I wonder if the "new" Joe is a coming together of factors. I read in an interview when LROOE came out that Joe was tired of being referred to as the "Clown Prince of Rock". He thought, and I agree, that he deserved more respect and consideration than that by now. Maybe the new look is a reflection of "respectable" Joe. That'd also be fine with me...just as long as he doesn't (gasp) grow up on us...
Maybe he doesn't feel the need to show his originality thru his clothes anymore. We all know by now that he's pretty unique.