For women, decide whether you want a look that is feminine or more gender-neutral. You can wear a dress with combat boots, or you could pair a ripped top with jeans. Choose a rockstar look that reflects your personality. For men, decide how simple you want to keep it. You can combine a band T-shirt, skinny jeans, and Converse sneakers. Alternately, you can choose a tailored suit for a more foppish rockstar look. Consider which look matches your personality best. No matter what style you choose, maintain a consistent aesthetic over time.

You are not confined to the style of one sub-genre. You can use the specific style of one group to help you connect with like-minded people, but you do not need to limit yourself. If you stay too close to one established style, you may come across as less original and edgy than you intend.

Leather jackets, tailored suits, and designer jeans are all expensive. When you are on a tight budget, only buy these items if they complement the rockstar clothes that you already have. Inexpensive leather bracelets and belts can add some edginess to your clothes, but they will not help stretch your budget if they do not last. Stay away from cheap leather products that are likely to deteriorate quickly. [3] X Research source If you are in a band, proper equipment should be your first priority. Not only will it elevate your performance, it will be a major part of your rockstar image while on stage.

Sort clothes into sections. Note what percentage of your clothes are darks, whites, or bright colors. Dark colors and blacks are common for rockstar style. If you have a large percentage of bright colors, look to pair them with darks for balance. Repurpose clothes. If you have plaid shirts, wear them loosely with a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans. This will give you a simple, versatile grunge rock look. Take a new look at old clothes. Tattered and torn clothes are popular in rockstar fashion.

Many stores also sell cheaper pleather, or fake leather, jackets. This could be a good option if you’re on a tight budget or are only looking to wear a rockstar look for a short period of time.

Buying items second-hand can allow you to find quality pieces that you might not be able to afford otherwise. Unclaimed dry cleaning can occasionally be bought cheaply, though dry cleaners are more likely to donate unclaimed clothes to charities. Nevertheless, laws regulating unclaimed property vary by state so you may find a dry cleaner that will sell you unique items at discounted prices.

A skinny, brightly colored belt can add a welcome splash of color to a look that consists mostly of blacks and dark colors. For many styles of rockstar fashion, a studded belt is a staple. You can find studded belts at Primark, Haze, Voodoo, PacSun, Claire’s Accessories, Attitude and New Look.

Choose a statement necklace or leather choker to add interest to your look.

A fun print, like cheetah or snake, can be a great option for your shoes.

If you are a touring musician, consider a style that will not need regular cuts to maintain. Since you may be on the road for long periods, you may have difficulty scheduling appointments with trusted stylists. Get imaginative with hair dye, wash in colors, and styling products. Rockstar style often involves projecting confidence while looking unusual. Look for pictures of styles that you like and find out which product is used for that style: hair gel, paste, pomade, mousse, cream, or hairspray all have different effects. [5] X Research source Ask friends with distinctive hairstyles to suggest their preferred hair products and brands.

Heavy black eye liner is popular for metal and goth styles. Additional color or blush is common among rockstars cultivating a dandy or foppish image. Glam and art rock performers use makeup to create color schemes, shapes, and patterns that exaggerate, transform, or obscure facial features. David Bowie, The Sweet, and Alice Cooper are prominent examples.