In 1994, OutKast dropped the classic "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik." The album instantly put the Atlanta-based duo on the national radar, and they've been churning out dope material ever since. While the album's legendary status hasn't changed one bit, André 3000's personal style has undergone a drastic evolution in the three decades since he and Big Boi became stars.
André's style has always helped the ATLien stand out from the pack. OutKast's music has pushed boundaries and expanded the hip-hop genre, but it still ain't got shit on André 3000's personal style evolution.
With Big Boi and André 3000’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame coming up on Saturday (Nov. 8), we decided to take a look at the style evolution of one of the best dressed rappers of all time. Look at how Three Stacks' style has evolved, below.
NYC 1993
Where: New York, NY
When: 1993
Complex Says: In his early days, Three Stacks was donning jerseys alongside Big Boi.
ATL 1994
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: 1994
Complex Says: André 3000, proud Atlanta native.
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik video
Where: "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" video
When: 1994
Complex Says: In the video of the classic album's eponymous single, André and Big Boi put ATL on the map. With an album that spoke to their Dirty South roots, it was only fitting that both members of OutKast rocked Atlanta jerseys and caps throughout the early '90s.
ATLiens era
Where: ATLiens era
When: 1996
Complex Says: The first instance of Three Stacks getting weird with it. The boots, the socks, the hat—all signs of things to come.
Aquemini era
Where: Aquemini era
When: 1997
Complex Says: Here we have André stepping out as a dude not scared to explore and develop personal style. The OutKast member definitely provided a breath of fresh air from the otherwise somewhat monotonous hip-hop style of the late '90s.
Stankonia era
Where: Stankonia era
When: 2001
Complex Says: André brought in the 21st century on some real wild futuristic style shit. No one else was doing anything like this at the time, and no one was quite sure what to make of it except to wait on his next appearance.
2001 MTV VMAs
Where: 2001 MTV VMAs
When: September 2001
Complex Says: Looks like André's influencing his partiner-in-crime, Big Boi. Dope? Or clowns?
Mardi Gras Party
Where: MTV Mardi Gras Party
When: February 2002
Complex Says: If you've ever been to Mardi Gras, you know some wild shit goes down. Three Stacks definitely got in the mix of things with this futuristic cowboy look.
Grammy Awards
Where: Grammy Awards
When: February 2004
Complex Says: With the massive success of The Love Below, André's crazy looks were everywhere. Whenever performing "Hey Ya!" the MC definitely rocked outfits that almost distracted the audience's attention away from the incredibly catchy joint. Almost.
MTV Europe Music Awards
Where: MTV Europe Music Awards
When: November 18, 2004
Complex Says: Here's the beginning of André's move away from Martian style icon and drifting back to his Earth-bound steez.
2005 ESPY Awards
Where: ESPY Awards
When: July 2005
Complex Says: As he developed a dandy look, suspenders became the MC's uniform. He is, after all, a southern gentleman at heart.
June 2006 BET Awards
Where: BET Awards
When: June 2006
Complex Says: Looking back, the disparaging style between the two was probably a sign of the different directions André 3000 and Big Boi would take both sartorially and professionally. Like their semi-permanent hiatus, the raccoon tail is something that also should never have happened.
TRL
Where: TRL
When: August 2006
Complex Says: It's the return of Three Stacks putting on for his city! That jacket is a huge risk, but with the simple gingham shirt and muted chinos, it definitely all comes together well.
Benjamin Bixby launch event at Barneys
Where: Benjamin Bixby launch event at Barneys
When: Fall 2008
Complex Says: André's Benjamin Bixby line was on-trend with the #menswear movement of the late 2000s, and this relaxed southern dandy look was what the collection aimed for. The brand didn't last long, but it hasn't slowed down the MC's fashion aspirations.
NYC 2012
Where: New York, NY
When: November 2012
Complex Says: Denim on denim is never a bad thing, and André adds his own twist, as usual. The denim jumpsuit under the denim jacket is best attempted by experts only.
Coachella Weekend 1
Where: Coachella 2014, Weekend One
When: April 11, 2014
Complex Says: Dre took it to hip-hop's and his own style's roots with a hoodie under the overalls. Strange that Big Boi's flashy Dr Romanelli 'fit averted eyes away from André's get-up.
Lollapalooza 2014
Where: Lollapalooza 2014
When: Aug. 2, 2014
Complex Says: Now this is the weirdness we've come to know and love from Three Stacks. The black jumpsuits that displayed various messages worn throughout Outkast's reunion tour in 2014 made for one of his most memorable style eras.
Future Album Release Party
Where: Future Album Release Party
When: July 30, 2015
Complex Says: Andre 3000 and Future both have roots with Atlanta's legendary Dungeon Family. So, this isn't random, but seeing one half of Outkast in the Freebandz tee is still an important fit that we felt was worth acknowledgment.
Øyafestivalen
Where: Oslo, Norway
When: Aug. 4, 2024
Complex Says: For the better part of the past decade, this has been quintessential Three Stacks. He stays in some hickory-striped overalls, a beanie, and some circular glasses. And don't forget his trusty flute. Workwear done right.
Met Gala 2025
Where: Met Gala 2025
When: May 5, 2025
Complex Says: Pulling up to the Met Gala with a baby grand piano strapped to your back to reveal you are reviving you're cult classic menswear label from the 2000s, only Andre.