You don't go to contemporary country music for style tips, unless too-tight tank tops, overly-manicured facial hair and shiny. 10-gallon hats are your idea of a good look. (Nope. It's all yours, Tim McGraw). But that doesn't mean the world of twangy guitars and cowboy boots hasn't produced a few fashion icons in its time.

And no one has better represented Nashville cool than Johnny Cash -- the anti-rhinestone cowboy. Cash explained his sartorial philosophy in his 1971 tune "The Man in Black." But in his litany of justifications for choosing a somber color palette ("I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down/Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town"), he left out one key clause: he wore the black because it made him look super awesome.

But then, looking super awesome had never been a problem for Cash. Even before he embraced his trademark country-goth apparel, the Arkansas-born rock 'n' roll pioneer favored badass, outlaw styles: like this classic get-up from 1968 documentary "The Road to Nashville".

With the posthumous, sixth and last installment of his late-period masterpiece -- the American series -- released this week, it looks like we may finally have heard the last from country's darkest, most fascinating soul. Seems like an appropriate moment to salute the timeless fashion sense of a true giant of American cool.

Joe's Jeans Classic Straight Leg Jeans in Kohen Wash
Gotta have some denim. Not too tight, not too baggy, just very, very black. ($198 from Bloomingdales.com)

King Baby Studio Gothic Cross Cufflinks with Garnet Stone
Sure, he favored a hard-worn look, but Cash wasn't averse to a little touch of bling. These rock 'n' roll cufflinks are mean and moody enough for the Man in Black himself. ($160 from Couture.Zappos.com)

Skagen Stainless Steel Case Watch
This gorgeously clean and subtle timepiece from Danish watchmaker Skagen is the perfect contemporary update of Cash's suave sixties design. ($110 from Nordstrom.com)

John Varvatos Star USA black drill cotton 'Bound' 5-button vest
A good rugged vest from John Varvatos completes this classic Cash ensemble. ($119 from Bluefly.com)