The Most Stylish White Dudes in R&B History

Bros with serious vocals and a style to match.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Musical genres like country music, death metal, or classical are what some people classify as “white people music.” But, like most stereotypes, that simply isn't true. When it comes down to it, music really has no boundaries. And when it comes to style, the philosophy remains the same. The same way there's a bit of cognitive dissonance when you hear the words "black country singer," that doesn't mean they're not out there doing their thing.

Guys like Eminem and Mac Miller have proven that white dudes can hold their own in hip-hop, but there are plenty who are also holding it down in the world of R&B. Some may not have dressed as well as they sound, but there are a few whose style personal style was as distinguishable as their singing voice. Whether they’re wearing crispy suits, or predicting trends way ahead of their time, these white dudes have a sense of fashion that stands out. Possessing that rare combination of gifted vocals and high style IQ, here are The Most Stylish White Dudes in R&B History

RELATED: The Most Stylish R&B Singers of the '90s
RELATED: The 10 Most Stylish Country Singers of All Time

The Bee Gees

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Dresses like: A superhero team and/or the white Run DMC
Popular song:
 "How Deep Is Your Love"The Bee Gees was a play on the Brothers Gibb, and Barry, Robin, and Maurice are regarded as three of the best known crooners of all time. While their popularity in the '70s and hits on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack have people classify them as disco, these progenitors of the "blue-eyed soul" movement no doubt have contributed to the evolution of R&B. From Barry's recognizable falsettos to the shimmery get-ups that groups like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five would emulate, they were even wearing black leather blazers long before Run DMC.

Kenny Loggins

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Dresses like: "Steezus Christ" meets wild prints and Americana.
Popular song:
 "This Is It"Loggins' storied career has crafted some of the greatest songs that children have been conceived to. From his Loggins and Messina days to classic hits like "What A Fool Believes," made with the equally talented (but sadly not as stylish) Michael McDonald, Loggins' solo heyday was characterized by very appropriate style choices. White blazers with striped shirts and Coogi sweaters abound, he even had a penchant for all-over patterned button downs. While plenty of his music falls squarely in the rock category, songs like "This Is It" saw a lot of crossover success, seeing success in the "Soul" charts as well.

Remy Shand

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Dresses like: A jazzy Lenny Kravitz
Popular song:
 "The Way I Feel"
During the neo soul movement happening around the early 2000's, Remy Shand was the lone white singer repping for the genre. Like many in the neo soul movement, his style of dress followed a certain uniform with strong afro-centric vibes. But unlike the disheveled trustafarian hippy look, the Canadian singer's style was more cleaned up. His outfits were usually earth tone in color including brown leather jackets and khakis or olive military style jackets. And his signature accessory you would never find him without was a knitted tam.

George Michael

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Dresses like: Jon Bon Jovi in the Fresh Prince's closet
Popular song:
 "Freedom! '90"Born in London, George Michael has had plenty of R&B hits and style to earn him a spot on this list. After wearing slogan T-shirts and bright neon colors during his Wham! Days, the "Father Figure" singer found a signature look that involved leather jackets, ripped jeans, and some aviator shades. However he didn't abandon his taste for flamboyant clothing. The singer sometimes rocked over-the-top colors like cobalt blue sweaters or orange suits that would make any Pitti Uomo attendee turn their head.

Jon B.

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Dresses like: A '90s boy band member
Popular song:
 "They Don't Know"Signed by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Jon B has wrote songs for major artists including Tony Braxton and Michael Jackson just to name a few. When he broke out as a solo artist he has had Tupac and Nas featured on his tracks. There weren't that many white R&B artists back in the '90s doing what he did.

As for his style, the title of his latest album "Comfortable Swagg" is what best describes it. Loose fitting everything is what you could mostly find him in. This included jeans, shirts with the top button open, blazers, and the ultimate crooner essential: a fedora. If he had to dress up, his tailored suit game was always on point. To top that off, his shape-up and chinstrap beard was always trimmed to a laser-sharp precision.

Bobby Caldwell

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Dresses like: A Blues Brother with a hint of Frank Sinatra and Steve Harvey
Popular song:
 "What You Won't Do for Love"
Your favorite hip-hop producer's favorite white R&B artist to sample might be none other than Bobby Caldwell. His hits have been sampled in a long list of songs by Biggie, 2Pac, and Aaliyah just to name a few. The "What You Won't Do for Love" singer always keeps it classy, and can be often found in double-breasted suits and tuxedos. If you think he plays it safe, he once performed in a crispy maroon suit and often incorporates trippy ties into his wardrobe. His style is best described as old man steez at its best.

