How to Style a Band in 5 Steps

1. Start with the Basics:

To properly style anyone, you must first understand what clothing flatters their shape and what colors flatter their skin tone and hair color. To an expert, this may seem easy, although very few people know what looks good on them beyond “just knowing” when they look attractive. There are some basic rules that apply to styling. Think of your body as a composition. Your goal is to create the most balanced composition possible by flattering your best features and minimizing your flaws. Accentuate the positive. Finding out what clothing works for your body type is the key.

If you need more tips on this, contact me with questions!

2. Get to Know Their Audience:

There is an obvious and clear difference between the look of a metal band and the look of a pop band, or country group, though lines are blurring a bit these days via the likes of crazy fashionistas like Lady Gaga. Getting to know what your fans wear is important. A band needs to fit in, but still stand out from the audience. Accessories are an important part of this process. A corset worn by a country singer would be paired with quite different accessories from a metal singer. Always keep in mind the audience.

3. Integrate Personal Style:

Everyone has their own flair for fashion, whether they like it or not. Whether it’s unplanned or meticulously picked out, we all have an eye for what we like. While it’s good to have an image in mind for a band, remember not to sacrifice personality for this style. Sometimes the things that seem to work the least are a signature for that person. Find the balance between these and you will do well in styling your band. It can be difficult if you have one band member who likes to wear sweat pants and another who likes to wear evening gowns. Find a happy medium so that everyone is well represented.

4. Determine Clothing for Photo Shoots:

In this day and age, image is everything. Combine all the tips from above and imagine how you want people to see your band. This is what you must communicate in your images. What sort of songs do you sing? If you sing cheerful, happy music, don’t wear all black, smudged black eyeliner and torn jeans with Chuck Taylors. Likewise, if you sing about death and mystery, don’t wear a daisy wreath in your hair and a peace sign t-shirt. This should be common sense, but you really never know.

You can wear things in photo shoots that would otherwise impede your ability to perform: strait jackets, huge floppy bracelets (though you play guitar), long bell sleeves (though you play the harp), or red lipstick (though you play harmonica). Try something different from your usual stage wear, but keep your overall image in mind.

5. Determine Stage Wear:

This is saved for last, because it can be the most difficult choice to make. You want to wear something that represents you, but also that gives you freedom to perform. Remember what you will be doing on stage. Do you have difficult choreography? Don’t wear anything that will hinder your movement. Do you need to be able to breathe well to reach that high note? Don’t lace that corset so tight! Will there be pyrotechnics? Don’t wear a long flowing dress if there’s a fan that could blow your dress into the fire. Planning on head banging? Don’t wear a hat. Will there be alcohol someone could spill on you? Don’t wear the family heirloom gown from Aunt Millie. A lot of this is common sense, but you would be surprised what people will wear, just to look good, without thinking about the venue, performances, or audience response.

There are many other factors that can affect personal style, but these are the most important ones for a band. To recap: 1. Start with the basics. Know what flatters you. 2. Get to know the audience. Keep in mind their idea of beauty. 3. Integrate personal style. Don’t lose sight of your personality. 4. Determine clothing for photo shoots. Take risks when there aren’t as many consequences. 5. Determine stage wear. Choose logically so you can give your best performance.

Have fun and best wishes in your musical careers!

Selena Marie Norris is a fashion stylist, freelance designer, and Fashion Indie contributor on theyenvy.us. She has worked as a tailor, stylist, and costume designer behind the scenes on photo shoots and stages since 2003. She graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design and Technology and is currently looking for local bands to style in the Indianapolis area. Contact her at selenamarie.draco@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/selenamariedesigns.