Channeling Our Inner Rockstar
This spring, we’re channeling our inner Stevie Nicks.
by MADISON ANTINO ★ APRIL 9, 2023
After finishing the book Daisy Jones and the Six in a single sitting, I’ve decided I’m officially ditching the rockstar’s girlfriend aesthetic. If you haven’t heard of it already, the book chronicles fictional band The Six and their rise to fame in the late 70s, thanks to the addition of lead singer Daisy Jones - the epitome of an it-girl. Daisy is the ultimately cool girl because of her “I don’t need a man” attitude, which is exactly what we should all be channeling.
My TikTok FYP has been filled with videos all about the rockstar’s girlfriend aesthetic. Inspired by Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, these videos showcase dark makeup and outfits to make you look like you're about to go backstage at a concert. Essentials of this aesthetic include slip dresses, oversized leather jackets, and loads of messy black eyeliner. While this aesthetic is super trendy right now, it’s honestly not my favorite. When you think about it, it's kinda problematic; why would you want to be reduced to being a man’s accessory? The outfits shown for this aesthetic are super cute, don’t get me wrong, but I think there’s a better way to channel this style. Instead of being the rockstar’s girlfriend, be the rockstar.
How exactly do you achieve this look? There’s tons of effortlessly cool female rock stars that we can look to for inspiration. Think the chic, angsty style of Suki Waterhouse. Suki’s stage look essentials include leather pants with a sheer top and teeny bralette. Her more eccentric looks involve beaded or feather details with a big furry coat. Waterhouse even experimented with the recent ‘no pants’ trend in a YSL look and wore a patent mini dress by French brand Courreges to one of her latest shows. Her chic, tousled bangs and winged eyeliner top off each look.You can channel Suki’s style by shopping brands like Dana Foley for cool, statement pieces.
If you want to go an even edgier route, take inspiration from the style of Victoria De Angelis, bassist of the Italian rock band Måneskin. Her looks are almost always composed of all-black pieces, most of the time a coordinating suit set or a sleek corset top. Vic’s favorite accessories include layered rosaries and latex gloves. Vic’s style takes a more modern, dark twist on the glam rock trends made popular back in the 70s and 80s. She’s known for turning heads on stage, even performing without a top on. Talk about a total badass.
If you’re going for a more vintage inspired look, check out the free-spirited style of Florence Welch. Lead singer of Florence and the Machine, her on-stage style takes on the persona of a very bohemian, witchy silhouette. Off the stage, Florence’s looks are straight out of the seventies: flared jeans, floral kimonos, and fur lined coats. Welch dresses almost as if she’s about to perform at Woodstock ‘69. You can steal her style almost entirely by thrifting - search for styles like vintage Gunne Sax.
Obviously, we can’t talk about iconic rockstar style without discussing Stevie Nicks. Stevie’s looks have graced my outfit inspo Pinterest boards for years and I’d be lying if I said I never bought something purely because it looked like something she would wear. Stevie Nicks pioneered witchy, almost gothic bohemian style - wearing her now signature fringe shawls, layers of dark lace and velvet fabrics, and celestial jewelry. You can find pieces to channel Stevie’s aesthetic from boho brands like Free People or from vintage sellers on Depop - my personal fave is @lizardqueenz, who specializes in sourcing vintage rock inspired clothes from the 70s and 80s. We’re not reducing ourselves to revolve around the men in our lives. Screw being the girlfriend of a rockstar, I’d much rather be Stevie Nicks.