Freelance contribution from Sally Jenkins

The best of the music industry came together in Las Vegas for a night of live music at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. Apart from the live performances, awards, and viral moments, audiences around the world also tuned in on May 20 to see what Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, and Dua Lipa wore for the big night. While the ladies certainly worked the red carpet with their fashion-forward looks, the men weren’t far behind as notable fashion statements were served by the likes of Shawn Mendes, BTS, and Khalid. If you need fresh ways to up your style game this season, consider taking some style cues from the best looks of the BBMAs.

Khalid’s clever take on sporty casual

If you’re struggling to find the right jacket to finish off your look, take a leaf out of Khalid’s book and wear an orange plaid sports jacket over a white hoodie. The “Let’s Go” singer paired the look with orange trousers and pristine white sneakers. To make the look work, make sure to choose trousers that picks up one of the colors of your plaid jacket and keep everything else neutral to avoid clashing. You should also avoid wearing detailed sneakers so the focus will be on your ensemble. Accessorize with glasses with clear lenses for a touch of nerdy cool, and you’re good to go.

BTS’ interpretation of luxe casual

The K-pop superstars walked the red carpet in casual wear by Gucci and gave viewers a master class on how luxury wear can still look relaxed and fun. RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook all looked comfy and playful as they posed for the cameras and their fans, and their outfits gave the septet a fresh, Cali-cool vibe. Try cuffing your jeans and wearing it with a printed polo like RM, then accessorize with white leather loafers and dark glasses. For a twist on the classic corporate look, take style cues from Jin and wear dark trousers, a dark vest over a long sleeved shirt, then finish off the look with a tie and clean white sneakers.

Shawn Mendes’ classic look with a twist

While sneakers seemed to be the favored footwear at the BBMAs, the “In My Blood” singer opted for style instead of comfort and wore a pair of men’s heeled boots for the awards show. It may have seemed like a risky fashion move to make, but Mendes pulled it off by pairing the burgundy boots with a plaid jacket and trousers. His outfit also had a clever twist as he layered two shirts under the jacket—a black and white striped shirt and over that, a black shirt with the top two buttons left open. While you don’t have to wear heeled boots, you can emulate the look by wearing a pair of leather shoes in an interesting color—a deep blue, green, or perhaps burgundy—and wear it with a plaid ensemble in a subdued color such as grey. Accessorize with a nice watch and you’re ready to party.

Take a cue from the style stars of this year’s Billboard Music Awards and elevate your look to new heights. Don’t be afraid to take some risks, try new colors and styles, and have fun rocking a look worthy of a star.