by pandiapen

Created on: February 17, 2009

Justin Timberlake is currently at the top of his form as a singer-songwriter, producer, dancer and actor. Now he's also been recognized for his personal style, topping GQ's annual list of the Most Stylish Men in America. He's come a long way since he was the kid from Tennessee, singing with N Sync and dressing in acid-washed denim to match then-girlfriend Britney Spears.

Timberlake, who is 28, was nominated by GQ for his ability to rock the leading edge of trends, including old-school hats, three-piece suits, thin ties, and even beards. Another look which Justin pioneered, the dress suit with sneakers, was brought on by necessity when he found he couldn't comfortably dance in dress shoes. Every time he tries a new look, it seems to have an impact on the world of men's fashion.

His style and versatility make him popular with guys and women alike. Who else can look so sexy in videos with a stars like Scarlett Johansson and Rihanna, and then be such a goof on Saturday Night Live? And who else has come out of a boy band and landed on top?

Another area where JT has recently branched out is golf, which he began playing seriously about 5 years ago. His coach is Butch Harmon, Tiger Wood's former coach, and he's now said to have a 6.0 handicap. Justin is above all a showman, and fashion is part of his golf game too. His style on the links is clean, polished and as effortless as his swing.

Justin credits his stepfather Paul Harless, a retired banker, with being an example of sartorial style. Justin compares him to the character played by Richard Gere in the film American Gigolo, laying out the perfect suit and accessories each evening for the next day. He also credits his mother, Lynn Harless, for teaching him that decency shouldn't be sacrificed for hard work and success.

Fashion merchandising seems to be another one of Justin's many talents. With partner Juan ("Trace") Ayala, he launched his own clothing line in 2006. The William Rast label features jeans, jackets, sweaters, vests and graphic T-shirts. The latest collection, designed by Johan Lindeberg, was shown this week in Bryant Park at New York's Fashion Week. Elvis Presley has been named by Justin and Trace as a style inspiration for the line. It's not an unlikely model for JT, who is arguably the first artist since The King to make blue-eyed Memphis soul sound so good.

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