How To Style Rocker Outfits for Fall/Winter

Put another dime in the jukebox, baby, cause we love rock n’ roll style for Fall and Winter. If you want to add some oomph to your outfits, incorporating a rocker edge is a surefire way to do so.

The beauty of music genres informing style choices is that inspiration abounds. Whether we look to musical icons on stage or off duty, or the fans who pay homage to these icons with a street-style spin, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found.

Despite rock n roll or punk style being associated with anti-establishment roots, it’s surprisingly one of the easiest trends to pair with a classic wardrobe. While there’s no clear-cut formula for achieving Rocker Outfit perfection, there are motifs, materials, cuts, and ways to mix and match that give a look the flair it needs to go from every day to edgy.

Band T-Shirt as a Base

If you’re looking for a subtle entry point to styling a Rocker Outfit, a classic band t-shirt and kohl-rimmed eyes will have you sorted. This combo is kinda like the bread and butter of this aesthetic. There’s a magical quality to this combo, in that anything you style it with retains its rock-n-roll look. Yes, anything. Retro print pants? Check. Under a structured blazer? Check. Ultra-feminine slip dress on top of the tee and some mules? Yup, still edgy. Another great take on the simple smokey eye and rock tee pairing is to style it with a flowy midi skirt and combat boots for a trendy 90s slant. Throw in animal print and a red lip to boot for more of a 50’s rockabilly effect. 

Outerwear

Edgy outerwear is another go-to approach to styling a Rocker Outfit that’s especially handy in the colder months. Denim and leather are two obvious choices, as often the fabric alone connotes an edginess or rock n roll element. Beyond this, embellishments like studs, DIY patches and even tassels help to amplify a rock n roll sensibility. Pairing denim and leather together at the same time will get you there, no matter where in the outfit either is placed.

A note on tassels, fringing, leather, and denim: rocker style often overlaps with Western-style for an effortless look - for more on this, check out our post on how to add a western flair to your look.

The Rhinestone Western Jacket

The New Studded Jacket

The Yes Indeed Jacket

The Dallas Fringe Crossbody bag

Bohemian/Stevie Nicks

Rock’s influence spans decades and has spawned many subgenres, which is in part why the aesthetic has so much longevity as far as fashion goes.

 Bohemian fashion is a great example of a style that can seamlessly cross over into rock territory. Take rocker queen Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame, who is still admired for her iconic 70s style. Nicks blended the whimsy of witchy bohemian style with a don’t-mess-with-me twist. Luxe textures, intricate prints and floaty silhouettes are what this particular take on the rock look is all about. 

A trick for nailing this look is to ask yourself whether your outfit would look just as appropriate as resort wear. If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right path. Ornate silky kimonos, wispy sheer materials and billowy sleeves all get the Stevie seal of approval.

The Duchess Silk Kimono

The Golden Fern Blouse

The Flouncy Tulle Skirt

Bowie/Glam Rock 

Another 70s fashion icon we continue to look to for inspiration is none other than David Bowie. Ever-changing and always eclectic in his musical and visual choices, Bowie knew how to turn heads. A great thing about his enduring influence is that just a dash of his style is more than enough to elevate an everyday look into something special. You probably don’t want to be leaving the house in an ensemble that feels more like a costume, just a dash of Ziggy Stardust is all you need.

You might like to try incorporating embellishments like studs and gemstones through accessories and outerwear, or a sequined number to up the ante. If makeup is your preferred area of stylistic experimentation, you could keep things simple in the outfit department but play around with a glittery eye for a playful nod to glam rock heroes. Lightning bolt or star motifs are just about synonymous with David Bowie at this point, so you can pay homage by working in any garment or accessory that features these shapes.

The Bolt Bag

The Emerald Velvet Dress

Accessories/Details to Make Eveningwear look Rock-n-Roll

Want to take your love for rock n’ roll into the night? Thankfully, this trend is all in the details, so there’s no occasion you can’t work it into. A slinky black number is always chic but pairing it with some studded heels and edgier accessories makes a statement atop the elegance. Adding a faux-fur jacket for warmth is indie-rock elegance at its finest, as exemplified by music lover and ultimate icon Kate Moss - who claims to be heavily influenced by the fashion of 70s rockers.

Even metallics and ultra-bright hues can be given a rocker slant. A subtle (emphasis on subtle) quiff in the hair gives instant 80s rock appeal when paired with eye-catching colors. One the simplest ways to add edginess to eveningwear is to pair a feminine or voluminous silhouette with a chic combat boot. Bonus points for comfort!

The Satin Dress

The Regal Dress

Feeling inspired to try this enduring and edgy trend yet? Maybe it’s already part of your signature style and you’d like to push it further? Rock-n-Roll is about going your own way, so be sure to browse our website and see what catches your eye. We’d love to see your take on styling the Rocker Outfit, so be sure to tag us on Instagram at @wild_gardenia_boutique. It’s also where you’ll find our latest news, new drops, styling tips are more. If you’re a new shopper, don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to receive 10% off your first order with us. Stay rocking & happy shopping!