Rocking the 80ʼs Way: A Guide to Iconic Rock Band Fashion

The 1980s was a decade of great change and upheaval, marked by the rise of punk rock, new wave, and hair metal. But one thing that remained constant throughout the decade was the fashion. Rock bands of the 80’s were known for their bold, daring, and often outrageous styles, which became a defining characteristic of the era. In this article, we’ll explore the iconic rock band fashion of the 80’s, from the early days of punk to the big hair and big guitars of the hair metal scene.

Punk Rock: The Early Days

Punk rock was born in the late 1970s, but it was the 80’s that saw the genre reach new heights of popularity. Bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned were already making waves, but it was the emergence of bands like The Ramones, The Dead Kennedys, and Black Flag that cemented punk’s place in the rock canon. And with it, came a unique sense of fashion.

Punk rock fashion was all about rebellion, DIY ethos, and a rejection of mainstream norms. It was about ripped jeans, safety pins, and leather jackets. It was about spiky hair, ripped t-shirts, and black eyeliner. And it was about attitude, pure and simple. Bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash were the poster children for punk rock fashion, with their ripped fishnets, tartan trousers, and Union Jack print shirts.

New Wave: The New Romantic

As punk rock began to lose its steam, a new wave of rock bands emerged, characterized by their sleek, polished sound and, more importantly, their fashion sense. Bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and New Order were the epitome of new wave cool, with their sleek suits, skinny ties, and big hair.

New wave fashion was all about elegance, sophistication, and a touch of the avant-garde. It was about skinny ties, suspenders, and leather jackets. It was about big hair, makeup, androgyny, and a rejection of traditional gender norms. Bands like Depeche Mode and The Cure were the pioneers of new wave fashion, with their striking visuals, bold makeup, and flamboyant attire.

Hair Metal: The Big Hair and Big Guitars

Hair metal was the most extreme and over-the-top of the three, characterized by its big hair, big guitars, and big attitudes. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Whitesnake were the kings of hair metal, with their outrageous fashion sense and, more importantly, their ear-shattering rock sound.

Hair metal fashion was all about excess, flamboyance, and a complete disregard for good taste. It was about big hair, big muscles, and even bigger egos. It was about leather pants, ripped t-shirts, and bandanas. And it was about makeup, lots and lots of makeup. Bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison were the poster children for hair metal fashion, with their outrageous outfits, makeup, and hairstyles.

Conclusion

Rock band fashion in the 80’s was a reflection of the era’s music, culture, and societal norms. It was a time of rebellion, experimentation, and a rejection of mainstream norms. And, more importantly, it was a time of great creativity and expression, as rock bands pushed the boundaries of fashion and style.

In conclusion, the iconic rock band fashion of the 80’s was a defining characteristic of the era, marked by its bold, daring, and often outrageous styles. From the early days of punk to the big hair and big guitars of hair metal, rock bands of the 80’s left an indelible mark on fashion, inspiring generations to come.

FAQs

Q: What was the most iconic rock band fashion trend of the 80’s?
A: Big hair, hands down! Whether it was teased, sprayed, or just plain big, hair was a defining characteristic of 80’s rock fashion.

Q: Which rock band was the most fashionable?
A: Ah, that’s a tough one! But if we had to choose, it would be Depeche Mode. Their sleek suits, skinny ties, and big hair were the epitome of new wave cool.

Q: What was the most influential rock band fashion trend of the 80’s?
A: Punk rock, without a doubt! Punk’s DIY ethos and rejection of mainstream norms inspired a generation of young people to express themselves through fashion.

Q: Which rock band had the most outrageous fashion sense?
A: Mötley Crüe, hands down! Their outrageous outfits, makeup, and hairstyles were the stuff of legend, and continue to inspire (and shock) to this day.

Q: How did rock band fashion influence mainstream fashion?
A: Rock band fashion had a huge influence on mainstream fashion, inspiring designers like Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier to create clothes that were bold, daring, and unapologetic. And, of course, the rise of fast fashion in the 80’s was directly influenced by rock band fashion’s emphasis on flashy, attention-grabbing clothing.

Q: What’s the best way to rock the 80’s way?
A: Start with the basics: big hair, ripped jeans, leather jacket, and a bold sense of style. Then, add your own personal touch, whether it’s a punk rock patch, a new wave suit, or a hair metal bandana. And, most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks and make a statement!