2. The costume worn by particular bands and artists reflect what type of genre they are trying to
portray to the audience. The connotations of the costume worn by bands relating to the Indie Rock
genre are ‘roughed up’ articles of clothing that are often old. The costume worn can be seen as
representing a rebellious nature towards the mainstream fashion trends.
Though the members of an Indie Rock band tend to shy away from co-ordinating their outfits, many
do in a sense. For example all the members would wear some kind of skinny fitted trousers
whether they are jeans or smarter trousers. They will all have some form of jacket on and usually
sport some ‘tatty’ vintage footwear (however it could vary from trainers to boots). It is all about
variation of similar things when regarding fashion.
In all of these costumes that are worn, they are never the same color and are never worn in the
same style as the next members. This reveals that people associated with the Indie Rock genre
are comfortable with expressing their individuality without going overboard e.g. Like pop sensation
Lady Gaga. They do it in a simple way with variations of the same style, this further increases their
‘cool’ reputations as they don’t try too hard to be something they are not. Many are not fussed
when it comes to what they wear to play at gigs. They know that it’s going to be hot and sweaty so
they adopt the attitude of ‘may as well wear the week old tee-shirt, I’m going to be smelling
anyway’, this attitude represents a maverick lifestyle.
3. As you can see in the image no band member looks similar in terms of the style
that they adapt, even though the use of certain colors e.g. White and black are
featured more than once.
You begin to see the individuals personalities shine through the choice of tops
worn. It could be suggested that the lead singer of the band is wearing the red
sweatshirt, as it strategically draws the readers attention towards him, usually the
public face of the band is positioned in a way that the readers will notice them
first. There is also use of outdoor clothing (the fawn jacket) it adds a different
visual element to the photograph. The other two members adapt the casual style
of unbuttoned shirts over plain colored tee-shirts expressing their relaxed
attitudes towards fashion.
The preferred choice of trousers in this example is jeans, however except for the
fit (skinny fit) they are wide apart in terms of color, wash and the way in which
they are styled. For example the band member wearing red, his jeans are placed
higher up by the waist, whereas the others are more placed towards the hips.
Two members of the band have their jeans rolled up at the bottom, I’ve noticed
the member in red has his rolled up much higher. The other two have their jeans
bunched up at the bottom. One (in the brown bomber jacket has his more
scrunched than the other on the far left who’s smoothed out. What is important to
consider is the use of individual style preferences as although they are all wearing
jeans they show variation in the way that the simple article of clothing is worn, it’s
completely different and independent.
With regards to their footwear choice, most members have chosen the smart
brogue with only one member opting for the more casual choice of trainers. With
the choice of color no two members are co-ordinated.
There is minimal use of accessories used, however it is common to see pierced
or stretched ears as well as frayed festival bracelets. Yet it could be interpreted
that their body art is an accessory, with this in mind it could be that there is an
abundance of accessories featured.
4. It is clear from these front covers that the overall style Indie Rock musicians adopt is
different in terms of style preference, with certain key pieces being similar. They don’t
necessarily wear costume in order to promote certain brands which could possibly
encourage their fans to purchase the same. They tend to wear what they want to wear, it is
evident that they don’t have stylists as they are not the type to take direction in regards to
clothing. All of these artists are wearing skinny jeans, plaid shirts and outerwear. They all
wear dark musky colors as they are seen as everyday relatable colors as well as down to
earth colors. In a sense their style will never be outdated due to the secure obtainability of
different variations that can be created with the costume typically worn, people will never get
bored.
