The 2010’s – Focus Fashion: Fashion in Rock Music Through the Decades

Written by on May 4, 2023

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In the 2010’s, there were various genres with different aesthetics. Many songs produced then were a mash-up of pop, hip-hop, and EDM. Hip-hop was going through a revival when new streaming platforms were released, allowing creators to release their music and let others stream it. EDM was also making a comeback. Additionally, pop is one of the few genres that don’t have a set sound. Many people began to shape the genre, like Adele with her powerful vocals, Ed Sheeran writing his lyrics, or Billie Eilish with her unique sound. 

Electronic Dance Music

EDM quickly became the standard of party music. The Chainsmokers and LMFAO were significant artists within the genre. The EDM scene is closely related to rave culture. Raves promote peace and love through heavy beats and turntable matches. Many people at raves wear tiny bikinis, glowing accessories, UFO pants, leg fuzzies, sparkles, and as much neon as they can. EDM influences also came from the Jeremy Scott Spring 2015 collection, which showcased many bright, neon colors and funky patterns.

Alternative Rock

This style was based on 80’s and 90’s fashion. This includes grunge, skater fashion with flannels, plaid, chokers, graphic tees, skinny jeans with combat boots, oversized rock band graphic tees, leather biker jackets, leather pants, lots of black on black, and beanies. Some huge names in this era were Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Cage The Elephant, Arcade Fire, and Panic! At The Disco.

Pop

Our queen, Rihanna, was one of the most influential artists in terms of fashion during this period. When Rihanna released Loud, the world was changed when we witnessed her fire-red hair. Many girls began to dye their hair a similar shade. Rihanna was also known for wearing mesh sweaters and crop tops, which quickly started gaining popularity. Rihanna collaborated with Puma creating Fenty X Puma featuring logos, hoodies, and goth aesthetics, contributing to the ever-rising popularity of loungewear. Lady Gaga was seen at the 2010 VMAs in her iconic meat dress (yes! All real raw beef!). At the 2013 VMAs, we witnessed Miley Cyrus perform a provocative dance with Robin Thicke. Cyrus was dressed in a nude latex two-piece set, which inspired many Halloween costumes in the following years. Taylor Swift was often seen wearing skater skirts, popularizing the silhouette. Billie Eilish created her style by wearing neon-colored beanies with oversized baggy t-shirts and baggy pants.

Hip-Hop and Rap

Skatewear and hip-hop quickly melded together to create a unique, odd style. Odd Future and Tyler, the Creator’s first album Goblin featured five-panel hats, shorts, and flashy shoes. Tyler is frequently seen wearing loose pants combined with tees and hats. Chance the Rapper is seen wearing colorful, un-cohesive ways of dressing. Conversely, older rappers like Kanye West, Pusha T, and Kendrick Lamar wore monochrome clothing. Kanye popularized athleisure by simply wearing brands like Champion. Kanye broke out with his brand, Yeezy, and broke the internet with his first line. Yeezy Season 1 emphasizes monochromatic, fabric-heavy pieces with an informal dress. A$AP Rocky made brands like Raf Simons and Rick Owens popular. This genre had a sense of unique individuality with rapper Lil Yachty wearing multicolored grills, and other rappers with facial tattoos and piercings. Pharrell Williams wore many name brands like Chanel, Bape, Adidas, and many more on red carpets and in music videos. William’s also created his collaboration with Stan Smith, which featured colorful, flowery patterns. 

Mainstream of the 2010’s

The 2010’s had a mix of the different decades, such as the 50’s and the 90’s. Pinterest and Tumblr were at their peak during this time, so many outfits were posted as inspo pictures to figure out an outfit. This includes inspiration from celebrities such as Lana del Ray, Vanessa Hudgens, Rihanna, Paramore, and Florence and the Machine. Vanessa Hudgens brought the 50’s and 60’s hippy style mainstream with simple and casual boho chic looks, with long skirts, hats, feathered earrings, cardigans, long necklaces, and sandals. We saw a lot of pencil skirts, jean skirts, floral skirts, dresses, and tops with belts. We also saw a completely different style with a preppy, hipster look. 

 

2010’s section written by Emma Deroain and Kimberly Martinez.

 

Sources:

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