Style History: Diddy

Diddy recently turned 42 and is still so influential in the game. Take a look back at his stylish moments throughout the years.

November 10, 2011
Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

LEAD

Can't nobody hold him down! Say what you want, but Diddy is unstoppable. Ever since the late Heavy D gave him his first chance in the music industry, Sean Combs has changed the hip-hop game and made himself a millionaire with multiple business ventures (and awesome rants). The success of his Bad Boy label, Sean John clothing brand, and Ciroc vodka wouldn't be the same without his eye for style.

None of our Style History subjects have lasted in the game as a relevant player as long as Diddy has. So check out the looks we've covered from his days in high school, to stunting in Versace with Biggie, to Dirty Money performances today.

high school 2

WHEN: 1980s

WHERE: High School Photo

Complex Says: Is this the club photo for the Mathletes or Future Billionaire of America? Either way, the prep swag is palpable. Is that Kid Cudi on the right?

High School

WHEN: 1980s

WHERE: High School Photo

Complex Says: Even in high school, Puff was killing 'em with that million dollar style.

Video Interview 91

WHEN: 1991

WHERE: Video Interview

Complex Says: Here's Puff in a video interview in '91 with his mentor, Andre Harrell. When's the last time you've seen him rock the baldie?

karl kani 93

WHEN: 1993

WHERE: Karl Kani Ads

Complex Says: The Karl Kani ad campaigns are so cool to look back at now. Don't miss Nas and Tupac's modeling days either.

Yo MTV Raps 94

WHEN: 1994

WHERE: Yo! MTV Raps Interview

Complex Says: Right after he founded Bad Boy, with a Naughty Gear jacket on! Young Puff was getting that money.

mig mack 94

WHEN: July 1994

WHERE: The B.I.G. MACK campaign, shot by Chi Modu

Complex Says: This famous photo of Biggie, Diddy, and Craig Mack shot by reknowned photographer Chi Modu was for a Bad Boy feature in Billboard Magazine.

95 mtv awards

WHEN: 1995

WHERE: MTV Awards

Complex Says: Diddy's been doing this shit, Drizzy.


1995 billboards

WHEN: December 1995

WHERE: Billboard Music Awards

Complex Says: This image is iconic, when these three were on top.

97 soul train

WHEN: March 1997

WHERE: Soul Train Awards Show

Complex Says: Diddy in an all white get-up? Classic. And how can we forget Biggie's velvet moments.

97 Billboard

WHEN: May 1997

WHERE: Billboard Music Awards

Complex Says: All-camo-everything. Swag.

Shiny Suits

WHEN: 1997

WHERE: "Mo Money Mo Problems" Music Video

Complex Says: Puffy and Bad Boy singlehandedly made late '90s hip-hop about luxury and designer gear. Also, Shiny suits will never die.

97 video awards

WHEN: September 1997

WHERE: MTV Video Music Awards

Complex Says: Repping for his best friend, R.I.P.

Rush Hour Premiere 1998

WHEN: September 1998

WHERE: Rush Hour Premiere

Complex Says: We don't know what's more awkward, the leather outfit or Magic Johnson's bear hug from behind.

Kids Choice Awards 1998

WHEN: April 1998

WHERE: Kids Choice Awards

Complex Says: The fit of these jeans must be called Ross.

1998 mtv music awards

WHEN: September 1998

WHERE: MTV Music Awards

Complex Says: This look is a mix of old Harlem and Union Square bum, but he still pulled off the hat and coat in his own way.

vh1 fashion awards 1998

WHEN: October 1998

WHERE: VH1 Fashion Awards

Complex Says: A pimp from the '70s couldn't even try to look better than this. The white on white with fur is so fresh.

Source Awards 1999

WHEN: 1999

WHERE: Source Awards

Complex Says: Here, Diddy reps the West and East.

1999

WHEN: 1999

WHERE: Unknown

Complex Says: We're kind of loving this boater hat look on Diddy. Judge us all you want, but this is swag.

VMA's

WHEN: September 2000

WHERE: MTV Video Music Awards

Complex Says: What would a timeline of Diddy's stylish moments be without J.Lo?

2000 bloomingdales

WHEN: September 2000

WHERE: Bloomingdales in New York City

Complex Says: You can't mention Diddy and Sean John without thoughts of the classic velour suit.

2001 billboard music awards

WHEN: May 2001

WHERE: Billboard Music Awards

Complex Says: Varisty: Nice. The size: A bit OD.

Oct 2003 Marathon

WHEN: October 2003

WHERE: New York Marathon

Complex Says: Remember when Diddy sported a mohawk and ran the marathon? Memorable moment for sure.

2003 mtv vma's

WHEN: 2003

WHERE: MTV Video Music Awards

Complex Says: Yes, bucket hats were cool once upon a time.

2004

WHEN: 2004

WHERE: Unknown

Complex Says: Possible halloween costume for next year.

Cadillac Records

WHEN: November 2008

WHERE: Cadillac Records Premiere

Complex Says: The fur trim is oddly appropriate for the Premiere of the musical biopic.

2008 mtv awards

WHEN: September 2008

WHERE: MTV Video Music Awards

Complex Says: This makes us want a Sean John suit, stat.

2009 fifi event

WHEN: 2009

WHERE: FIFI Event

Complex Says: We're starting to appreciate the Sean John look.

white party 09

WHEN: July 2009

WHERE: Diddy's Annual White Party

Complex Says: We couldn't leave out a White Party outfit. We heard that 2009's party in Beverly Hills was the best yet.

Supreme

WHEN: 2009

WHERE: Supreme photoshoot with Terry Richardson

Complex Says: Streetwear!

2010 Glasglow

WHEN: September 2010

WHERE: Glasgow, Scotland

Complex Says: No comment.

2010 mtv movie awards

WHEN: May 2010

WHERE: MTV Movie Awards

Complex Says: The denim jacket with leather sleeves gets our co-sign.

Jalouse

WHEN: Unknown

WHERE: Outside Jalouse

Complex Says: Now this beefed up varsity jacket is something we'd like to see dude in more. And by dude, we mean ourselves.

Hangover II

WHEN: May 2011

WHERE: The Hangover, Part II

Complex Says: Another win on the sartorial side for Diddy.

Jul 1, 2011

WHEN: July 2011

WHERE: Club 55

Complex Says: Diddy in his chilled out look, versus his many outrageous 'fits.

2011

WHEN: September 2011

WHERE: Studio

Complex Says: Givenchy is taking over hip-hop.