Eat your heart out, Elvis! Today’s Rockabilly fashion combines retro aesthetics with modern-day rebel glam to create the ultimate bad-to-the-bone style. If this sounds like your aesthetic, here’s how you can get the look you’re going for in a few easy steps.
What is Rockabilly Fashion?
Before we jump in, let’s talk about the roots of Rockabilly fashion. Rebels Market describes this alternative style as “a mixture of old-timey rock music, hillbilly and country western aesthetics, fifties fashion with a little bit of Punk rock style thrown in.” Think James Dean or Rosie the Riveter — greaser guys and tough but feminine women.
The style has evolved over time, but it originated in the rock and roll music scene and continues to be influenced by it to this day. When Punk came into the picture, the Rockabilly style got a whole lot cooler with tattoo sleeves and even greasier hair. You don’t necessarily have to get inked to get the look, though. With these tips, you’ll be the coolest cat in the room.
The Clothes
Polka dots, cherries, halter tops, and poodle skirts — women’s Rockabilly fashion draws heavily on 1950’s aesthetics. Denim button-ups and off-the-shoulder tops are perfect for casual wear, and of course, that halter-top one-piece bathing suit is the only option come summertime.
For men it’s all about leather jackets, white t-shirts, and flannels. Western-inspired cowboy shirts tucked into straight-legged blue jeans are all the rage right now as well. Today’s hipster-influenced Rockabilly guys may even roll up those jeans to show off some patterned socks. Don’t forget the suspenders, either.
The Make-Up
You can find an endless number of Rockabilly make-up tutorials online, but it’s actually a really simple look. Here are couple of quick tips:
- Fill in or darken your eyebrows. This will give you a distinct, edgy look and draw attention to your eyes.
- For eyeshadow, stick with light and dark brown shades and neutral tones.
- Go easy on the blush. The main focus should be on your eyes and lips.
- Black eyeliner, fake lashes, and red lipstick are pretty much non-negotiable.
The other major thing we’d suggest is using magnetic lashes instead of traditional glue-on false lashes. You’ll save yourself so much frustration by switching to magnetic eyeliner and lashes. Just use the magnetic liner in place of your regular liquid liner, and the tiny magnets in the lashes will adhere right to it. Not only is the application so much easier, but magnetic lashes stay on all day and are reusable.
The Hair
Hair is one of the key style points in Rockabilly fashion. Guys have so many hairstyles to choose from, but the one consistent factor is the pomade. Whether you go full-Elvis with the prominent, smooth pompadour or choose one of the more modern, subtly dapper styles — you’ve got to get that slicked-back look! You get bonus points if you can grow one of those long mustaches with the curled-up ends.
For the ladies, it’s all about curls and dramatic swooshes. Victory rolls are making a huge comeback, along with Betty bangs. Women can also choose to go full-retro with the 50’s housewife hair or adopt an edgier Punk style with fringe bangs and bright colors. Some are even doing both.
The Accessories
Obviously, the Rockabilly look would not be complete without accessories. Bandanas, bows, brooches, shawls, and heels — there are so many ways that ladies can take their style up a notch. Guys have sunglasses, hats, chucks, and the patent leather jacket to accessorize their Rockabilly look. As mentioned before, tattoos (and piercings) are definitely popular accessories as well.
The cigarette tucked behind the ear may look good, but everyone knows that nicotine addiction doesn’t make you cool anymore. The new trend is wellness, and CBD is big in the wellness market. CBD isn’t addictive, and unlike THC, this cannabinoid has no psychoactive properties (so it won’t get you high). Although it’s made from hemp plants just like illegal marijuana products, CBD products are also totally legal.
Nowadays, CBD cigarettes (containing zero nicotine) are a great alternative to nasty tobacco cigarettes. The best CBD cigarettes will have a smooth, great flavor, no matter the hemp flower strain. Next time you want to accessorize or just have an enjoyable smoking experience that doesn’t result in addiction or intoxication, try a CBD cigarette.
So there you have it! Modern-day Rockabilly fashion is still heavily based on retro aesthetics and rock and roll energy, but it’s certainly not immune to contemporary trends, either. At the end of the day, there are about a million ways you can personalize the Rockabilly look to fit your exact style, so do you and have some fun.
