For 22-year-old Nick Jonas, style has been an integral part of his trajectory, especially as he matured from a purity-ring-wearing Jonas Brother to an abs-fabulous pop heartthrob in the mold of Justin Timberlake or a young Mark Wahlberg.
“I like classic elements but with bolder statements,” says the youngest of the Jonas juggernaut, whose career as a solo artist has taken him to new heights — and new venues, from the unveiling of a Lord & Taylor holiday window to a gay club in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. “Your clothing and approach to fashion are the visual statements you make as a performer or a songwriter.”
It doesn’t hurt when reaching out to new fan bases either. Since going solo, Jonas has sold 388,000 albums (according to Nielsen Music) with “Jealous,” the second single from his eponymous sophomore album, hitting No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
While his looks vary from the maroon plaid suit he wore at the iHeartRadio Awards to the silver bomber jacket and ripped black jeans he sported at the Billboard Music Awards, Jonas has no trouble deciding what to wear at home. “In my apartment by myself, it’s usually just me in my underwear,” he says. (For the record, he prefers boxer briefs.)
Fashion Faux Pas
“Bow ties are great, but there’s a time and place for them. Bow ties for everyday wear is maybe not the best move, and I was doing that for a minute.”
Trend He’s Trying
“I’ve been getting into the fancy sweatpants trend – the sweatpants-you-can-wear-to-work kind of vibe. Public School is doing a very cool job with that.”
Every Guy Should Have
“A classic black leather jacket. Mine is Margiela and I take it everywhere I go. If it’s a two-day trip or a two-month trip, it’s with me.”