Rockabilly is a music genre that combines rock and roll and country music, with clothing styles that draw heavily from 1950s shapes and styles. Women’s clothing ranges from elegant to sassy, while men’s styles resemble greaser clothing. Rockabilly clothing can be mixed and matched with other styles, and does not require a rockabilly lifestyle.
“Rockabilly” is a term used to define a genre of music that combines rock and roll and country music, originating in the early 1950s. Rockabilly clothing evokes a time when clothing was modest and playful. Vintage clothing and retro-inspired pieces that contribute to the rockabilly look add a distinctive wardrobe touch. Rockabilly draws heavily from 1950s clothing shapes and styles, usually with updated prints and fabrics.
Rockabilly women’s clothing runs the gamut, from pristine and elegant to wild and sassy. Some women pursuing a rockabilly image choose to dress in a pin-up girl style as a tribute to role models of the time, such as Bettie Page. Leopard print, fun sailor costumes, bold stripes, capri pants, and pencil skirts all fit the rockabilly look. While the clothing may be form-fitting, it usually doesn’t involve extra-low necklines or extra-high hems, making it a fairly modest option compared to other fashion styles.
As is the case with the fashion world in general, there is less variety among men’s rockabilly clothing. Men’s styles commonly resemble greaser clothing, specifically the fashions featured on the male lead character Danny Zuko in the movie Grease. Leather jackets, T-shirts, and jeans are standard wardrobe pieces. Regardless of clothing choice, items must be clean and tailored.
Others in the rockabilly subculture prefer a more innocent approach to their clothing with poodle skirts, polka dots, and cashmere jackets in light colors and feminine fabrics. As with women’s clothing, some men’s items are more tailored, such as short-sleeved button-down shirts, plaid bowling shirts, or baggy shorts with loafers. Accessories like pearls, gloves, and hats are welcome additions to rockabilly outfits.
Rockabilly clothing can be mixed and matched with other clothing styles to suit personal tastes. Psychobilly is both a music genre and a fashion style that combines rockabilly aesthetics with punk overtones, and gothabilly is a fusion of goth and rockabilly. Both fashion subgenres encompass the basic shapes and styles prominent in rockabilly clothing but with a darker, edgier feel imparted through fabric choices, such as velvet or lace, and prints that can include skulls, flames, or Sailor Jerry tattoos. .
One does not need to listen to rockabilly music or adopt a rockabilly lifestyle to dress in rockabilly clothing. Some people prefer to wear clothes simply because they like the way they look. Others delight in incorporating rockabilly accessories or individual clothing pieces into their everyday wardrobe for an original and eclectic look.
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