Dressing for the stage

[nnnnnn]

One word: sequins.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

jorts, crocks, puffy pirate shirt, welding mask

 

[two fingers]

OK, I'll take a stab at a serious answer.

First off, you need to give us more details. What kind of band? What kind of venues? Roughly where are you?

That being said....

Shoes. They can kick up your outfit as fast as anything can. If you're in a "rock" band of any kind, get some black boots. Either "biker" boots, matte leather cowboy boots, or even Doc Martin type black boots will get you there. Here are mine.

Moving up.... jeans. They don't have to be crazy. But have some style. They don't have to be torn. But not simple super dark blue. Just go into a store where even moderately fashionable people shop. Even an American Eagle will do.

Shirt. Again, have some style. Don't dress like your average audience member. I've actually gotten several of my stage shirts from here.

Mens Tops | Cheap Mens Tops Sale Online Free Shipping

Yes, a lot of their stuff is weird. Some even creepy. But some of it sets you apart. Go up at least one size, maybe two. Their clothes are made for Asian markets where sizes run smaller. I wear a large shirt (44" chest 34" waist) made for the US market. I wear a 2X from these guys.

Hats. Don't. Wear. Any. None. Zero. Nada. Hat-wearing bass player has almost become a cliche'...or worse. Just don't. If you have hair, do something with it. If your head is slick, polish it and keep on rockin. No hats. If you only take one piece of my advice, take this one. Whatever hat you think is cool just isn't.

In this pic I'm wearing the boots above.

For context I'm almost 50 years old. My cover band does everything from modern country to 80s/classic rock to some pop/soul.

 

[bolophonic]

I dress like a rock star every morning.

 

[HardNHeavy]

"You can look like dad or look like the music your playing"....black goes with everything but gets boring. There's also the comfort factor, you don't want clothes too heavy or hanging off you, where u can't move freely.. Do you like colorful clothes or not..is everyone in the band gonna dress different or no... I seen online professional stagewear retailers who's prices are crazy expensive, but they look great...depends on how u feel, but somebands have a look they're going for by dressing the same color or style...Some ppl get downright theatrical with clothing.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

Wornstar Clothing Company | Authentic Rock N Roll Clothing

 

[Tommygun_ted]

I dress the same on stage as I do in life, but I'm a white trash biker so my aesthetic is pretty transferable for anything from folk to metal. The pictures are me playing live vs. Me buying my current bike 3 years earlier.

 

[Tommygun_ted]

Essentially, never shorts, track pants, sneakers, hoodies etc. I don't think you need to be super done up, but as has been mentioned, look put together. A good pair of boots (cowboy, combat, docs), a pair of jeans, and a tee shirt never fail.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

"You can look like dad or look like the music your playing"....black goes with everything but gets boring. There's also the comfort factor, you don't want clothes too heavy or hanging off you, where u can't move freely.. Do you like colorful clothes or not..is everyone in the band gonna dress different or no... I seen online professional stagewear retailers who's prices are crazy expensive, but they look great...depends on how u feel, but somebands have a look they're going for by dressing the same color or style...Some ppl get downright theatrical with clothing.

But I look like my dad....lol

I wear mostly black head to toe. Tie on ocassion.. mostly Jerry Garcia brand...

 

[Dabndug]

I'll wear black until someone comes up with a darker colour.

 

[stonetone7]

Wornstar Clothing Company | Authentic Rock N Roll Clothing

Someone thinks rock stars need to be thin enough to slip under a door.

 

[Kmonk]

Depends on the gig. Usually I wear jeans, and black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Sometimes, I also wear a band t-shirt and leave the button down shirt open.

 

[Medicine Man]

Dress attractively for your target audience. If you are trying to play corporate events, your emo bracelets and pink hair aren't going to cut it any more than your blazer will at emofest.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Gotta dress cool

 

[dave64o]

View attachment 3723917

My compliments to your orthodontist. I couldn't imagine getting teeth that big to straighten and align so beautifully.

 

[el murdoque]

Dress attractively for your target audience. If you are trying to play corporate events, your emo bracelets and pink hair aren't going to cut it any more than your blazer will at emofest.

This.
When you're playing in a tribute band, dress like the original would dress.

When you're playing your own original material, you're free to do as you like - as long as every individual and the band has put some thought into the stage outfit.

When people pay you to play a corporate event or whatnot, maybe find out what they are expecting and try to satisfy these expectations.

I have a stage outfit that is 'casual' for white collar events. Which essentially means you are allowed to wear slightly less uncomfortable shoes and leave off the tie. It has nothing to do with my personal interpretation of 'casual'.

 

[catcauphonic]

Check out what popular musicians your age are wearing and copy that. ... Helps to be thin and rich.

Then you risk looking quite common. Throw away the 'fashion... what's in:" mags, and dress for your own satisfaction and pleasure... Even if your stage wear is restrictive like a corporate events or wedding band, you can add your sparkly tie or sparkly socks >

I’d rather wear something sparkly. Now that our band is pretty established I might slowly start sneaking in the roller-disco vibe.

Do it! Mix it in slowly and it could become 'your thing.' I feel comfortable wearing what I LIKE.

Helps to be thin and rich.

It does help to be thin for varieties sake, but rich? Not if you know where to look. I get a lot of compliments on various articles of clothing, and it always feels good to say "Goodwill", like 80% of my entire wardrobe at any given time, mostly from the ladies section... that's where the real fun is (it DOES help to be thin there.)

 

[Ulf Buck]

Lemmy said it so this is the only right answer.

“If you're going to be a $%#^ rock star go be one. People don't want to see the guy next door on stage; they want to see a being from another planet. You want to see somebody you'd never meet in ordinary life.”

 

[brianrost]

Black and white will go with any color, so I have lots of black pants and shirts, white shirts and black jackets, black dress shoes and boots. Match with T-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, cowboy shirts, whatever suits the genre. Jeans, flannel, etc. when appropriate.

 

[leto]

If you are ugly wear a mask. See my avatar.