Since leaving One Direction, Zayn Malik has gone through major transformations, marking a bold shift that reflects his true individuality. Could he have broken out of Harry Styles’ shadow if he had stayed? It’s unlikely. Now, his solo career is thriving, he’s dating supermodel Gigi Hadid, rocking fresh tattoos - including on his face - and most importantly, he’s carved out a distinct fashion style.
With a thicker, well-groomed beard, Zayn’s look has taken on a more rugged edge.
Zayn’s a master of trendspotting, tailoring each piece to fit his frame. His solo music has taken on a mature, introspective tone, and his style has evolved to match, balancing sleek, fitted pieces with edgy details.
From his early days of graphic tees and baseball jackets, Zayn has moved toward a tailored aesthetic, retaining his unique flair through subtle touches. His current style can best be described as “slick” - modern, sleek, and ultra-stylish.
Breaking Away to Reinvent
At just 17 when One Direction was formed, Zayn was all about hoodies, denim jackets, distressed jeans, and high-tops.
The young, fresh “clean-cut” Zayn back in the day.
But by the time One Direction released their second album, Zayn’s style was already shifting. Bomber jackets, sharp suits, and rugged pieces became part of his wardrobe.
Zayn’s “wow” moment came at Paris Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2016 season. Sitting front row at Louis Vuitton, he sported a silk shirt jacket and a buzzed blonde cut - a look that was modern, edgy, and unmistakably “luxe.”
Black Is Always a Winner
While Zayn loves experimenting, black is his steady go-to. Cool, timeless, and a bit mysterious, black is his reliable style ally.
The Power of Long Coats
Jason Rembert, Zayn’s stylist, notes that Zayn is a fan of long silhouettes. Case in point: his navy blue long coat with a burgundy collar and white piping, a look that has become iconic to his style.
Buttoned-Up Shirts, Minus the Tie
While ties are undoubtedly classic, Zayn favors buttoning up his shirts without them for a refined yet relaxed look. The “air tie” effect adds a modern edge to his style - buttoning up the shirt to the top sans tie is all he needs to look effortlessly cool and contemporary.
Height-Boosting Boots
At 1.75m, Zayn makes the most of sturdy black or brown leather boots with thick soles. Pairing them with tucked-in or cuffed pants, he gives his frame a longer look.
A Dynamic Hair Game
Zayn’s hair changes more than any other aspect of his style. From a short quiff to a man bun, slick-back, or even a buzzed and bleached look, Zayn reinvents himself often. A fresh hairstyle can transform your vibe, breathing new life into your look and offering endless style inspiration.
Accessory Game Strong
Zayn’s all about accessories, especially rings, watches, and vintage-style earrings. And his tattoos - true to his edgy persona - are accessories in their own right.
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