greets in early 2013, taking cozy boy to the next level.
10. The "All Leather Everything" Stage
Era of Prominence: Late 2012-2013
Justin has long worn leather onstage. But it really wasn't until this year that the singer rocked the garments off stage, save for leather jackets. We started seeing him in leather tank tops, then leather pants, and eventually leather shirts. And now, it's leather head to toe, all the time.
11. The "Darth Bieber" Stage
Era of Prominence: 2013
Justin set the Internet ablaze when he stepped out in a gas mask while shopping at the ACNE store in London. Many were befuddled. Was he simply inspired by Kanye West's style? Or was he getting ready to take over Gotham City? In any case, the singer was really, really into the trend. A month later, he wore the same gas mask in public again, and then a Chanel ski mask, 2 Chainz style, two months after. We haven't seen the mask since then, but we wouldn't be surprised if it makes a comeback.