Fashion, Culture, and Music: Musicians’ Shaping Fashion Since Forever

Written by Avery Charlesworth

Pop culture and fashion  have always been deeply intertwined, but most of us fail to see the impact famous artists and musicians have on current fashion trends. Concerts have not only become a celebration of music but of style, making fans instinctively mirror their favorite artist's trademark look . Whether it is channeling one of Taylor Swift’s era for her Eras Tour, sliding on cowboy boots for a Morgan Wallen concert, or rocking a bucket hat at FISHER, no matter the difference in one's style to the artist, it is an unspoken ritual to dress similarly to the artist at their concerts. Celebrity influence also reflects on a lot of people’s day-to-day fashion decisions. 

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Beyond attire, musicians' flair also shapes mainstream fashion. Sabrina Carpenter, one of the most current pop-culture figures, is a great embodiment of this. Her dress from her song Espresso, a sleek strapless piece with a bold white trim, exudes the same elegance that a man in a suit and tie gives. The voluminous blowout adds an extra layer of sophistication, reminiscent of the smooth, luxurious nature of espresso itself. This was just the beginning of her influence over fashion. Carpenter's impact extends far beyond this look—entire fashion guides, retail websites, and social media pages are dedicated to achieving her signature aesthetic.

This influence dates back to counterculture times, the 1970s. Jimi Hendrix wasn’t just a revolutionary guitarist and musician, but also a trendsetter who redefined expressing oneself. Hendrix’s bold fashion choices became a symbol of freedom and individuality at the time. He broke conventional men’s attire, making it acceptable for men to wear silks and textures, vibrant colors, and flare pants. His style brought people together to celebrate creativity, diversity, and a stylish liberation that resonated even further than just music. His impact on fashion can still be seen today, allowing people to embrace bold, expressive fashion. 

Overall, millions of musicians and music artists all over the world have been impacting the fashion trend cycle for generations. Whether on stage, on screen, or on the streets, artists shape the trends of tomorrow. Musicians and consumers need to have this connection and influence because it motivates people to express themselves, have individuality, connect people from all over, and develop and deepen the importance of style and culture.

Edited by Safa Razvi, Quinn Diedrich & Olivia Ruetten