From Rags to Riches

4.6.20

The major glow up, from rags to riches, from Gs to Gents, whatever you would like to call it. I love seeing progression in an artist. The biggest way you know they’re actually doing better, is when they’re dressing better and taking action to make sure they look great. When you look good, you feel good, and probably shouldn’t be getting into anything too bad, because you don’t want to scuff your sneakers or get mud on your designer, right? Here are a few of my favorite fashion glow ups.

Gucci Mane @laflare1017

Everyone knows that Gucci Mane got his life together after he was released from prison. But on top of getting his life together and shredding, his sense of style has continued to rise.

The first three images below, you can see old Gucci. The flat rim hat, baggy jeans sagging, boxers showing, white tee longer than your XXL jersey. So many chains you’re bound to break your back. This is note cute, Gucci, and I don’t think it worked in the early 2000s, either.

The second row, Gucci Mane is out of jail, and attempting to do better with his life. He has money, he can afford nice things. His style? Mediocre at best. A sweater and pants, a tee and joggers or a bomber jacket in jeans, is what preppy boys in college wear. Not terrible, but I am not so sure this is the look he was going for.

Third row, Gucci Mane is one of the best dressed men in hip-hop. An all white denim fit, the jacket length is perfect, just the right amount of jewelry to spice it up while still looking classy. A shiny pink suit, that only the cleanest could pull off. A half black, half print peacoat, with a matching red sweater and pant suit, with the fur loafer to match? This is one of the best put together outfits I have ever seen.

We’ve always known Gucci Mane’s main interest in the world was money, so it makes sense that he is into material things. It is great to see that he is using this mindset in a now positive way. If you have a special occasion to dress up for, I’d look to Gucci Mane for some suite and fashion tips, anyday.

Katy Perry @katyperry

Though it may just be because I have not listened to Katy Perry’s music since middle school, but when and how did this glow up happen? Was it after leaving Russel Brand? Is it Orlando Bloom? Is this what they mean when they say “you’re glowing” during a pregnancy? I’m not sure what I missed, but Katy Perry is absolutely killing it, in every outfit she puts on. She knows how to rock the colors, the patterns, accessorize, and do the unthinkable, in a classy way.

When we first got to know Katy Perry, she was young, cute and relatable. Looking back at her Red Carpet looks now, oh honey. Those boots with that dress do not work, unless there was a reptile theme for the party. The second dress, looks like the exact dress I wore to Sophomore Semi Formal in high school. A yellow dress, green belt, and red shoes? This look does not even work on Easter. You can brag no stylist all you want, but if it looks like this, we can already tell, and maybe you should find yourself one.

Second row, Katy shaves her head. Honestly, yes she still looks good and can pull off short hair. However, she just seems like she is trying too hard to be weird, like this is not Katy Perry. Keep in mind this is around the time with Kesha, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and other complete weirdos in the space, while wanting to keep your relevancy. I get it, but this just isn’t it.

Final row, absolute beauty model. I still cannot believe this is the same woman. I would give up absolutely anything to wear the yellow polka dot peplum and the white hat. Do you not just want to go on a picnic on a yacht with Katy Perry in this outfit? She is making the all over print look classy and feel good. I love the teal accessories with the peachy shirt and hat. Color-blocking at it’s finest (not yellow and red).

A truly stunning transformation. I would have to say my style takes after Katy Perry, and I’ve been dressing this way for two years before I even realized. So maybe Katy Perry is taking after me?

Dave East @daveeast

He is so New York, it hurts, and it has been bleeding from his clothes for over a decade. It does seem like this year especially, people are realizing it is time to move on from the streets. When you do that, you start to care about other things in life. For one, your appearance.

Wife beater tank tops and polos, the classic look for hanging out on the corner of your block. Not a care in the world who is walking by or what you look like. If you got it, you got it, and that ladies will know whats up. Nothing screams more that you do not care about your appearance and hygiene than this outfit. He also bent his flat brims, which is not allowed. Just buy a regular baseball hat.

From 2017-2018, Dave East is getting some attention, but still messing around with the law and being wordy on the Internet. He can afford designer, but he is just not wearing it right. The track jacket with a three quarter open zipper and no shirt underneath is a no-no for me. I do too tuck in my pants to my boots when they’re too long and the boot is high. However, Dave East looks like he just wrinkled his pants at the top of the boot as if no one would notice. I personally hate a t-shirt button up. Although it is technically a nice shirt, the light-wash ripped denim just doesn’t hit right for me. I’m honestly all the way into overalls and long sleeve tees, and the beanie, too. Red and brown though, you should know better.

How did the New York kid get so classy? A navy suit with silver lapel is probably top three best color ways for a suite. You just need to make sure the jacket fits correctly, which it does here for Dave. I know I mentioned the open shirt doesn’t work, but this image was taken during a planned photoshoot so I believe he was just showing off. I’m into the color blocking of the shirt and the pants. The key to this outfit? The sleeve cuffs. A good sleeve cuff will make or break your look, and Dave nailed it here. Finally, the guys don’t really go for a pattern sweater that much, I feel. Your nasty old True Religion jeans will absolutely ruin this look. However, with the dark pant to make to the pattern more subtle, this is such a classy look.

Dave does preach ‘No Stylist’, in his song with Bloc Boy JB. I’m sure he has someone with him when he is on set for a magazine or a photoshoot. But if this is the case for the majority of the time, he has stepped up his game immensely.