Illustration courtesy of Ava O’Connor.
If you find yourself on rock and metal TikTok, chances are you’ve encountered the phenomenon of female influencers such as Mila Moon and Heather Leather dressing in intricate, rock n’ roll inspired outfits. This uproar of new-gen metal fashion icons has resulted in a trend of glamster cover girls across the digital world. So, how does one dress “rock and roll?” As someone that dabbles in the art of hair teasing and ripping the sleeves off their tank tops, I’m here to tell you the easiest ways to incorporate a rock and metal inspired style into your wardrobe.
Cut Those Band Tee Shirts
It’s no secret that rock and roll isn’t prim and proper, nor is it clean-cut. Literally. While a baggy band tee shirt makes for a grungy 90s vibe, sometimes a cut-up band tee shirt gives your silhouette an androgynous edge and a unique flare. Personally, I like to buy band tee shirts for cutting one or two sizes too small, so that they can be more form fitting. The possibilities are endless for cutting your shirts! Experiment with making off-the-shoulders, loose boxy tank tops, even add some rips and holes throughout, like Lee Aaron, to give your look the edge that defines it as rock and roll.
As Saxon Once Said, Denim and Leather Brought us all Together
Rock and roll fashion is all about texture, so filling your closet with plenty of black leather and ripped denim will help create a good base before accessorizing. This is where the staples come in: ripped jeans, leather pants, leather jackets, and denim battle vests will always call back to classic rock and metal fashion from the 80s and late 70s. Rock and roll is meant to stand out. Seek out pieces with studs and spikes or funky patterns like animal print. Black and red are your core colors. Look at bands like Poison and Hanoi Rocks for more neon/multicolor outfit inspo.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
One of the biggest characteristics of rock and roll fashion is, simply, a shit ton of accessories. Accessories can take a plain look, immediately amp up the rock vibe, and turn you from regular human being to Guns N’ Roses concert attendee. The secret is in the silver: chain necklaces, black leather cuff bracelets, chokers, studded belts, and spiky bracelets are the key to making your outfit interesting. They’re also a great hack for looking like a rockstar even on lazier days by enhancing basic outfits. Seeking out a thrash metal look? Invest in a bullet belt.
Get Western With It
Oddly enough, rock fashion is very inspired by Western wear. Think about it: Jon Bon Jovi’s fringe jacket, Bobbi Brown’s red cowboy boots in the Cherry Pie music video, Bret Michaels’ cowboy hat. Unexpected pieces like these will make your look rock hard. Pointy cowboy boots always look killer with lace up flares or over skin tight spandex. Fringe is eye-catching and dynamic, whether you find it on a jacket or on your pants. Big, chunky belt buckles are shiny and bold. Colored bandanas make for a great accessory, especially when worn around your neck or around your thigh.
Hair is an Accessory
If you know anything about 80s rock, you know that the hair was styled miles high. But you don’t need big hair specifically to look rock n’ roll. Rock n’ roll haircuts range from a short Joan Jett shag to feathery Vince Neil bangs. If your cut is dynamic, it’ll be easier to blow dry it and be on your way without caking it with hairspray or product every day. In essence, get lotsa layers, bangs, and just roll with the messiness, because rock n roll is too hot and high-energy to be worrying about your pristinely styled hair.
Customize, and Be Yourself!
If you don’t want to buy a ton of new garments, chances are you won’t have to. Buy a pack of band patches and sew them to your jackets and vests. Paint a messy rendition of your favorite metal lyrics across the butt of your jeans. Cut things and sew them together again. Rock is about roughing things up and making them yours, being a nonconformist, and going by the beat of your own drum. That should reflect in your style. Remember, all of these fashion tips are applicable no matter who you are, what you look like, or how you identify. Androgyny and individuality make up the beauty and fun of aligning your look with the rock genre and its many branches. So have fun, and remember, if you feel good, you look good! Rock on and happy styling.
Take a look at my inspo board!
Take inspo from my rock and roll photoshoot!