Hall and Oates

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Dresses like: The '80s. All of it.
Popular song:
 "Maneater"Hall and Oates had the '80s R&B charts on lock. Music's best selling duo had a ton of hits that ranged from "Sara Smile" to chart toppers like "I Can't Go For That" so their place in R&B shouldn't be questioned. You may dismiss their style thanks to badly imitated costumes at every Halloween party, but there's more to mustaches, perms, and blonde locks. The duo was way ahead of everyone with leopard prints, camo patterns, wavy tie-dye, and leather motorcycle jackets. Place those '80s looks with today's trends, and they will fit right in.

Color Me Badd

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Dresses like: Everything you loved about '90s style, except the hair
Popular song:
 "I Wanna Sex You Up"

With the obvious exception of Kevin Thornton, Color Me Badd's other members resemble 2.0 versions of George Michael, Kenny G., Vanilla Ice, and Living Colour's Vernon Reid, but once you get past that, Color Me Badd actually had some good vocals. And while you may make fun of their uncanny doppleganger features, it can't be denied that they may have predicted many style trends found today before anyone else. All leather outfits; check, circular shades; check, snapback worn backwards; check, cuffed pants; check. They may not have known at the time, but these get-ups are written about in length in today's menswear blogs.

Full Crate & Mar

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Dresses like: Karmaloop models
Popular song:
 "She Was Fly"The producer and singer duo of Full Crate & Mar might not be well known yet, but their laidback sound and electro R&B vibes have been getting attention on music blogs and re-tumbled aplenty. Maybe being based in Amsterdam has also something to do with the production of their trippy sound. Think the same wavelengths as The Weekend or The Internet.

Style-wise, you can tell they're both fans of streetwear. The duos looks can incorporate pattern and print button-ups, military outerwear, jorts, or some exclusive collabs like K-Swiss' California Running collection designed by Supreme's creative director Brendon Barbenzien. That alone lets you know they have their eyes on the style blogs.

Robin Thicke

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Dresses like: A dude who just learned how to be confident in his clothes
Popular song:
 "Blurred Lines"If you want further proof of what a haircut could do, Robin Thicke is a prime example. Everyone might not remember his long-hair-don't-care days, but after chopping off his locks, success and sharp tailored suits followed. Just take a look at his video for "When I Get You Alone" to the most recent "Blurred Lines" video, and his style took a complete 180 turn. He went from Triple 5 Soul sweaters to Lanvin sneakers and Tom Ford accessories. The singer cleaned up well, and never looked back since.

Allen Stone

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Dresses like: The reincarnation of Cat Stevens
Popular song:
 "Unaware"Allen Stone is one of those artists where the face doesn't match the voice. At first glance you might think he was a total hippie, but when you hear him sing you might find yourself asking why not that many people know about him. His style is a mix of stoner fashion and thrift shop regular. Thick-framed glasses, vintage button-ups, chambray shirts, heavy knits, and a wide brimmed hat are what you'll see him most in. And yes, he does own a requisite stoner poncho.

Justin Timberlake

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Dresses like: A #menswear blogger, except for the fedoras and beanies
Popular song: "Mirrors"

Justin Timberlake might have had a few bumps in the road in terms of style, but he shook off the coordinated boy band outfit stigma after going solo. Besides looking comfortable wearing his new Tom Ford suit and tie, he can pulls off casual styles from high-end brands like Givenchy to more affordable labels like All Saints. While remnant reminders of the infamous Texas Tuxedo still float around the Internet, we hope he at least burned that outfit and spread the ashes at sea.

Mayer Hawthorne

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Dresses like: A super nerdy Don Draper
Popular song:
 "When I Said Goodbye"You might mistake Mayer Hawthorne's song for something produced back in the days when Motown was the king of all R&B and soul records. While his style can be similar to throwback looks worn artists back in the day, it's up to date with a more slim tailored modern fit. The retro steeze consists of suits, cardigans, and v-neck sweaters with a tie or bow tie. If you didn't know who he was you would probably think he was some nerdy college professor up on his fashion.

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