Tips And Works

Whatever you may think of his music, there’s no denying that Justin Timberlake has an impressive sense of style. When it comes to fashion, Justin is a mix master and never shies away from trying something a little different. The modern-day music icon piles on the confidence as well, whether he’s working a tailored, casual or funky look. In the music video for “What Goes Around,” Justin goes for a contemporary twist on the ’50s hipster. Dress pants and a striped dress shirt create a smart silhouette, while a wife-beater and a pair of suspenders add quirk. To see how we’ve interpreted Justin’s look and to learn how you can make these pieces work for you, read on.

Gucci dress shirt

A pinstripe dress shirt is the key to taking this style to the next level. Worn unbuttoned a la Justin, a pinstriped shirt will give you a casually cool appearance -- especially since your tank will be visible. Wearing the shirt unbuttoned also allows you to show off your suspenders and lets others know you’re a fashion risk-taker. This gorgeous black sateen striped dress shirt from Gucci is reminiscent of the number Justin sports, and it’s easy to see why he favors this timeless piece. It may be a small investment, but this shirt will be a regular feature in your closet and you’ll wear it until it falls apart. And it’s so versatile that it will complement practically everything in your wardrobe. The best thing about this piece is that it can be worn 24-hours a day; combine it with dress pants and button it up, and this shirt translates perfectly from work to dinner. Then, once you’re ready to hit the clubs, all you’ll have to do is unbutton your shirt.

Hanes A-shirt

Pairing more upscale clothes with a simple tank contributes to Justin’s covetable high-low style. Made of ultra soft and comfy cotton, this American basic from Hanes is cut to the body for a smooth fit, so it won’t get stretched or bent out of shape, and it’s also an incredible value at just $13USD for a pack of three. Of course, when the weather cools down, wear one under a sweater or a long-sleeved shirt to add an extra layer of warmth. These ones are also hemmed to be a bit long so that they’ll stay tucked into your pants when you want to wear them as an under layer.

Zanella dress pants

Pleated pants can be difficult to pull off and don’t always look very modern, so wear them with caution. One instance in which you can wear them fearlessly, however, is as part of a retro-inspired ensemble like the one Justin sports in the video. These grey wool trousers from Zanella are perfect with their single pleat and tapered cuff for recreating Justin’s laid-back, hip 1950s style. As well, the angled pockets on these pants make the whole look appear even more relaxed by giving the outfit a slouchy, didn’t-try-too-hard feel. To give an extended life to your pleated pants, try pairing them with a light-colored dress shirt, a trench coat and a skinny tie for a ’50s journalist vibe with a modern spin. Or, wear them with sneakers for a contemporary take on ‘80s fashion.

Urban Outfitters Savile Row suspenders

Though certainly small, suspenders play a big role in making Justin’s look more interesting. An accessory with attitude, a pair of suspenders shows you’re not afraid to play around with your appearance and you’re ready for some fun. Fortunately, this trendy item doesn’t cost the Earth, so for only $18 USD at Urban Outfitters you can add a bit of edge to your wardrobe with these Savile Row suspenders. Don’t take the retro factor too far, however, by investing in old-school suspenders. Newer ones made from stretchy elastic are the way to go for the sake of comfort.

swiping justin’s style

While the saying “What goes around comes around” might actually be based on the age-old theme of a jilted lover’s heartbreak, the song’s title applies equally well to Justin’s fresh take on the fashion of decades past. If you love Justin’s threads in this video but can’t afford to kit yourself with all new duds, try some vintage shopping for a few of these pieces. You can also hunt down other garments, such as hats from the ’40s and ’50s at secondhand shops and pair them with a few newer items to hone in on Justin’s killer style.