Musicians naturally have an air of effortless style. A large part of it comes naturally with playing music to thousands of people, but most of the time their style is easily replicated. 2013 has offered up a number of well-dressed artists with new releases—we’ve put together a list of the 10 best styles that anyone can pull off—whether out on the streets or up on stage.
1. Arctic Monkeys: Alex Turner
The Arctic Monkeys first gained popularity from MySpace buzz as teenagers back in 2005, and their music matched with punky, precocious tales and energy to spare. But now on their fifth album, AM, the Monkeys have aged considerably well, both in their music and fashion sense: more laid back, more in control, more mature, and altogether more rock ’n’ roll. As frontman, Alex Turner grabs the most attention with a style taken straight out of the ’50s Teddy Boy scene. Along with a leather jacket, add slim dark-colored Levis, black penny loafers, a basic white tee and a pair of aviators. Of course to complete the look you’ll need plenty of pomade and a comb always on hand to rock Turner’s killer quiff.
Racer Jacket – express.com
Crewneck T-shirt – gap.com
Levi’s 511 Jeans – levi.com
Leather Penny Loafer – tommyhilfiger.com
Square Frame Aviators – asos.com
American Crew Pomade – target.com
Conair Pocket Comb – target.com
2. Sleigh Bells: Derek Miller
Sleigh Bells always carefully considers the visual presentation to best match their aural onslaught—from the album artwork to the clothes. Fitting with the thrash-influenced guitar that Derek Miller brings to the duo, he’s usually seen sporting a late-’80s/early-’90s look. The stonewashed denim jacket has always been a go-to item for Miller, and he’s more recently sported camo pants. Add a pair of Adidas Sambas, wayfarers and a tee of the most ’80s metal band you can find to complete the outfit.
Levi’s Trucker Jacket – levi.comAffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>Camo Cargo Pants – urbanoutfitters.comAffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>Metallica Tour T-shirt – urbanoutfitters.com
Adidas Samba Sneakers – amazon.com
Wayfarer Sunglasses – asos.com
3. The Avett Brothers: Scott and Seth Avett
Scott and Seth Avett are entering their second decade as a band, and they’ve maintained a classic Americana style to go with their earnest, banjo-infused folk rock. These Southern brothers haven’t changed much—both in sound and look—but they’ve grown into it gracefully with age, lending a certain honest authenticity that other trendier bands seem to lack. To replicate their look, start with a plain Henley, layer with a chambray button-up and match with some cords and brown leather desert boots. Don’t forget to always keep a bandana handy.
Henley T-shirt – gap.com
Chambray Shirt – gap.com
Levi’s 513 Corduroys – piperlime.com
Desert Boot – clarks.com2687457-10456937″>Bandana – rei.com
4. The Strokes: Albert Hammond, Jr.
The only artist on the list to have two releases out this year, Albert Hammond Jr. never quite commanded the same amount of attention as his bandmates, but has always been a step-up in terms of dress. Remember the high-end suits Ryan Gosling wore in Crazy, Stupid, Love? Hammond designed them. To mimic his style, go with a suit that flashes a bit more color than the typical navy, black, and gray, and pair it with an even more colorful shirt and (somewhat) matching pocket square. Even things out with an understated cotton tie and a pair of high-top Converse. Most importantly, remember this is the style of a Stroke—disheveled isn’t a bad thing.
Cotton Suit Blazer – clubmonaco.com
Cotton Suit Trouser
Ludlow Dress Shirt – jcrew.com
Pocket Square – thetiebar.com
Chambray Tie – thetiebar.com
Converse Chuck Taylor – zappos.com
5. Danny Brown
Although “all black everything” may be Jay Z’s trademark look, Danny Brown has snagged it as his own with better results. While no stranger to high-end fashion (he even walked the runway as a model last year), Brown usually maintains a more casual look on the street. If there’s one signature item for Danny Brown, it’s the black skinny jeans, which remain a reliable go-to. Add a v-neck tee, a black bomber jacket and black leather boots. Finally, rep his native Detroit with a classic Tigers hat.
