How to dress

[Cowboy in Latvia]

For my last band, depending on the gig it was a black long-sleeve t-shirt and black jeans or black jeans, red button-up shirt and black leather vest. That worked for me but next band might be different.

 

[LowNloud1]

Thanks to all. I read every response and they were mostly helpful and utterly TB-like!

These are some great ideas for someone as fashion challenged and it was easier when I was younger.

I am going to have to respectfully dismiss a few of the ideas. Speedos, capes, naked are not a good look for me.

This whole questioning came out of a remark my new drummer made about a band photo that he said made us look like a "country band". I think my look contributed to that comment so I went all passive/aggressive on him and purposefully wore the outfit the first gig we had.

The suggestions people have offered are going to be used. I am going to start looking and put something together that will give me a little different look from the other members but still be appropriate for the gig and the band genre.

Here are a couple pictures of the only 2 looks I have had so far. The one where I am in a red shirt was/is the my main look. The ballcap look was my attempt at looking more "blended in".

 

[okcrum]

The Robert DeLeo look works in a lot of situations.

 

[troy mcclure]

this exact topic was just on the BPU facebook page... nearly every other answer was black on black but I think it depends on the gig and the rest of the band.

 

[louthedog]

Depends on the weather..

 

[stringthrough]

This is a very painful topic for me because last year I unknowingly committed a mortal sin with respect to proper dressing for a gig. I wore cargo shorts for a gig at the legendary Bitter End. Thankfully I played there again about a month ago and wore acceptable full length jeans.

 

[louthedog]

depends on the weather.

 

[TRichardsbass]

The simple and best way is to Google current pictures of your favorite '90-s artists on stage, and pick one. Unless you are a '90s tribute/parody band, avoid flannel. Even Dave Grohl won't wear that now.

Usually I would suggest black jeans, a black or maybe even '90s tour T-shirt, and a black or leather sport jacket. If its too warm for that, just a black or dark colored dress shirt.

Most importantly, DO NOT wear shorts, ever, nor look like you just decided last minute to take your old axe out of the closet and go play at your family picnic.

 

[Billybladez66]

Definitely ditch the beard and go with a goatee.....even gray(like myself) it gives a more youthful appearance. No offense...just stating what you know already...your bandmates look like they might be you kids and a nephew....

 

[Billybladez66]

Here's some reading material to get you started...
Gig clothes?
Lack of style
How Important Is Appearance For A Bar Gig Cover Band?
Band photos: DIY or Pro
What are you guys wearing onstage these days?
Costumed Cover Bands: Yay or Nay?
Dressing alike - I feel like a Wiggles

My thoughts: look like you're in a band. That would mean taking it up a notch from your ordinary street clothes, and look like you belong together. But don't push it to the point of absurdity; no need for overweight people to squeeze themselves into spandex or older people to dress like they're teenagers or anything.

There are a gazillion bands out there that gig in jeans and tshirts. That's safe. It's also boring as hell. Find that balance where you look like you made an effort to look good, without looking like you're trying too hard. That's the trick. A lot of the time it's not a matter of going far out, so much as in the details. Fitted clothes rather than baggy shapelessness, a distinctive pair of shoes or belt, a jacket in an unusual fabric, a touch of jewelry at your neck or wrist, can make a lot of difference.

Genre matters too. If you're playing country, you want a different look than if you're playing grunge or punk, obviously.

Here's my favorite look for myself (I'll take any excuse to share this pic, I'm so vain)

I bet you thought this thread was about...don't you...don't you...

 

[crguti]

Wearing a baseball cap on stage is Very lame. Just saying

 

[Fingerpickingood]

 

[EastCoastThump]

or just dress in all black and stand in the back so nobody can see you

 

[friendlybass]

Black is better for church

 

[catcauphonic]

Can't get our guitards and drummer to wear anything but jeans and some earth tone color t shirts. BORING!

 

[fretter]

A vest always seems like a good choice.

 

[RRDieselbass]

I always think U2 are a fairly good 50 ish band to emulate. They dress fairly low key and always look cool.

 

[Jamvan]

Can't get our guitards and drummer to wear anything but jeans and some earth tone color t shirts. BORING!

View attachment 826483

I have to close crop all of our live band pics for our promos/Facebook pics because my BL/guitar player loves wearing shorts and walking shoes/sandals. Here's us uncropped (and a bit grainy).

 

[Bajo Clarkko]

Welcome news for the TBers who suggested Chuck Taylors.
I've heard they now make them with arch supports.
You know, for middle aged Bass players who are going to have a 9 lb Bass slung over their shoulder for 3 hours...

 

[BASSically Awful]

Paging Dr. Marten. Doc Marten, please report to the stage STAT.