When it comes to defining contemporary music and fashion crossover, few artists embody the duality of sound and style quite like The Weeknd, also known by his alter ego “Starboy.” Since adopting the moniker with the release of his 2016 hit album Starboy, The Weeknd has not only transformed his sound but also reshaped his image. The term “Starboy style” has since grown beyond just a musical identity—it represents a unique fashion statement, one that blends modern minimalism, retro nostalgia, and sharp edginess.
Origins of the Starboy Persona
The Weeknd’s transition from a mysterious, brooding figure draped in grunge and shadows to a sleek, futuristic character was marked by Starboy. The persona was inspired by a mixture of science fiction, noir films, and pop culture icons like Prince and Michael Jackson. This reinvention wasn’t only audible in the music—it was visual. The Starboy character wore tailored jackets, bold colors, and a polished yet rebellious attitude.
One of the most symbolic changes was the cutting of his trademark dreadlocks, a move that signified shedding the old and stepping into a refined, more intentional style era. The new look revealed a cleaner silhouette, one that embraced structure, contrast, and a cinematic flair.
Key Elements of Starboy Style
1. The Red Suit
Arguably the most iconic look associated with the Starboy era is the red suit The Weeknd wears throughout his After Hours visuals. This bold, brightly colored suit, often paired with a black shirt, leather gloves, and statement sunglasses, became instantly recognizable. It evokes both 1980s excess and noir movie vibes—impeccably tailored and yet slightly unsettling, especially when paired with fake blood or facial prosthetics in his videos.
2. Monochromatic Palettes
While red became a standout color, much of the Starboy style thrives in dark hues—black, deep burgundy, navy blue. These colors align with the mysterious and moody nature of The Weeknd’s lyrics. The monochromatic approach often gives a sleek, modern look that feels both high fashion and street-smart.
3. Leather and Texture
From bomber jackets to long coats, leather plays a huge role in Starboy style. Leather conveys edge and confidence, two attributes synonymous with The Weeknd’s persona. He also often experiments with other textured materials like velvet or satin, adding dimension to otherwise simple silhouettes.
4. Footwear
The Starboy look isn’t complete without strong footwear. The Weeknd favors Chelsea boots, combat boots, and high-top sneakers. These choices strike a balance between rockstar glam and streetwear cool. The boots, in particular, enhance his polished silhouette and pair well with slim-cut pants and tailored outerwear.
5. Accessories
Starboy doesn’t go overboard on accessories, but when he does use them, they stand out. Dark sunglasses, gold chains, gloves, and the occasional ring create a futuristic noir effect—half pop icon, half secret agent. These pieces are rarely flashy, but always intentional.
Starboy Style in Pop Culture
The influence of Starboy style has reached beyond The Weeknd himself. His distinctive aesthetic has inspired fashion collections, Halloween costumes, and even editorial shoots. The red suit look alone became one of the most recreated fashion statements in recent years. Designers and stylists began incorporating bolder, monochrome looks in their menswear lines, blending luxury tailoring with street elements.
The Starboy look also popularized a more cinematic approach to artist fashion. Rather than dressing for trends, The Weeknd crafted an entire visual narrative around his album. His appearance in music videos, award shows, and even the Super Bowl halftime show followed a thematic style arc. Fashion became a storytelling tool.
The Broader Impact
The essence of Starboy style isn’t just in what The Weeknd wears—it’s in the mood he creates. It’s about confidence, reinvention, and walking the line between high art and raw emotion. His style choices speak to a generation that values individuality over tradition and dares to mix elegance with rebellion.
Fashion-forward fans and artists alike now look at the Starboy aesthetic as a blueprint for how to merge personal branding with visual expression. Whether you’re wearing a red suit to a party or just adding a pair of sleek boots to your wardrobe, channeling the Starboy vibe means owning your identity and making bold, deliberate choices.
Conclusion
The Weeknd’s Starboy style is more than a trend—it’s a movement. Rooted in cinematic storytelling, inspired by musical legends, and executed with precision, it continues to influence how artists think about fashion. It’s dark, it’s bold, it’s sleek, and above all, it’s memorable. Whether you’re on stage, on the street, or just in front of the mirror, adopting the Starboy style means stepping into your own spotlight with confidence.
