How One Direction Changed from Boy Band Cuties to Menswear Style Icons
1/25It's crazy to think about, but it's true: We've watched One Direction grow from young boys auditioning for the X Factor to grown men over the past five years, fashion evolution and all. Sometimes that meant some weird experimenting — looking at you, Harry's farmer hat — but along the way, they found their footing and became style icons in their own right.
Still, no matter what they wear or where they go next, we'll always remember the early days of matching outfits and red suspenders. We're taking a look back at how One Direction's style has changed over their career.
WireImage2/25One Direction was still on the X Factor and dressing like they did before fame — remember when Louis wore those infinity scarfs and cuffed his pants?
Getty Images3/25Babies' first red carpet appearance! The boys took a break from X Factor to check out The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in matching slim suits.
Getty Images4/25"This isn't the last of One Direction": The boys with Simon Cowell at the series seven final press conference.
WireImage5/25A bit of weird foreshadowing, perhaps? Zayn was MIA for this adorable group shot — we barely recognize these boys!
WireImage6/25We have a hard time imagining any of the boys would be caught dead in jeans this baggy these days.
FilmMagic7/25Sneakers! Hoodies! Khakis! This is when the boys were still dressing like regular teens and not, you know, heartthrob superstars.
Getty Images8/25For their early on stage appearances, One Direction would focus on matching color schemes and pieces befitting young men.
Getty Images9/25Who could forget Louis's uspenders? Zayn's letterman cardigans? Harry's blazers? Curly-haired Louis? Niall's beloved trainers? Style signatures #TBT
Getty Images10/25The 2012 Brit Awards were a major moment for One Direction — and not just because they took one home. This was a hint of red carpet style to come.
FilmMagic11/25One Direction's Today Show debut was all about the red, white, and blue.
FilmMagic12/25The 2012 VMAs, or the night we all met Zayn's now-legendary hair swirl.
Getty Images13/25The "Up All Night" tour was pretty much the only time the boys would ever wear matching, pre-planned ensembles on-stage.
FilmMagic14/25Looking sleek in all-black at the premiere of This Is Us.
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images15/25One Direction appeared on the Today Show looking much, much different than their first time. (The number of new tattoos alone!)
FilmMagic16/25Another all-black entourage for the American Music Awards — does anyone miss the primary colors of early One Direction?
FilmMagic17/25This is when the boys started to establish themselves as style icons. Check out Zayn's creepers (and Louis's signature side-eye).
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images18/25As the band unknowingly practices for life Post-Zayn, Harry enters a new phase of wearing his shirts unbuttoned way down to there.
Getty Images19/25This is what One Direction wore to meet the Royal Family. Seriously. Harry's leopard coat was particularly inspired.
FilmMagic20/25Niall takes a style risk by wearing a t-shirt with zippered details on the red carpet. Hey, it's a risk for him, okay?
Getty Images21/25Liam tried the belt-over-coat trend and honestly, we're still not sure how we feel about it.
WireImage22/25Did the red carpet just become an excuse for the boys to wear all-black? Zayn's scarf accessory was a nice, unexpected touch though.
WireImage23/25A Zayn-less One Direction goes casual for the Summertime Ball.
FilmMagic24/25At some point, One Direction turned from boys to men. Look at how confident they are on the red carpet and how well they own their individual style!
WireImage25/25No matter what their style, we're going to miss seeing One Direction experiment with fashion while they're on hiatus.
