Leather & Lace: How to Dress Like Your Favourite Music Icons

Festival season is on the horizon and, if you’re anything like us, you’re probably already scouring local thrift stores, searching for the ultimate show-stealing ensemble.

But, if you’re struggling for inspiration, there’s only one place to turn! The wardrobes of your favourite music icons, of course!

Whether your genre is rock ‘n’ roll or reggae, the music industry is full of style moguls, who have influenced generation after generation with their fearless approaches to fashion. By following in the footsteps of your idols, your festival outfit is guaranteed to hit every note! 

So, whether you’re headed to Glastonbury or Country 2 Country, this guide is here to teach you how to dress like a music icon! 

When you hear the words ‘Boho’ and ‘Festival’, one name likely springs to mind: Stevie Nicks. 

With her powerful vocals and witchy wardrobe, Nicks took the seventies by storm, and she’s continued to inspire both musicians and style enthusiasts ever since. So, if you’re looking to imitate a bohemian icon, Stevie should be your muse.

Stevie’s style is as free-spirited as her attitude. It’s a daring blend of traditional boho trends and vintage designs, complete with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. The result is a look that’s both utterly unique and endlessly stylish.

Maxi dresses are a cornerstone of the Stevie Nicks aesthetic. Her dresses are often Victorian-inspired, complete with luxurious layered skirts and delicate necklines. Floaty sleeves create a soft silhouette whilst allowing the songstress to move freely.

For a more casual festival outfit, Nicks liked to put a bohemian twist on the modern hippie-inspired styles of the 70s. She was often spotted wearing bell-bottom jeans or wide-leg trousers, which were paired with flowing blouses or tunics. Embroidered details and lace trims brought that depth and mysticism she became known for.

An easy way to master the style of Stevie Nicks is through accessorising! Loose shawls, made from fabrics like velvet and chiffon, are layered over simple pieces for a dramatic effect. Her footwear is just as theatrical- think buckled western boots and chunky platform heels. Of course, this extraordinary outfit wouldn’t be complete without a wide-brimmed witchy hat!

Although Dolly herself would argue that she’s “more of an eyesore” than a fashion icon, we beg to differ! There’s no doubt the superstar has had a huge influence on country styling- and what better place to celebrate that than at a country music festival?

If you’re planning on dressing like Dolly Parton for your music festival, you better get ready to pull out your highest heels and your shiniest rhinestones!

Dolly has always dressed to accentuate her best features. So, she sticks to lightweight fabrics and opts for classics like leather and denim to create a flattering silhouette. Denim is a key piece of country styling and Dolly always shines whilst wearing it! 

Double denim is one of her favourite looks, complete with a stunning embroidered jacket and a classic pair of skinny jeans- both are usually bedazzled with rhinestones!  

The 9 to 5 singer loves eye-catching colours, so layer your jacket over a blouse in a bright shade- Parton always looks magnetic in pink! Choose glossy fabrics like satin or chiffon, and look for blouses with standout details like floral embroidery or puff sleeves. Elevate your jeans with a gold buckle belt, which will emphasise your waist. 

High heels are Dolly’s go-to shoes and she’s often seen sporting a pair of dazzling western boots. Despite her love for glitz and glam, Dolly always goes subtle with jewellery, preferring dainty silver rings and simple hoop earrings.

Pretty and powerful, you’re sure to make a statement with a Dolly-inspired festival look.

Frontwoman of Blondie, Debbie Harry, has possibly one of the most iconic looks in punk-rock history.

Debbie’s style is both edgy and undeniably feminine, showcasing her tough persona whilst embracing her more delicate features.

One of her most memorable outfits was the white dress she donned on the cover of Parallel Lines. The style was a callback to the famous midi dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch, but Debbie Harry brings defiance and attitude to the modest look. 

She wears the dress with some white and gold heels- which you can always swap for wedge sandals or boots if you’re going to be walking through muddy fields all weekend. Debbie loves leather, so, add an extra dose of rock ‘n’ roll to your festival look with a biker jacket.

