11 pieces you need to achieve the rocker look

Rock stars across all genres of music have one thing in common; attitude. An attitude that is expressed by their words, actions, and appearance. Rock style can be boiled down into just a few manageable key elements. Are you ready to channel your inner Gwen Stefani? Let’s get to it.

What is a rocker style?

Rocker style clothing comes in as many varieties as rock ‘n roll itself. You’ll find variations of grunge style, punk rocker, skater style as well as rocker chic style. Each style will have its own nuances, but for the sake of this article, I’ll be lumping them all together.

The aesthetic of this style is very drastic and distinct; angular lines, dramatic color contrasts, hard textures, metallic details. As you view the examples below, you’ll see what I mean.

Why are the rock style essentials important?

Whether your a punk rocker girl or wear skater style clothes, these 11 essentials will be the “middle C” to build your entire wardrobe around. They are the quintessential pieces in your closet that you can mix and match together creating over 70 different outfits. Just having one of these items in your outfit will take the entire outfit in a rock fashion style direction.

What are the Effortless Eleven Essentials for rock style?

• Leather jacket
• Platform ankle boots
• Chucks
• Cigarette jeans
• Colored skinny pants
• Metallic tank
• Distressed sweater
• Band tee
• Tuxedo blazer
• Moto cardigan
• Chain-detail purse

Leather Jacket

First and most importantly on the list, is the leather jacket is the most iconic rocker style clothing item in your entire wardrobe. Don’t skimp on this; use it to make a statement. Not just any leather jacket will do. You want one with angular lines. You can usually find this in the lapel (the portion of the collar that folds over). Other features you might also want to look for are a strong shoulder or details like metal hardware in the form of studs, spikes or zippers. If you go for leather with a softer feel, the jacket should have a worn, vintage look.

Platform Ankle Boots

Second, the platform ankle boots. The great thing about this style of boot is their versatility. Rock them with some tuxedo stripe pants for fancier occasions, jeans for your everyday wear or that red micro-mini you wear to concerts.

Chucks

Thirdly, Chucks. Timeless, yet the perfect addition for your rock and roll clothing style. Classic, casual and practical.

Cigarette Jeans

Next, a pair of cigarette jeans. You’ll wear these every day. 

Any color wash will do. There is no need to go dark with your wash because your style isn’t on the dressy side. If bleach spots, rips tears and fading is your thing, go for it! The worn look is always in for the rocker style.

Look for a low rise waist and a narrow leg. For length, go for just above the ankle or too long so that it bunches above the ankle.

Colored Skinny Pants

Now, here’s where you can really bring color contrast in. Get a pair of skinny pants in a bold hue like red. Again look for a low rise. Rips, frays, and tears always welcome and add to the character of the piece.

Metallic Tank

Sixth, this metallic tank will ensure that you’re always stage-ready. Look for a looser fit with a flattering cut. Thin spaghetti straps would also be a great feature to show off your amazing shoulders. Layer with your leather jacket or cooler days, under a tuxedo blazer for nice occasions or with your schoolboy blazer, jeans, and chucks for a casual look.

Distressed Sweater

The distressed sweater is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. It has a casual, “I don’t care” attitude, but still makes you look amazing. Wear it over your metallic tank for just a hint of bling to shine through. 

Band Tee

Now, I’m betting you have at least one to ten band tees in your closet already. After the leather jacket, it’s gotta be the second most iconic item in your wardrobe. If you don’t already have one, you could buy one using the link above, but we all know, the best band tees have a story behind them so maybe you should splurge on some concert tickets instead.

Tuxedo Blazer

That brings us to the tuxedo blazer. This is your go-to item to dress anything up. Wear it with our jeans, chucks and your band tee for an everyday casual look or with some tuxedo striped pants with your metallic tank for a special occasion.

Moto Cardigan

The moto cardigan is another great layering piece for your rock style. It’s great for those in-between months when it’s not color enough for your leather jacket, but just a t-shirt alone won’t do. It will add miles and miles to the versatility of your wardrobe.

Chain-detail Purse

Last, but not least, is the chain-detail purse. It comes in both large and small varieties, so you can find one that fits your needs to a “t”. The clutch size the perfect piece to dress up your ripped jeans or pair with your cocktail dress. It carries the most attitude of any of the other pieces in your wardrobe.

The Last Thing You Need to Know about the Rocker Effortless Eleven Essentials

Finally, these 11 pieces will be the workhorses of your wardrobe. You’ll probably incorporate at least one of these pieces into every outfit you put together. This is by no means an exhaustive list of everything you need, even for a capsule wardrobe, but it is a good place to get started. You’re ready to strut your stuff, now aren’t you?

What are your favorite rocker looks? Tag @effortlessstyleservices on Instagram or @Effortless Style Services on Facebook to be an outfit inspiration or follow my iconic style Pinterest board to get more inspiration from others.

Get the effortless eleven essentials checklist and start checking off the items that you already own. You’ll have this gamine style mastered in no time!

If the rocker look doesn’t fit your fashion preferences, take the Iconic Style Quiz to find the look that suits you best.