Levi’s 510 Skinny Jeans – levi.comAffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>V-neck T-shirt
Aviator Bomber Jacket – piperlime.com
Leather Boots – piperlime.com
Detroit Tigers Cap – lids.com
6. Vampire Weekend: Ezra Koenig
While critics may have initially snickered at their Ivy League preppiness, Vampire Weekend dispelled any doubts with a well-crafted and intelligent brand of indie-pop while maintaining their look. Ezra Koenig’s preppiness is a bit more subdued these days, with a little New York cool thrown in the mix. Layer a casual Oxford shirt with a shawl cardigan and add a pair of Dockers for the basics. Finish with classic Sperry Top-Siders and a braided belt for the look of an Ivy-League-graduating, pop-song writing, Drake-album-reviewing aficionado.
Oxford Shirt – gap.com
Dockers Alpha Khaki – dockers.com
Shawl Collar Cardigan – uniqlo.com
Braided Belt – piperlime.com
Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoe – amazon.com
7. Wavves: Nathan Williams
Nathan Williams of Wavves usually looks like he rolled out of bed five minutes ago and threw on whatever he saw first, but like his immediately catchy and deceivingly simple songs, there is a certain amount of well-considered thought to his style. As his music owes a great deal to Nirvana & co.’s ’90s heyday, so does his style (mixed with a bit of SoCal flavor). Start with a pair of slim-fit Dickies, add a flannel shirt, then layer a varsity jacket on top. Go with a pair of traditional Timberland boots and complete it with a snapback of your favorite Cali-based team.
AffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>Dickies Work Pants – urbanoutfitters.com
Flannel Shirt – uniqlo.comAffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>Varsity Jacket – urbanoutfitters.com
Timberland Boots – zappos.com
Los Angeles Clippers Cap – lids.com
8. The National: Matt Berninger
Not only are the National consistent, they’re consistently good, now six albums in and settling into their role as elder statesmen of indie rock. Matt Berninger’s clothing choices echo that with his understated, tasteful organic style. Berninger usually sticks to dark, muted shades of clothing—like a charcoal chambray shirt and a black button-up vest. Go with black Levis with a pair of plain Oxford shoes. While Berninger doesn’t always sport one, add a black skinny tie to the mix.
Chambray Shirt – jcrew.com
Topman Vest – nordstrom.com
Levi’s 513 Pants – levi.com
Cosburn Oxford Shoes – piperlime.com
Skinny Tie – express.com
9. Toro Y Moi: Chaz Bundick
The style of Chaz Bundick, who produces music under the name Toro Y Moi, is best described as a retro-modern take on the preppy look. Much like his music that spans decades, his fashion style is somewhat unique and unexpected. Try a vintage Member’s Only jacket with a patterned button-up and a pair of colored chinos. Retro Nikes, a five-panel hat, and especially tortoise shell glasses all help nail the details for the Toro Y Moi look.
Member’s Only Racer Jacket – target.comAffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>Short-Sleeved Onis Shirt – urbanoutfitters.com
Broken-in Chinos – jcrew.com
Nike Air Vortex Running Shoes – amazon.comAffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>OBEY 5-Panel Hat – urbanoutfitters.comAffiliatesPolyvore_-11292048″>Tortoise Shell Sunglasses – urbanoutfitters.com
10. Kanye West
Kanye West has a lot to say about fashion, among other things. While always changing up his style with eye-grabbing attention in the past, Kanye has kept his look relatively simple in 2013. His collection with French brand A.P.C features jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts—plain and logo-free. His recent public appearances on Zane Lowe, Jimmy Kimmel and Paris Fashion Week have all been surprisingly subdued. But similar to how the minimalism of Yeezus had some of the best and most expensive production available, Kanye’s items are always high-end designer. Based on the A.P.C. collection, his style of 2013 is relatively easy to imitate and actually wearable. Pair a short-sleeve grey sweatshirt with a simple black tee underneath. For the jeans, go with light-washed, slim-fit Levis and add a military-style jacket. Finish off with white high-top sneakers.
Short-Sleeved Sweatshirt – clubmonaco.com
Crewneck T-shirt – gap.com
Levi’s 511 Jeans – levi.com
Military Style Jacket – jcrew.com
Phillip Lim for Target Hi-Top Sneakers – target.com
Images via: Polyvore