Alternatively, if a dress is a little too demure for your tastes, you could take from one of Debbie’s darker looks. Shorts, a waistcoat, and sunglasses- a simple combination that never fails to make an impact. This style even inspired one of Kate Moss’ remarkable festival looks! 

Springsteen might’ve earned his success with heartfelt lyrics and a magnetic charisma, but his rugged, unpolished style certainly helped to cement his place as a heartland heartthrob. 

To match his working class persona, Springsteen used staple pieces, like denim trousers and fitted white tees, to create some of his most iconic ensembles.

Blue jeans, complete with a dark wash for that lived-in feel, were a go-to for Bruce. He often paired them with a tight-fitting t-shirt or a jumper. However, he wasn’t afraid to double up on denim. So, if you’re looking for a real statement outfit, you could rock a denim shirt.

A battered biker jacket enhanced that devil-may-care aesthetic. The musician is usually seen in black, but brown leather works just as well. To top it off, Springsteen was a fan of western accessories- think bandanas and buckled belts, which brought a country twist to his typical rockstar look.

It’s not a Springsteen look if it doesn’t involve a wicked pair of combat boots. His most remarkable pairs were embellished with subtle details like studs, buckles, and standout stitching. 

From the moment David Bowie stepped into the spotlight, decked out in shimmering skin-tight jumpsuits and towering platform boots, a new fashion era was born. His groundbreaking choices not only transformed modern menswear, but inspired people around the world to celebrate their individual sense of style.

To achieve Bowie’s iconic glam aesthetic, focus on form-fitting fabrics, theatrical accessories, and bold colours- seriously, the bolder the better! 

Look for tops, tees, and knitted pieces that hug your body to create a slender silhouette. Stretchy materials that allow you to move freely are key elements for a Bowie look.

Choose trousers and skinny jeans that are just as figure hugging, but make sure to avoid typical black and navy. Instead, opt for light colours like white or beige.

It was the intricate details in Bowie’s outfits that really sold his outlandish looks. From bright patterned shirts to pastel blazers, each piece was utterly unique.

Though many of the rock legend’s famous outfits involved spandex and sparkles, Bowie loved a tailored suit! One of his most famous fashion moments was the ice-blue suit featured in the music video for Life On Mars in 1980. The unforgettable look can be replicated with a light blue linen blazer and tailored trousers, either in a matching colour or a neutral shade. Wear the suit over a fitted white shirt, complete with contrast trims. 

If you want to rock the David Bowie look, the right footwear is essential! You can never go wrong with suede pumps in eye-catching colours like red and blue. They’re sleek and bold, and they’re ideal for dancing! 

Stevie isn’t the only member of Fleetwood Mac to become a fashion icon. Mick Fleetwood’s flamboyant outfits, complete with velvet waistcoats and towering top hats, has made his image as unforgettable as his drumming, and his style has only become more refined over the years.

Mick’s look is a blend of theatrical flair and vintage charm. Whilst he always looks suave in his tailored jackets and crisp shirts, he makes sure to inject his bright personality into every ensemble.

Billowing shirts featuring bright paisley or floral prints are a staple of Fleetwood’s wardrobe, and he usually opts for romantic cuts and ruffles to create that retro rocker aesthetic. 

Mick has mastered the art of layering, and he often pairs his shirts with a statement waistcoat. Look for waistcoats with rich textures, like satin and microsuede, and choose deep shades like blue, black, and forest green.

The drummer often goes for casual tailored trousers or wide-leg jeans, which create a dramatic stage presence. He’s never shied away from bold patterns. Pinstripes are always a favourite, giving his look a dandy energy. Like many icons of the era, heeled boots and leather shoes are Mick’s typical choice of footwear. His suited looks are usually finished with brogues- comfortable, colourful, and full of character.

A dramatic fedora or top hat is a Mick must-have! He loves vibrant accessories, so anything with feathers or a unique trim will really elevate your look. Add some finishing touches with a bohemian beaded bracelet or an edgy horned steer necklace, and you’ll have nailed Mick Fleetwood’s legendary look.