On a recent Tuesday, a legendary Seattle rock band ducked into our local warehouse with an electrifying energy and a mission to leave with an image-making wardrobe. They sipped champagne, giggled, and played dress up, occasionally pressure-testing styles by busting a move. Armoire stylists were at their service, combing racks for sequins, fur, and anything metallic gold. Oh, the life of a rocker—VIP service and your choice of clothes from 30,000-square feet of premium brands, without so much as a glance at a single price tag. Truth be told, this is the same experience all locals get when they visit Armoire in person. Those who use Armoire from afar can rent like a rockstar too; they just have to get their own champagne. Mic drop!
Styling Thunderpussy for an upcoming album release was all about channeling their unapologetic, powerhouse energy into their fashion choices. The band’s unique blend of rock, punk, and unabashed femininity inspired a vision of boldness and individuality. The goal? Craft looks for each of their upcoming performances that are as unforgettable as their music—and their name. (Speaking of, read how Thunderpussy went all the way to the Supreme Court for the right to own their name.)
Rent Like a Rockstar: The Why
While members of Thunderpussy are rockers, they’re also savvy business women. Even rockstars need to budget for their wardrobes. Rather than investing in expensive pieces they only wear once, Thunderpussy rents from Armoire. They enjoy the thrill of a new outfit for every occasion without the guilt of overspending. Who knew rockstars are just like us? They have a practical side too.
When you think of particular music legends, you might recall them in memorable outfits. The reality is, the impression lasts longer than the garment—the most iconic looks are often worn once before they’re discarded. For cool chicks like Thunderpussy, sustainability is an important consideration. With Armoire, they get access to endless variety without creating waste. This flexibility allows them to adapt their styles to different occasions, moods, or musical inspirations. Rockstar style is all about curated chaos, but that doesn’t mean they want a mountain of clothes on their tour bus. Decluttering leaves space, physically and mentally, for creativity and joy. Renting allows them to experiment with fearless, trend-setting styles, from sequined jackets to leather pants, without the commitment to house a vast wardrobe.
Rent Like A Rockstar: The How
- Find Your Signature Style: Rockstars often have a distinctive look that sets them apart. Experiment with different styles until you find what feels authentic to you, whether it’s leather jackets, ripped jeans, band t-shirts, or statement accessories.
- Embrace Leather and Denim: Rent like a rockstar with leather jackets, pants, and skirts. Denim is a staple of rockstar style too. Rent a well-fitted leather jacket or a pair of distressed jeans to add some edge to your wardrobe.
- Power Clashing: Don’t be afraid to mix different textures, patterns, and styles to create a unique look. Pair a feminine blouse with leather pants or a band t-shirt with a sequined skirt for a cool contrast. More on that below.
- Statement Pieces: Incorporate statement pieces into your outfits to make a bold impact. This could be anything from an animal print coat or sequined pants to a faux fur coat or velvet jumpsuit.
- Play with Accessories: Accessories can elevate your look and add a rockstar vibe. Think layered necklaces, chunky rings, fringe bags, and statement hats or belts.
- Confidence is Key: Rockstar style is all about confidence and attitude. Own (ahem, rent) your look and wear it with swagger.
- Hair and Makeup: Experiment with bold hair and makeup looks to complement your outfit. Smoky eyes, bold lips, tousled hair, and dramatic eyeliner can all add to the rockstar aesthetic.
- Upcycled Finds: Seek out upcycled styles for one-of-a-kind gems with attitude. We have a collection for that!
- Iconic Inspirations: Take inspiration from iconic rockstars like Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks, or modern rockstars like Rihanna or Billie Eilish. Study their style and adapt elements that resonate with you.
- Be Yourself: Ultimately, the most important tip is to stay true to yourself. Rockstar style is about expressing your individuality and embracing your inner rebel, so don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it.
Thunderpussy: Steal Their Style, But Not Their Name
Founded a decade ago, Thunderpussy draws from 1970s rock influences, citing Led Zeppelin, Heart, Laura Jane Grace, and Kathleen Hanna as just a few of their musical influences. The four members give life to their music in an authentic, magnetic way. In a word, they rock. Beyond the music and fashion, Thunderpussy stands for empowerment and self-expression. Their lyrics tackle themes of resilience, freedom, and embracing one’s true identity. In a world where conformity often reigns, Thunderpussy encourages fans to embrace their uniqueness and unleash their inner rockstars.
