P. Diddy: Bad Boy Style

With his own record label, marketing company, entertainment group, upscale restaurant chain, and fashion line, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs is one busy entrepreneur. In 2004, he won the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Best Menswear Designer award for his Sean John hip hop inspired clothing line, which caters to the “urban sophisticated man”. The opening of the Sean John store marks the introduction of the first black-owned retailer to Fifth Avenue. P. Diddy is a man who must see and be seen, and his stylish wardrobe suits his busy, high profile lifestyle.

Whatever he wears, he is rarely spotted without his telltale bling. Fat diamond cluster pinky rings, large solitaire stud earrings, jewel-encrusted watches, and oversized cross necklaces, several at a time, are customary choices for P. Diddy. Dark, contemporary shades are similarly typical for him. His clothing rarely competes with his jewelry and accessories, however. Preferring black, white, and gray graphic looks; he creates balanced and harmonious ensembles with high impact.

Inverse looks with equal flair are a black single-breasted suit with white shirt and white silk tie and a white suit and shirt with black tie, both complemented with dark frames and the famous glittering pinky ring and ear studs. For heightened effect, Puffy has been known to wear black, white, or silver suits in velvet or sateen fabrics with high luster.� Black and white ties with polka dots or stripes are sometimes added for an extra touch of style.

To draw from P. Diddy’s sophisticated look, balance out flashy rocks with uninterrupted stretches of white, black, or gray. Focus on a clean, graphic look with bold punctuations of diamonds or white gold. Even if multi-stoned bling is beyond your budget, small details such as a half-carat diamond stud or silver watch detailed with modest stones can add many degrees of class to your outfit.� Invest in a nice pair of silver cufflinks in a bold shape, such as rectangular. To add sparkle in another more affordable form, try a pinstripe suit or black fedora.� Work the contrast of black and white, setting it off with eye-catching details. Work in touches of velvet or sateen. Foster an image of “cool flamboyance” similar to the one present in the Sean John line. The key to this winning look is a combination of daring clarity and showy sparkle that flexes to work with any situation.