Strike a pose: 20 songs about fashion

Justin Timberlake is known for taking some time between each album release, but his 2013 project, The 20/20 Experience, was worth the wait. On the lead single “Suit & Tie,” Timberlake worked with frequent collaborator Timbaland on production and teamed up with Jay-Z to encourage listeners to wear some of their finest threads. 

On Nancy Sinatra’s hit song “These Boots Are Made for Walkin,’” the singer uses the shoe as a metaphor as she details her relationship woes. She realizes her partner isn’t doing right by her, and she doesn’t want to seem like she can be treated in any type of way. On the hook, she sings, “These boots are made for walkin’ / And that’s just what they’ll do / One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.” 

Rap trio Run-D.M.C. always had a signature style, which incorporated tracksuits with Adidas tennis shoes. When they released their 1986 single “My Adidas,” they landed an endorsement deal with the athletic company. The deal was the first of its kind and influenced future brand deals with musicians. 

In 1980, David Bowie released his 14th studio album, Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), which featured the hit single "Fashion." The title was essential for Bowie's discography since he would do everything with a unique style. On the track, Bowie gives his views on the changes, trends, and nuances of the fashion industry. 

On A$AP Rocky’s single “Fashion Killa,” the rapper details his style while highlighting how his partner can slay anyone with her fashion sense. He doesn’t shy away from name-dropping designer brands such as Balmain, Tom Ford, Versace, and Alexander Wang. 

In 2013, Lady Gaga released her third studio album, Artpop. She teamed up with will.i.am and David Guetta on the groovy track “Fashion!” Gaga beams with confidence in her style and attitude, to a point where she feels like she can take on the world. 

In 2006, Beyoncé released her critically acclaimed sophomore album, B’Day. She continued to elevate her sound, evident on the Rich Harrison-produced track “Freakum Dress.” On the track, Beyoncé details how her lover has been acting up, so she deserves to have some fun of her own, and the first order of business is pulling out her show-stopping dress.  

In 1991, pop group Right Said Fred released their debut hit, “I’m Too Sexy.” On the track, the band feels very confident in their sexiness, feeling like models. “I’m Too Sexy” was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and was sampled by Drake nearly thirty years after its release. 

In 2003, Jay-Z released his eighth studio album, The Black Album. He teamed up with The Neptunes on the lead single “Change Clothes,” a hook that highlights how he stays “fresh to death.” The single became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Wale’s 2017 single “Fashion Week” should be a top choice if there was a perfect track to play at a runway show. On the track, Wale admires a woman’s strut and vivacious body and suggests that she should consider modeling. 

Christina Aguilera’s 2010 song “Glam” is essential to play as people get ready for their day. On the track, Aguilera encourages listeners to put on makeup, work on their poses, and create their best looks. As she sings on the hook, “Let’s get glam / Don’t let the clothes wear you / Let’s get glam / It’s all an attitude.” 

In 2010, Drake released his debut studio album, Thank Me Later. He teamed up with T.I. and producer Swizz Beatz on his fourth single, “Fancy.” While the track mentions designer brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Versace, the main theme is Drake recognizing a woman’s confidence and independence. 

Lana Del Rey's 2012 single "Blue Jeans" describes a past lover who reminds her of James Dean. Although she details their break-up, she wants to remind her ex-partner that she'll still love him until the end of time. 

In 2002, Nelly had everyone wanting to rock a certain pair of Nike shoes. He showed his love for different styles and colors on his hit single "Air Force Ones." The song's impact made the shoes a hot commodity among consumers, and Nike also increased the price. 

On Nelly Furtado’s 2012 single “Big Hoops,” the singer pays homage to ‘90s R&B and hip-hop music. While she references a few ‘90s songs, Furtado also details her fashion style during that era, such as wearing big hoops and wide jeans.

Undoubtedly, people have dealt with other people stepping on or scuffing their shoes, whether it was deliberate or by accident. Elvis Presley knows this all too well on his hit single “Blue Suede Shoes.” Presley details how he'd rather have a person do anything else — like steal his car — than step on his kicks. 

RuPaul had everyone wanting to strut on a runway with his hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work.” On the track, he highlights how a model can have all eyes on them because they look good in anything they wear. 

Rock band ZZ Top knows how to drive women wild on their hit song “Sharp Dressed Man.” On the track, they highlight how dressing in shiny suits and adorning themselves in the finest jewelry makes them more attractive. 

In 2007, Flo Rida teamed up with T-Pain on his debut single, “Low.” While the song mostly highlights a woman at a dance club catching Flo Rida’s attention, he highlights her style, such as wearing “Apple Bottom jeans and boots with the fur.” “Low” became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Rihanna is confident and boastful about her style in her 2012 song "Phresh Out The Runway." She details wearing diamonds, the finest furs, and Givenchy heels on the track. It wouldn't be a surprise if this song were featured in one of Rihanna's Savage X Fenty shows.