As mentioned, don’t even think about borrowing their name. They fought long and hard for it, like the boss ladies they are. Their style, though? That’s available for rent at Armoire. During their in-person styling appointment, the band had a clear aesthetic in mind: gold, black, crimson, and white, with lots of sequins, shine, and texture. Our in-house stylists busied away finding functional-yet-fabulous pieces that would glimmer on stage and give them a range of motion. When all was said and done, each member had an ensemble that suited her unique taste. Here’s the rundown so you can rent like a rockstar too:
Molly Sides, Lead Vocalist
For Molly, we found her feminine edge with bold jumpsuits, mini dresses and eclectic accessories. We landed on a velvet maroon jumpsuit, a sequined Hutch zebra print blazer, and an upcycled one-of-a-kind pink dress.
“You are Armoire, we are Armoire. It’s in the collective.” – Molly Sides, Lead Vocalist
Whitney Petty, Guitarist
Whitney went for fierce power suits, donning faux leather burgundy pants, a sparkling black blazer, a crisp printed black and white blouse, and gold trousers.
“It’s really cool to…experiment with fashion, and that’s kind of what this is all about. It’s dressing for who you are and expressing yourself.” – Whitney Petty, Guitarist
Leah Julius, Bassist
Leah leaned into the faux leather, opting for a sleek pair of faux leather wide-leg pants and an Upcycled faux leather shirt complete with pink fringe detail.
“We can’t wear these things again. It’s got to be expensive to wear things once, so it’s perfect.” – Leah Julius, Bassist
Michelle Nuño, Drummer
Michelle went for a power-clash ensemble, pairing a pair of wide-leg French Connection zebra print trousers with a striped black and white blazer and a silver sequined tank.
“I love Armoire because I get to feel like a million bucks but I don’t have to go out and buy everything.” – Michelle Nuño, Drummer
The Art of Power Clashing
See what Kirsten has been wearing
by Kirsten Spooner, Team Armoire
Power clashing is a surefire trick up our sleeves when styling someone for a rockstar vibe. It’s the act of skillfully combining bold patterns, colors, and textures that requires a creative eye and a fearless approach. Here’s your guide to mastering this daring style that is guaranteed to complete your rockstar look.
1: Pick a Theme
The first step in power clashing is choosing a theme or motif to anchor your look. Cohesion between prints is key, even when they appear mismatched at first glance. Experiment with a mix of animal prints, florals, plaids, and stripes. An advanced tip: treat animal prints or stripes as neutrals. Don’t shy away from pairing zebra with leopard or pinstripes with florals—it’s all about embracing the clash.
2: Pick a Palette
While the prints steal the spotlight, selecting a striking color palette is crucial. You can opt for a monochromatic scheme for a sophisticated vibe or mix contrasting hues for an electrifying effect. Spring colors, neutrals, primary colors—honestly, anything goes in the world of power clashing. The key is to find a balance that excites but doesn’t overwhelm the eye.
3: Play with Scale and Texture
To elevate your power-clashing game, experiment with scale and texture. Mixing different scales of prints—like pairing large florals with tiny polka dots—or combining varied fabric weights adds depth and visual interest. This interplay helps create balance amidst the clash, making your outfit visually dynamic and intriguing.
4: Be Inspired
Drawing inspiration from fashion trailblazers can provide invaluable insights into mastering power clashing. Explore the vibrant street style of Uganda, where bold patterns and textures collide effortlessly. Take cues from designers like Alessandro Michele, whose era at Gucci celebrates eclectic maximalism. Dive into the world of Vivienne Westwood, known for her rebellious mix of plaids, argyles, and houndstooth—a true testament to embracing the unexpected. Don’t forget the surreal elegance of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, who redefine fashion with their imaginative designs. Lastly, find inspiration in artists like Alexander Gorlizki, whose work blurs the lines between cultures and aesthetics.
In the realm of power clashing, rules are meant to be broken. Embrace the chaos, experiment fearlessly, and let your style speak volumes. Remember, fashion is an expression of individuality—so wear your clashing clothes with confidence and flair!
The post Rent Like a Rockstar: Why and How appeared first on The Curated Column from Armoire.