Style Icons from the Record Collection: Julio Iglesias

In my record collection, I have not only become captivated by the music but also by the people behind it. Many of the artists have, over time, become style icons, where their clothing and expression became almost as characteristic as the songs themselves. It's as if the music is reflected in the clothes they wear and vice versa. As if style and music somehow hold each other’s hands.

In the series Style Icons from the Record Collection, we take a closer look at musicians whose influence extends far beyond the stage. First up is Julio Iglesias – the man who perhaps more than anyone else personifies laid-back Mediterranean elegance. Put on the album Momentos from 1982 and step into a world of white linen shirts and an everlasting vacation vibe.

White on White

White on white became one of Julio Iglesias' most distinctive signature styles. He was often seen in high-waisted white trousers with front pleats, paired with white T-shirts, knitted polos, or generous linen shirts. The result was a natural summer style that still feels equally stylish today. The key lies in working with different materials and textures that create depth, even though the color palette remains the same.

The Silhouettes

If there was one thing Iglesias mastered stylistically, it was the art of dressing casually yet precisely. The silhouettes were soft and relaxed, but always well-considered. Higher waists, generous widths, and lightweight materials created an effortless expression, while the proportions conveyed a clear elegance. An early example of what is now often described as “tailored casual” – where ease and a sense of style coexist side by side.

Open Collars

Few details are as strongly associated with Julio Iglesias as the open collars. Shirts were rarely buttoned all the way up, and polo shirts were often worn with an open collar. Perhaps it was the combination of the open collars and the love ballads that gave the Latin charm an almost Casanova-like allure.

The Pilot Sunglasses

In almost every photo of Julio Iglesias, the same accessory makes an appearance: the tinted pilot sunglasses. Preferably in a larger model with thin temples. What is now associated with Riviera aesthetics and the so-called old money style was completely natural for Iglesias. The sunglasses became as much a part of his signature as his intimate voice. 

Shoes without Socks

Julio was often seen in espadrilles, loafers, and other low shoes – almost always without socks. This enhanced the Mediterranean vibe, as if it was just a matter of slipping on the shoes and heading out. Uncomplicated, close to the sea, and with an undeniable vacation feel.

The Gold Watch

The gold details were hard to miss. The gold watch was constantly present and became a natural extension of the effortless sophistication that characterized his style. Despite its luxurious appearance, it didn't feel particularly ostentatious; rather, it was an additional sign of the confidence that defined his entire expression.

The Eternal Tan

Perhaps not a style trick in itself, but the constant tan became part of the whole. Together with the white linen shirts, the tinted aviator sunglasses, and the soft voice, it reinforced the image of the man who always seemed to have just come from a long lunch by the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean's Answer to Ivy League

It's really about something bigger than just clothes. Julio Iglesias became, in many ways, the Mediterranean's answer to Ivy League. Where confidence, effortless sophistication, and a sense of eternal summer went hand in hand.

Perhaps that's why his style still feels so self-evident. It was never just about white linen shirts or aviator sunglasses, but about a lifestyle where elegance never had to feel forced.

Top Five Songs by Julio Iglesias According to the Editorial Team

Con la Misma Piedra (1982)

Me va, Me va (1984)

Oh la la Amour (1984)

Moonlight Lady (1984)

All of You (1984)