Elvis Presley may have been the king of rock n’ roll, but he was also the king of fashion. Along with his rolling hips and unique moves on stage, he always wowed the crowd with blingy outfits that set him apart from other popular singers of his time. From rising to rockabilly fame to covering herself head-to-toe in bling, her fashion choices survived the late superstar just as much as her music. His choices inspired men and women and continue to be revived in streetwear trends decades after his death. He had a real rags-to-riches story from his youth growing up in a cabin in Mississippi to achieving worldwide fame with his first number one hit at the age of 21. Presley’s life and legacy continue to impress and inspire from the days he truly set the tone as one of fashion’s early rebels.
One of the most exciting aspects of Presley’s fashion choices is that he was decidedly adventurous. He was one of the first trendsetters and one of the first white men in music to embrace outfits clad in rhinestones and copious amounts of jewelry. Her looks have not only inspired the world, but also other artists. Look at David Bowie and Mick Jagger. Presley fully embraced his bling and in the process became a cultural icon.
“The flamboyance of Elvis stage outfits allowed men to wear more outrageous clothes than they had worn since the 19th century,” said British tailor Edward Sexton. Squire.
Here are some of Presley’s most notable looks during his historic career.
1957- Jailhouse Rock
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Sure, it was for one of Presley’s most iconic movies, but it makes a statement nonetheless. He managed to make his prison ensemble the epitome of edgy, perfect for showing off his dance moves and serving as inspiration for teenage rebels of the 50s and 60s, from loafers to denim on denim.
1962- The white jacket
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The effortless choice to pair the white jacket with the black pants and tie is *chef’s kiss* perfection. He may be more closely affiliated with his popped collar, but Presley might just clean up.
1964- Just a dapper suit
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
While Presley is really well known for all of his wacky outfits, it’s a friendly reminder that the guy could seriously rock a nice suit. Hair slicked back, strumming on his guitar, he looks like a million bucks in that gray suit.
1968- The shimmering golden jacket
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The Elvis Comeback TV special was full of incredible wardrobe moments, but this golden jacket deserves some recognition. Only the king could pull off something so flashy and make it classy and cool.
1968- Leather on leather
Getty/ Bettmann / Contributor
Speaking of cool, how about this leather on leather? Another notable outfit choice from her 1968 TV special and it’s one of my favorites on the whole list. To me, this photo is just a friendly reminder of why Presley was considered one of the biggest idols of his time. It’s safe to say we can credit The King for crafting head-to-toe leather cool.
1970 – This black-on-black ensemble with a scarf
Photo by Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty Images
One thing I love about Elvis Presley is that he’s fashionable on and off the stage. Here he is at an event with his father Vernon wearing a very suave black coat and pants, accented with a silk scarf. The man loved his accessories. Presley was effortlessly stylish and it showed no matter where he was photographed.
1970 – The Nixon Suit
Photo by MPI/Getty Images
Leave it to Elvis to show up for a meeting with the President of the United States and make it a fashion statement. The massive ’70s collar on his shirt and jacket. The belt buckle. Honestly, the outfit is as iconic as this reunion itself. Hollywood did a solid job of recreating this outfit in the 2016 film that followed this remarkable moment in history, Elvis and Nixon.
1972 – The red suit with rhinestones
Photo by Fotos International/Archive Photos/Getty Images
These amazing costumes are probably the first thing you come across when thinking about Elvis’ style. While the white is iconic, this red is just as remarkable. Paired with the white leather shoes, white tie and big belt buckle, Presley fully encompasses his legendary style here. He was known for choosing different colors like red and pink, fully embracing gender-fluid wardrobe choices that had never been seen before.
1973 – The signature white suit with rhinestones
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
It is the white lamé wetsuit that will forever be etched in history. With bell bottoms and an open chest, Presley perfectly captured the ’70s while inspiring other singers to go crazy with their performance wear. This is perhaps one of her most iconic looks of all time.
1975- The blue rhinestone set
Photo by Steve Morley/Redferns
It’s not an Elvis jumpsuit unless it’s covered in bling. This blue ensemble is exactly what you’d expect from the king, from the many rhinestones to the large signature belt buckle.
