“We learned more from a three-minute record than we ever learned in school.”
Bruce Springsteen, 1984
From the radio in our dads’ cars to the old-school movies our parents still rewatch sometimes, classic rock music has been infiltrating our minds since our earliest days. Whether you play it on your own or just enjoy it when someone else does, it still holds a place in your heart. But just how far has classic rock’s influence stretched? Have we noticed its impact on our style, hair, and clothes? The leather jackets, thick belts, and chunky black boots weren’t invented by us. It started with the raw, unmatched energy of classic rock.
Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
“And these children that you spit on as they try to change their world, are immune to your consultations—they're quite aware of what they’re going through.”
David Bowie, 1971
Almost everyone I know has a pair of black boots in their closet. They’re the perfect way to dress up an outfit while still feeling comfortable. While black boots themselves didn’t entirely originate from the classic rock era, pairing them with your outfit brings in that grunge vibe that artists like AC/DC, Derek and the Dominos, The Doors, and many others embraced. Platformed, covered in buckles, or plain, they add a cool look to your outfit that many haven’t even noticed is a reference to the classic rock we grew up on.
Image Courtesy: Pacsun
“Then, as it was, it will be again.”
Led Zeppelin, 1975
Thick belts, micro skirts, and shorts are all reminiscent of classic rock. Nothing screams “rock star” like the shortest bottoms you own with a bold, chunky belt. You can call it "Y2K or “NYC aesthetic." You could call it a million things, but at the end of the day, it follows the same blueprint as your chunky black boots. It looks rock—a little grunge, undeniably cool—and with a tiny top, leather jacket, or vintage tee, you’d fit right in with your parents at those concerts they attended as teenagers.
Image Courtesy: Emily Salazar
“Get myself a steady job, some responsibility... can’t even feed my cat on Social Security.”
AC/DC, 1978
One of the most notable emerging trends is the classic leather jacket. Now that the weather is getting colder, we’re seeing them everywhere. Whether in red, black, scratched up, or worn out, a leather jacket takes any outfit from “plain” to "rock." Many prefer the oversized fit currently rather than a cropped or tight one, but fashion always changes, even if it remembers its history. Leather jackets from the classic rock era often had studs, pictures, writing, or pins. If you get lucky at a vintage store, you might even find some with band logos painted on them. Leather jackets were also a staple on the rock stage throughout the years, proving they're timelessly iconic.
Image Courtesy: Maria Sumarokova
“Like a true nature's child, we were born, born to be wild.”
Steppenwolf, 1968
This staple from the classic rock era is just as popular today. Whether you wear it as a workout or a pajama top, you probably own a graphic tee. Popular brands like Pacsun and Urban Outfitters still make tees with iconic classic rock artists like Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and more. While some come in bright colors or preppy styles, they prove this style lives on. If you prefer to shop for a more authentic look, you’re probably checking out thrift stores, shopping from resellers, or raiding your dad’s closet. It doesn’t have to be a rock band tee to be "rock.” Any cool, grungy top brings you back to rock ‘n’ roll.
Image Courtesy: Voda
“Long live rock ‘n’ roll”
Rainbow, 1978
Many recent fashion trends have come from past eras we wish we could have experienced. Usually, it’s a lot less subtle than how it’s been influencing us. I think it’s because it’s entirely subconscious. We’re not intentionally mimicking classic rock in our day-to-day outfits; it’s just what we grew up on. It’s on our dads’ radios, blaring from commemorative films, and now it’s everywhere—from our boots to our tops. As they said at those iconic concerts: Long live rock ‘n’ roll.
Written and Curated by: Alexandra Zuercher
Blog Published and Directed by: Salette Cambra
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