Rock style – style guide and capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style

Do your clothes say as much about your love of music as they do your love of fashion? Then it’s likely you have a rock style personality.

How to tell if you have a rock style personality

There is a lot of crossover between rock style and other style personalities such as the street or urban style personality.

You may also find that you are drawn to such styles as bohemian which has many roots in musical culture.

What is rock style?

Rock style manages to be both daring and classic at the same time in that it combines edgy elements while also being timeless. You’ll find lots of tips and outfit ideas in this article on how to achieve or refine your rock style looks.

What are the characteristics of rocker style?

Below, you’ll find a list of the characteristics of rock style. Take a look and see if you tick the boxes!

Deborah in plaid shirtdress and sandals | 40plusstyle.comDeborah in plaid shirtdress and sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) shows how you could rock a dress with a rock chick look.

Get her look with similar dress (another option here), sandals, sling bag and earrings.

Below are some signs that you have a rock style personality…

Not sure about your style personality? Take the fun style personality quiz!

Your wardrobe is full of black

If I were to open your closet, I’d see a lot of black, black and more black. It’s definitely the color that dominates your outfits.

Buckles and studs

While you won’t opt for overtly feminine embellishments like embroidery or frills, you do like to embellish your outfits and accessories with buckle and stud details.

Comfortable and edgy combine

Being comfy and edgy aren’t mutually exclusive when it comes to rock style clothing.

Your style is predominantly casual, but with an edgy twist.

A capsule wardrobe and style guide for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.comA capsule wardrobe and style guide for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Mel @bagandaberet above (read her style interview here) layers her jewelry, and adds an edgy element to her outfit with her pointed booties.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, blazer, jeans, boots and necklace.

You like a band tee

You’re happy to show off your musical tastes on your t-shirt. But you won’t wear a band tee just to look cool.

It also has to authentically match your taste.

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

Celebrities with a rock style personality

Celebrities with a rock style personality | 40plusstyle.comCelebrities with a rock style personality | 40plusstyle.com

It goes without saying that plenty of celebrities have a rock chick style – probably because many of them are bona-fide rock chicks.

Celebrities with a rock style personality include Chrissy Hynde, Pink (who combines elements of urban style), Stevie Nicks (who combines her rock chick persona with bohemian styling), Madonna, the late Dolores O’Riordan, Courtney Love, Debbie Harry, Janet Jackson and Tina Turner

Designers you like if you love rock and roll clothing

Designer rock style looks | 40plusstyle.comDesigner rock style looks | 40plusstyle.com

Alexander McQueenAndreas Kronthaler for Vivienne WestwoodJunya Watanabe 

If you have a rock style personality, there are plenty of designers who match your aesthetic.

Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and ndreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood are good options to look out for at the major fashion shows when you are looking for inspiration.

How to dress like a rocker girl?

Below, we’ve put together a special capsule wardrobe especially for you if you love a rock chick style, with lots of clothes, shoes and accessories you could use to create your look this season.

Tops for the rock style personality

When choosing your rock style personality capsule wardrobe, look out for slogan and concert t-shirts which will remind you of the bands you have seen live. We love the Mick Jagger t-shirt (below).

A plaid or animal print shirt will also fit in well with your style, and it’s always good to have a white shirt in your closet to layer over or under everything from moto jackets to dresses. Also look out for black print tops.

Jackets for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.comJackets for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Avi Mick Jagger TeeUlla Johnson Kyla Poplin Sleeveless TopANINE BING Chrissy Shirt7 For All Mankind Emilia Stud-Embellished Denim Shirt

Carmen in an all black inspired rock outfit | 40plusstyle.comCarmen in an all black inspired rock outfit | 40plusstyle.com

We love how Carmen @carmen_gimeno has mixed different textures and prints in her outfit (above).

Check out this similar coat, tee, pants, sneakers, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.

Rock chick look jackets and coats

When it comes to jackets and coats for your style personality, the leather moto jacket is the one item your closet definitely can’t be without.

You could also add a denim jacket as well as looking at faux fur coats, and a black blazer for when you want to smarten up your jeans. Animal print and check will work well with the other clothes in your closet.

Jackets for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.comJackets for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Kaia BlazerCinq à Sept Khloe Crepe Ruched BlazerJild Lambskin Leather Moto JacketKedera Oversized Pearl Embroidered Denim Jacket

Blazer, tee and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.comBlazer, tee and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Khloe Crepe Ruched BlazerANINE BING Avi Mick Jagger TeeMOTHER The Rambler Flood Mid-Rise Distressed JeansSchutz Darla Sling Leather FlatsMadewell Essentials Crescent Studded Mini Crossbdy BagVanessa Baroni Silvertone Flat Chain Necklace

You can also check out our list of the best leather jackets for women that you can wear with everything!

Rocker style jeans and pants

You probably have more jeans in your closet than you do skirts and dresses.

