The Return Of The Rockabilly
There’s something about the rockabilly look that just oozes cool. Perhaps it’s because of all the iconic imagery left behind of musicians who have channelled the style throughout time. Or perhaps it’s due to the edgier modern update we see today, tattoos and all. Either way, the spirit of the rockabilly is hard to match.
With rockabilly-inspired style resurfacing across the runway and high street in recent times, we’re happy to call the look a trend for AW14.
On The AW14 Runway
Hedi Slimane sent rockabilly-inspired sequinned jackets down the runway in Saint Lauren’s AW14 show at Paris Fashion Week, confidently confirming the revival of the retro trend. Leather biker jackets, skinny black drainpipe jeans and chunky creepers were also key elements in the collection.
The most memorable (and unequivocally rockabilly) piece in the brand’s winter line had to be the statement red biker. Featuring leopard print detailing and styled with skinny jeans, pointed footwear and a quiff – you just couldn’t get more rockabilly than this.
Elsewhere, Lou Dalton subtly tipped its hat to the trend with a faded denim jacket teamed with jeans and black boots; Ovadia & Sons included black leather bikers with leopard print sleeves; and the dark indigo denim found in DSquared2’s AW14 collection had an undeniable American rockabilly vibe:
Get The Look
A rockabilly’s wardrobe all begins with the right jacket. Whether you opt for a beaten-up leather biker or faded denim version, this is the piece that will finish off your confident, carefree look – so wear it with pride.
Opt for a style with additional detailing such as exposed zipped pockets and hidden compartments for both aesthetic and practical purposes. After all, where else will you keep your comb to ensure your quiff is in check?
When it comes to fabric choice, you don’t want your jacket to look too new. Ideally you would spend hours scouring vintage stores or eBay for a truly one of a kind piece, but if you are time-poor, another option is to try and achieve the lived in look yourself.
A little trick is to grab a cheese grater and dig in – your denim will be distressed in no time. For leather, kneading alcohol into it should do the trick. So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a bottle of bourbon and after pouring yourself a tipple, tip some over your leather jacket and massage away.
Next up, you’ll want to invest in an array of retro shirts to alternate throughout the season. Ideal for layering underneath your leather biker, every rockabilly needs a variety of check/plaid designs in his wardrobe.
Whether you go for a classic blue and white gingham version crafted from pure lightweight cotton or a thicker red and black tartan overshirt, your selection of casual shirts will not only be practical enough to layer in the colder months, but effortlessly stylish too.
If you’re slightly more daring, you’ll also want to consider purchasing a couple of bowling shirts, to really nail the 1950s rockabilly look. Similar to a Hawaiian shirt in shape, a bowling shirt is typically more conservative as it doesn’t feature the tropical prints of its warm-weather cousin.
Before we discuss footwear and finishing touches, we need to consider legwear. Traditionally, rockabillies were known for wearing dark or black denim jeans – a custom that remains the same today.
Although skinny and slim fits are the go-to for any rock or indie look these days, there are no set rules when it comes to your jeans. If you’re more comfortable in straight cuts or simply aren’t a fan of skinnies, there’s no reason why you can’t try pairing your plaid shirt and denim jacket with straight-legged styles this winter.
Only you know the type of jeans you feel most comfortable in and that suit you the best – remember, confidence and a carefree attitude play a huge part in truly pulling off this aesthetic.
Best Foot Forward
So you’ve got the jacket, shirt, jeans and attitude – you’re definitely on your way to nailing the rockabilly look this winter. But whether you opt for chunky Dr. Martens or statement creepers, no rockabilly’s style is complete without the right footwear.
The original Dr. Martens 8-eyelet boots in black are a great choice as they’re strong, sturdy, go with anything and actually quite comfy once you’ve worn them in. If you want to bring the aesthetic bang up to date, it might even be worth trying out a pair of DMs in a bright hue such as red or blue to inject some colour into your winter wardrobe this year.
Then there’s creepers. Not everyone will be a fan of this style of footwear, but if you can look past their association with underground subcultures they’re actually a sturdy and stylish shoe that ooze individuality and will give any outfit an edge.
Finally, if you prefer to take a more polished approach to your everyday wear, why not consider a two-tone brogue? Coming in a wide array of colour combinations, these lace-ups will add a touch of retro panache to your tailoring collection or smart-casual getups:
Finishing Touches
Accessories should be used to cement the aesthetic and really give it an edge. Obviously the slick quiff/pompadour hairstyle and a penchant for colourful tattoos are two integral aspects of rockabilly style that will only be relevant if they appeal directly to your lifestyle and personality, yet there are a number of modern accessories that will also help you get the look.
Braces, reader style glasses/wayfarer sunglasses, masculine metal jewellery and wallet chains will help toughen up your appearance and exude the easy, effortless style rockabillies are renowned for.
Bear in mind, rockabilly fashion isn’t particularly complicated – many of the key pieces identified above are already wardrobe staples for the modern man – it’s the attitude, confidence and finishing touches that will set you apart.
The Hair
Hair is such a huge part of rockabilly style that we couldn’t possibly touch on the subject without mentioning it. The quiff and pompadour were the most prominent hairstyles sported by rockabillies, and these days there are so many ways you can take these iconic cuts and make them your own.
From disconnected/shaved sides to slick, high shine finishes,
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