"Forgettable" isn't normally a word one associates with the late David Bowie. For pretty much most of his life and career, David Bowie rocked many influential and memorable looks. He was as much a visual artist as he was a musical one. Both his stage ensembles and his street style were outrageous, unique, boundary-pushing, and out there. That's all to his credit. But given the breadth and scope of his career, he was an actively working public figure for several decades and rocked innumerable looks.
So it's conceivable that you may not have remembered some of his out-in-left-field ensembles, based on the sheer volume of cool and incredible looks he worked.
It is obvious that Bowie put a lot of thought and effort into cultivating his style. It was as though nothing was left chance, but the presentation wasn't contrived or overthought. That's an extremely delicate balance to achieve and a tough line to walk. But Bowie toed it fearlessly and without a net.
Bowie died of cancer on Jan. 10 after an 18-month battle with the disease. He turned 69 two days prior to his passing. He leaves behind an unbelievably rich legacy of music and his personal style has and will continue to influence generations of artists.
These are 14 Bowie looks you may have forgotten about.
1. Stripes & Mandolins
Maybe it's not that you forgot this look. Maybe you've never seen it, since it's from 1963. Still, Bowie's striped pants and mandolin were indicators of both the visual and audio elements of his personality.
2. Long Hair, Don't Care
His Ziggy Stardust mullet was iconic. His shaggy locks later in life were also recognizable. But these flowing strands were so model-like. This is another instance of something you may not have seen. But aren't you glad you eventually did?
3. Glasses Game
We've seen that spiky mullet many times. But how about those shades? His glasses game was so strong.
4. Back To Normal
After so many androgynous and specific looks, a normal Bowie in a leather jacket, showing off those fine cheekbones, was quite a welcome site.
5. Co-Ed Threads
In 1977, the plaid shirt and cuffed, high-waisted jeans felt like Bowie's take on co-ed threads.
6. Hammer Time
Before MC Hammer did MC Hammer pants, Bowie did MC Hammer pants. He slayed the full, genie pants look a decade prior.
7. His Take On Annie Hall
Is this suit Bowie's take on Annie Hall's unique style? That's the first thing I think when I see this.
8. The '80s Jumpsuit
Bowie was no stranger to the one-piece. This poufy jumpsuit was his version of the trend in the '80s.
9. Lime Green Dream
Not many men can pull off a lime green suit. But not many men had David Bowie's innate fashion sense.
10. Bombs Away
This black and gold bomber reminds me of Justin Bieber's 2015 Met Gala blazer.
It was the color scheme that made me connect these two ensembles from different eras.
11. His 1999 Shaggy Hair
His shaggy locks, worn in 1999, were boyish and fun. He always evolved and never, ever let himself go.
12. Now That's A Scarf
Bowie's bright yellow, floor sweeping scarf was quite the accessory.
14. Reptilian
His snakeskin print shirt was ever stylish. He always had such good hair, too!
R.I.P. to one of fashion's most beloved influencers.
