How to dress

[pbass2]

I'm just past 50 and play with guys much, much younger here in LaLa land. For singer-songwriter music, pop, rock, americana, etc. just wear streamlined versions of classic stuff, just basic items. Things have to fit right, or get 'em tailored. The fit is as important as the style. Jeans should be slim, and tapered/rolled up at the bottom(sorry, no bootcut or piles of extra fabric down around your ankles--looks sloppy), shirts are slim/tailored and not Seinfeld puffy. Don't tuck them in or at least do it kinda casual and loose, so as not to like you're a waiter or in 5th grade getting your yearbook picture taken. Something as basic as black jeans that fit right, a denim work shirt that's slim, not baggy, with sleeves loosely rolled up, and some kind of cool worn-in looking classic work boots or classic sneaks(like classic Chucks, Vans, Allstars, etc.--no old man comfort walking shoes) does the trick for many genres. Plus, it's stuff you can wear every day. Go with the classics I say, but make sure it fits right.

 

[Son of Wobble]

I'm just past 50 and play with guys much, much younger here in LaLa land. For singer-songwriter music, pop, rock, americana, etc. just wear streamlined versions of classic stuff, just basic items. Things have to fit right, or get 'em tailored. The fit is as important as the style. Jeans should be slim, and tapered/rolled up at the bottom(sorry, no bootcut or piles of extra fabric down around your ankles--looks sloppy), shirts are slim/tailored and not Seinfeld puffy. Don't tuck them in or at least do it kinda casual and loose, so as not to like you're a waiter or in 5th grade getting your yearbook picture taken. Something as basic as black jeans that fit right, a denim work shirt that's slim, not baggy, with sleeves loosely rolled up, and some kind of cool worn-in looking work boots or classic sneaks(like classic Chucks, Vans, Allstars, etc.--no old man comfort walking shoes) does the trick for many genres. Plus, it's stuff you can wear every day. Go with the classics I say, but make sure it fits right.

Excellent post, but in all fairness, "puffy shirts" should get a pass provided one is in a New Romantic cover band.

 

[bwoodman]

Think Johnny Cash - basic black always works

 

[bobba66]

Wear the good spandex, not the nasty ones with the "racing stripe" down the middle.............

 

[Fingerpickingood]

Heh. I wear backwards hats everywhere I go. I usually get compliments. I'm told that I'm one of the few people that can pull it off. YMMV.

 

[The Regulator]

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable on stage. For me it's a tee shirt, cargo pants/jeans/dickies pants, black sneakers and a baseball cap. BTW, I'm in my mid 40's.
Or you could stop being self conscious like Iggy.

 

[RedHatter]

Chuck's, jeans, t-shirt, tie flannel around waist.

^ this

 

[chuck3]

I like black jeans, a black or blue patterned shirt, black boots. Not getting any younger myself, but can still play!

 

[Bajo Clarkko]

I agree with most of the other TBers who suggest the the jeans, black shoes, dark or black shirt, or a variance thereof. (That's pretty much how I dress when I perform.)
However, I do find it somewhat ironic that STP's Robert DeLeo, who played some pretty heavy music, did so while wearing 2 tone loafers, slacks and a Hawaiian shirt.
But then again, he's Robert DeLeo, and we're not.

 

[angrychair]

blue jeans, maybe some rips in them, Doc Martin boots, and flannel!!!

 

[phillipkregg]

flannel

Yup. Works for Mike Watt, and he's nearly 60 I believe.

Link Removed

 

[Josh Thatguy]

Here's some post-60s rockers:
Geddy gets it right for his gig, in my opinion, but then again, he's GEDDY.
Lemmy had is right, but he was God.
Jake E Lee is only a guitarrd but that look works for him. (Me on the left, crew clothing, far from 60, in fact, south of 50)

 

[bassfran]

I tear up everytime his name is mentioned, I miss him

Lux- Best. Frontman. Ever.

But, to the OP-

Class it up a little, but stay cool. You can't go wrong with some boots, well-cut jeans, and a nicer-styled dress shirt. Don't be afraid of a bold color. Leave the all black thing for the metal bands. You'll just blend into the backline.

And I'll only wear my black Sun Studios ball cap occasionally on Americana gigs. Because Sun Studios.

 

[pbass2]

Excellent post, but in all fairness, "puffy shirts" should get a pass provided one is in a New Romantic cover band.

View attachment 826223

In the famous words of Charlie Murphy, "I know where you got that shirt, and it damn well wasn't the mens department"

 

[frsbdg]

Recently went to a Springsteen/E. Street Band concert, and by far the coolest looking guy on stage was naturally the bass-player.View attachment 826095

That would be Mr. Gary W. Tallant.

 

[bassbobh]

Anything black is my go to......I avoid logo T's unless it's really hot and a biker theme event. Black shirt or jacket over t works well.

 

[Bassdokes]

 

[Kevan Campbell]

Agree that for the OP's situation, boots, jeans and an unbuttoned flannel shirt with a band t-short underneath is a safe bet.

Always a good idea to try to match the dress and image to the music. For my last project (bro-country) I wore either cowboy or biker boots, beat-up jeans, plain or graphic t-shirts (short enough sleeves to show my tattoos) and a distressed black baseball cap (no team logo); worked well for that band. I think the trick is to dress to impress and stand apart from the audience as a musician in the band BUT don't dress in such a way to detract attention from the lead singer...unless you're Bootsy.

 

[MojoPenguin]

Commando is the way to go

 

[hrodbert696]

Dr. J, everything about that pic, from the hair, to the outfit, to the Carvin SB is bad ass.

Thank you for stroking my vanity!

Since you're comfortable with that, may as well go for it. You will be firmly and safely in the large majority of musicians, and audiences have come to expect and accept it.

Of course, you could get creative and be an entertainer. Most musicians either won't get it or will be intimidated and insecure around you (unless your whole band gets on board), but the audience will love it. The choice is yours. (BTW, I'm pushing 60 as well.)

That's an awesome outfit!

Excellent post, but in all fairness, "puffy shirts" should get a pass provided one is in a New Romantic cover band.

View attachment 826223

And has a pompadour.