Rock and Roll Fashion Trends From the Sixties to the Eighties
One of the most recognizable rock and roll fashion trends of recent years has been the massive popularity of tight jeans, specifically the graphic tees worn by teenagers throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Although this fad ultimately fizzled out, it marked a turning point in the career of many an iconic rock star, from Rod Stewart to David Bowie, who capitalized on the trend to hit number one in the US chart charts. The overall significance of this fashion item can hardly be overemphasized, as it elevated the image of the average teen as someone cool, hip and fashionable. However, that is not all: the pants themselves, particularly the classic tight fit with the graphic tee at the center, were also effective in stigmatizing the image of the average American youth during the era of political correctness, as they were used by many media outlets to depict rap stars as drug addicts or irresponsible individuals.
As this discussion points out, the rock and roll fashion trends of the late seventies and the eighties were also about sexuality, as well as individualism, rebelliousness and anti-social behavior. This was further accentuated by the groups that were popular at the time such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, and Bob Dylan. In fact, nearly every famous rock star from this era of rock and roll has made a statement of social and political opinion through their clothing, from their choice of clothes to the materials in which they wore them. From the trench coat of Bob Dylan to the leather jacket ofagger John Lennon, from the spiked shoes of Led Zeppelin to the baggy jeans of Cream, these artists conveyed their unique political and social viewpoints in their choice of clothing. It is therefore safe to say that rock and roll, just like any other sub-culture, was socially, politically and aesthetically influenced by the music that was being played everywhere.
Today, rock and roll fashion trends have once again become intertwined with the fashions of the times. The styles that were popular in the sixties are still quite fashionable and can be seen on the runways of some of the most prestigious fashion shows in the world. However, the designs of today’s fashion trends tend to be far more relaxed than those of the past. A combination of comfort, affordability and style has helped to make rock and roll clothing one of the most popular fashions amongst people of all ages. It is for these reasons that casual dress attire is a very popular choice among rockers and teenagers.