Good styles to look out for are dark denim, leather or coated jeans, animal print, striped, and utility pants.

Any of these could be dressed down with biker-style booties and your moto jacket, or up with heels and your blazer. You could also look out for print pants, including animal print and checked styles.

Jeans and pants for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.comJeans and pants for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.com

MOTHER The Rambler Flood Mid-Rise Distressed JeansJoe’s Jeans Trixie Wide-Leg Cuffed PantsAGOLDE Nico Velvet Boot-Cut TrousersRetrofête Tesla Pants

Melanie in long cardigan and distressed jeans | 40plusstyle.comMelanie in long cardigan and distressed jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above opts for a long duster cardigan with her ripped jeans.

Get her look with similar top, jeans (another option here), cardigan, sandals, bag, belt (another option here) and cap.

For more inspiration on how to style leather pants, read our article on concert outfit ideas.

Rock and roll dresses and skirts

When it comes to dresses and skirts, you are unlikely to have anything too overtly feminine in your closet.

That’s not to say you don’t love a dress in darker shades or dark floral prints. You will simply style it with your moto jacket and boots.

Also look out for graphical prints and a classic leather skirt or dress. You could also look for tie-dye prints. Or, you can mix glamour with rocker chic by teaming sequins with leather and studs.

Dresses and skirts for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.comDresses and skirts for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors Leopard Jacquard Sleeveless DressSimon Miller Argan Sequined Midi-DressKaren Millen Leather Corset Detail High Waist Maxi Pencil SkirtSoowalaoo Leopard Print Skirt Midi Silk Skirt

Moto jacket, print dress and boots | 40plusstyle.comMoto jacket, print dress and boots | 40plusstyle.com

Jild Lambskin Leather Moto JacketMICHAEL Michael Kors Leopard Jacquard Sleeveless DressVANELi Zinky Studded BootsFrye Corrine Crossbody BagKenneth Jay Lane Chain Drop Earrings

For more inspiration read our article on leather skirt outfit ideas for women over 40.

Rock and roll fashion shoes

Your shoes, and most importantly boots, help to define your style.

So, while you may still wear a floaty dress, you are likely to put a rock stamp on your look with your Dr. Martens boots or combat boots and moto jacket.

Styles with zips, studs and buckles will suit your style personality. Or, you could add a rock chick touch to classic pumps or boots by choosing a print.

Shoes for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.comShoes for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Schutz Darla Sling Leather FlatsCole Haan Grandpro Rally Fisherman SandalsLucky Brand Piah Studded Heeled SandalsVANELi Zinky Studded Boots

Suzie in moto jacket, ruched top, asymmetric skirt and boots | 40plusstyle.comSuzie in moto jacket, ruched top, asymmetric skirt and boots | 40plusstyle.com

Suzie @suzie.richetti above shows how you can wear your leather moto jacket over a dress.

Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), moto jacket, skirt, boots and bag.

Rock ‘n roll style accessories

Accessories for the rock chick style include anything with zips, buckles and studs, just like your shoes and boots.

You could also look out for skull details, layered necklaces, sunglasses, fishnet tights, and a statement hat, all teamed with black eyeliner.

Accessories for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.comAccessories for the rock style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Marc Jacobs The Mini Shoulder BagFrye Corrine Crossbody BagMadewell Essentials Crescent Studded Mini Crossbdy BagVanessa Baroni Silvertone Flat Chain NecklaceShashi Lisette Hoop EarringsKenneth Jay Lane Chain Drop EarringsFRAME Embellished Leather BeltHalcyon Days Halcyon Days Oblong Oversized Scarf

Ruched top and pants outfit | 40plusstyle.comRuched top and pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Ulla Johnson Kyla Poplin Sleeveless TopRetrofête Tesla PantsLucky Brand Piah Studded Heeled SandalsVANELi Zinky Studded BootsMarc Jacobs The Mini Shoulder BagVanessa Baroni Silvertone Flat Chain Necklace

brands to look for if you have a rock style personality

Here Are 9 Rock Outfits Created From The Wardrobe Choices Above

There are countless ways you can combine the clothes and accessories in the capsule wardrobe above to create lots of rock chic looks, but here are 9 options to get you started…

A capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.comA capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.com

shop the pieces above here:


More rock style inspiration

Below is a previous season rock style capsule. You’ll see that while the rock style is an edgy choice, it is also a timeless one.

A capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.comA capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.com
A capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.comA capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.com
A capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.comA capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.com
A capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.comA capsule wardrobe for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. Want To Discover Your Style Personality? Take This Fun Quiz!
  2. Understanding The Different Styles
  3. A Style Guide And Capsule Wardrobe For The STREET / URBAN Style Personality

Like this post on the rock style personality? Share it on Pinerest!

A capsule wardrobe and style guide for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.comA capsule wardrobe and style guide for the ROCK style personality | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Mel @bagandaberet

SylviaSylvia


Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.

You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!

Related Posts