17 Trends That Defined the Evolution of Fashion in Rock + Metal (2024)

Fashion and music go hand in hand with one another. The two forms of art give people a way to create an identity for themselves, therefore rock and metal have had many different fashion trends over the years that separate them from other styles of music.

Rock artists in the 1950s typically dressed very proper when they performed, with the exception of Elvis Presley, who often wore flashy leather outfits. The early 1960s saw bands such asthe Beatles and the Rolling Stones adopt this formal attire, wearing suits during live performances.

As the end of the '60s approached, the counterculture movement began, which saw a lot of color, fringe, flared pants, and accessories like scarves and headbands. It was a flamboyant statement against the dapper looks artists sported years prior.

More prominent fashion statements were made throughout the 1970s by glam rock artists. This style was characterized by androgynous clothing, glitter and makeup. Punk and heavy metal introduced black, leather and studs into the more aggressive styles of music, and these became staples over the decades to follow.

Glam carried into the '80s, which was seen with bands such asMotley Crue, Twisted Sister and Poison. Once grunge began to kick off, most rock enthusiasts were seen in flannels and other secondhand clothing. Nu-metal came and went in the late '90s and early 2000s, and then fashion trends in music started to be recycled.

Now, it seems everyone just wears whatever they want. As genre lines got blurred, so did fashion trends. There are still a ton of band tees, ripped jeans, studs and Dr. Martens to let people stand out as fans of heavy music, but it's not one-size-fits-all-approach anymore the way it had been in the past.

22 Makeup Trends That Define the History of Rock + Metal

17 Trends That Defined the Evolution of Fashion in Rock + Metal (2024)

FAQs

What were the fashion trends in the 17th century? ›

By the middle part of the 17th century, women's clothing had become much simpler. Instead of elaborately embroidered jackets, upper class women were wearing satin and soft fabrics with a loose drape. The sleeves went from being tight to being loose and often slit so the shift underneath could be seen.

How did rock change fashion? ›

By the end of the '60s, as the band – and rock music more widely – started dabbling in psychedelics, fashion got countercultural, too; military uniforms were ripped-up and repurposed as a statement against America's involvement in Vietnam, and wearing DIY gear like tie-dye shirts and self-made jewelry marked you out as ...

Which fashion trends were inspired by rock music in the 1970s? ›

High heels and glittery clothes were also inspired from rock music. This style included oversized collars, silk scarves , tan leather jackets, frilly satin shirts and shawl-collar tuxedo jackets. By the end of the decade disco style came in with the advent of disco music and the artists associated with them.

What are the types of metalhead fashion? ›

Heavy metal fashion includes elements such as leather jackets; combat boots, studded belts, hi-top basketball shoes (more common with old school thrash metalheads); blue or black jeans, camouflage pants and shorts, and denim jackets or kutte vests, often adorned with badges, pins and patches.

What were the trends in 17th century? ›

Colonial America was characterized by intensely detailed and heavy clothing. Details were emphasized greatly on clothing because it displayed elegance and power. Detailed clothes were worn by the wealthy upper class group due to how expensive it was to get them.

What was 17th century fashion called? ›

During the 17th to 18th centuries, Europe moved into the Baroque era of art and fashion. A move from militaristic styles to more flamboyantly decorated clothing took place for both men and women.

Who created rock style? ›

Two black artists still appear amongst the official inventors of rock, however: the undisputed giants named Little Richard and Chuck Berry, who had both started singing and playing in the very early 1950s.

What is the history of heavy metal fashion? ›

Like punk, metal grew out of a rejection of the mainstream and used fashion to create a sense of identity. While bands like Black Sabbath started out in the blues-rock fashions of bellbottoms and leather jackets, the real origins of heavy metal fashion came from biker and leather subcultures in the late 60s and 70s.

How did glam rock influence fashion? ›

The emergence of Glam Rock in the 1970s ushered in a new outlandish style, with musicians and teenage fans pulling out their platform boots, space suits and glitter, opening up new discussions around gender and androgyny that paved the way for future youth movements including the Punks and New Romantics.

How did fashion influence the 1970s? ›

The 1970s began with a continuation of the hippie look from the 1960s, giving a distinct ethnic flavor. Popular early 1970s fashions for women included Tie dye shirts, Mexican 'peasant' blouses, folk-embroidered Hungarian blouses, ponchos, capes, and military surplus clothing.

What were the rock trends of the 80s? ›

Soft rock, glam metal, thrash metal, shred guitar characterized by heavy distortion, pinch harmonics, and whammy bar abuse became very popular. Adult contemporary, quiet storm, and smooth jazz gained popularity. In the late 1980s, glam metal became the largest, most commercially successful brand of music worldwide.

What were the fashion trends in the 1970s and 80s? ›

  • '70s essentials: wide-leg jeans, corduroy, suede, chunky turtlenecks, and vests.
  • '80s essentials: parachute trousers, sequins, shoulder pads, oversized blazers, and bold prints.
  • '90s essentials: grunge plaid shirts, off-duty-model biker shorts, claw clips, straight-leg denim, baby tees, draped dresses.

What is rock vs metal style? ›

Compared to rock, metal is usually heavier, specifically in the extreme subgenres of death and black metal. Moreover, while rock music often features an electric guitar with cleaner and softer tones, metal usually has pulsating, double bass, and distorted guitars.

How to look like a metalhead girl? ›

Metalhead women especially like wearing shiny, silver jewelry with their outfits. Necklaces, chains, bracelets, rings, and earrings all go well with a heavy metal look. Jewelry decorated with skulls or crosses works especially well.

Is Billie Eilish a metalhead? ›

Billie Eilish is a fan of American metalcore band Darkest Hour and shared one of their songs to over 110 million people.

What was the style of the 17th century? ›

The Baroque style used contrast, movement, exuberant detail, deep color, grandeur, and surprise to achieve a sense of awe. The style began at the start of the 17th century in Rome, then spread rapidly to the rest of Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, then to Austria, southern Germany, and Poland.

What was the fashion style in the 1700s? ›

Fashion in the period 1700–1750 in European and European-influenced countries is characterized by a widening silhouette for both men and women following the tall, narrow look of the 1680s and 90s. This era is defined as late Baroque/Rococo style.

What did normal people wear in the 1700s? ›

Working-class people in 18th century England and America often wore the same garments as fashionable people—shirts, waistcoats, coats and breeches for men, and shifts, petticoats, and dresses or jackets for women—but they owned fewer clothes and what they did own was made of cheaper and sturdier fabrics.

Why did ladies wear hoodies in the 17th century? ›

The Middle Ages, you see a lot of monks that were wearing garments that were cape-like, with hoods attached, so therefore, "hoodies." Ladies in the 17th century would wear hoodies to kind of hide themselves when they were going to meet their lovers.

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