Banner image courtesy of Frank Flores
A pair like no other; music and fashion have seamlessly gone hand in hand for generations. Whether you are aware of the punk rock era of music that sought out leather looks all in black, to the eclectic styles seen at festivals like Glastonbury. The connection between what we wear and what we listen to flow on the same line.
In this article we look at the influence of different music genres on fashion and personal style. Read to find out more.
The influence of music genres on fashion
Music movements over the years have shaped fashion just as much as they have influenced what’s on the radio (or in our Airpods). In the mid-20th century, leather jackets and band tees became popular because of rock music.
And then there was punk which took things that much further, with DIY customisations, safety pins and torn clothes that celebrated individuality and gave two fingers up to mainstream fashion trends. It was just as much about the clothing as it was an attitude and visual statements of counterculture.
One of the most significant impacts on fashion in recent decades was the rap and hip-hop genres. Starting off in the 1970s in the Bronx, hip-hop culture embraced clothing as a form of identity, turning streetwear into its very own genre. Track pants, baggy silhouettes, graphic hoodies, bold accessories (like jewellery) and flashy trainers showed off community and cultural pride. What started off as mainly underground urban wear developed over time into mainstream runway collections and high-end collaborations.
There are other genres that left their mark too. Electronic dance music (better known as EDM) and festival culture have brought holographic, futuristic designs and bright colours into the world of fashion. While country music has brought tailored denim, cowboy boots and even Western hats to day-to-day looks. Although in some cases, with a contemporary twist.
Finally, there’s goth rock and grunge music, both of which have influenced style. Goth fashion is darker and more dramatic, while a grunge look includes oversized sweaters, flannel shirts and ripped jeans.
What’s driving the connection?
There are a few different reasons that explain what connects fashion and music so closely. We’ve listed them below:
Identity & expression
Music is a very personal experience and a way for individuals to express their viewpoints and sense of self. Fashion becomes a visual extension of that expression and a way to communicate affiliation with a community, attitude or subculture.
Iconic figures
Musicians are cultural influencers. From rock legends to rap icons, artists regularly become style leaders (whether they intend to or not), setting trends that fans emulate as part of fandom and identity.
Cultural movements
Music often reflects broader societal shifts like political sentiments, youth rebellion or cultural fusion. And fashion visually communicates those same shifts. Punk’s DIY ethos, for example, mirrored wider attitudes of anti-establishment rebellion that made its way through youth culture.
Social Media & virality
Today, trends spread faster than ever thanks to the internet. Instagram, TikTok and other platforms amplify both music and fashion, enabling fans to adopt and remix styles from their favourite artists in real time.
Into the future
Whilst it can be difficult to predict the future, we are certain that the relationship between music and fashion will continue and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
From the rebellious raw edge that comes alongside rock music, to the brightly coloured self-expression influenced by hip hop music. Music continues to leave a lasting mark on the music industry and shape many trends within the industry. It does however go far beyond these trends; Music helps people communicate who they are as a person.
What we listen to helps feel how we are feeling about ourselves and what it presently happening to shape our identity to the world. Making music taste also effect our visual aspect of personal style. As music keeps evolving, fashion will naturally move alongside it, reflecting new sounds, attitudes and identities along the way.