Musical Muses: Inspired by Vampire Weekend
With the recent release of their sophomore album, the boys of Vampire Weekend (Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Christopher Tomson, and Chris Baio) have proved that they are more than just a passing fad in the music industry. Just like their much blogged-about self-titled debut album, Contra features more of the unique vocals and African-inspired rhythms mixed with preppy lyrics (and the occasional Louis Vuitton reference) that Vampire Weekend fans love.
But in addition to their musical style, these boys also have some serious fashion sense! Below, I’ll show you the key elements of Vampire Weekend’s style and how you can bring some East Coast prep into your own wardrobe.
Outfit 1: “California English”
This first outfit is inspired by the band’s lead singer, Ezra Koenig. His signature look is cuffed jeans with moccasins or boat shoes. Paired with a plaid button-down and a scarf, this is a laid-back look that easily works for either gender. Layer on a T-shirt (Columbia of course, VW’s alma mater), some silver jewelry, and a fun watch for an easy casual outfit perfect for class.
Product Information: Shirt- Forever 21, Jeans- Gap, T-Shirt- Ivysport, Scarf- Modcloth, Shoes- Zappos, Bracelets- Forever 21, Watch- Nordstrom.
Outfit 2: “White Sky”
This look showcases Vampire Weekend’s playful punk side, with brightly hued jeans, ray-bans, and colorful sneakers. They still make this “punk” look their own, however, by incorporating their classic style through plaids and stripes and by throwing on a vest or sweater.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing prints–a big trend this season. Make it work by keeping the prints in the same color family, or combine a bold print with a more subtle one, like the striped sweater and bleached denim vest. Incorporate some elegant extras like a gold floral necklace and purple leather bag for a glam twist.
Product Information: Sweater- Forever 21, Jeans- Vans, Vest- Urban Outfitters, Sneakers- Zappos, Necklace: Modcloth, Purse- Lulus.
Outfit 3: “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa”
Capture the essence of the African beats from “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” (off VW’s debut album) and the distinctive rhythmic style that inspires Vampire Weekend’s music with this outfit.
As seen in shows like the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 collection, this look is all about having the right confidence to pull off crazy colors and tribal prints. To try out this trend, pair a boldly patterned cardigan with neutrals for a pop of color that is still ultra wearable. Add a wide knotted headband for a toned-down nod to Jacobs’ oversized hair bows. Don’t forget some cute jewelry either–a beaded bracelet looks just right for a safari while a little bumblebee ring keeps things fresh and fun.
Product Information: Dress- Urban Outfitters, Sweater- Fred Flare, Flats- American Eagle, Bracelet- Bluefly, Ring- Bluefly, Headband- Forever 21.
Want more Vampire Weekend?
Download these!
- “M79“- A standout from Vampire Weekend’s debut album, M79 is a catchy tune with an international flair.
- “Diplomat’s Son“- The trials of romance and the rich are relayed in upbeat layered rhythms.
- “California English“- Escape from the January blues with this fast-paced song about sunny California.
Watch this!
- “Cousins“- With its crazy colors and cool optical illusions, this music video makes me want to throw my own block party, confetti and all.
Also, check out Vampire Weekend’s website for a free download of their single Horchata!
While you wait for their new tour to come to a city near you, check out these other Vampire Weekend inspired pieces!
Product Information: Sweater Vest- Delias, Raglan- Forever 21, Sweater- Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses- Ray-ban, Neckwarmer- Modcloth, Watch- Modcloth, Shoes- Urban Outfitters, Bow Brooches- Topshop, Necklace- Lulus.
What do you think?
Are you a fan of Vampire Weekend’s style or music? What music artists do you look to for fashion inspiration? Are there any artists you’d like to see in a future post? Let us know with your comments!
Posted on on January 30, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Celebrity Inspiration, Celebs, Inspiration, Inspired by, music, musical muses, vampire weekend
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Dulce
I loved this post! I always get dressed depending on the music I have playing in the morning. Its amazing how much music can inspire an outfit choice and I think it sometimes it goes by unappreciated sometimes. Music is huge inspiration. I can’t wait to see more Musical Muses post! Amazing job, Megan!
Ruju
VAMPIRE WEEKEND ARE THE SHIZZZZ!
I love them and their music and the songs…
so i ovbss love the clothes
The oufits are soooo cute i love them!!
so gonna steal them :)
xoxo
Karlee
I LOVE THIS! i love that someone did a music in inspired post. i love the second outfit you picked. its so awesome! ohh and i love the raybans, too. good work :)
Natalie
Thank you so much for doing this post! I always find so much inspiration from musical icons. My friends would go berserk if they found out that you wrote about how to dress like Vampire Weekend. I’m going to go tell them about it right now!
Juliette
the third outfit is so awesome! what a cute bubblebee ring!
Shelbi
I really enjoy this article, I thought it was really cool that someone did it on a music inspiration and what music has impact us in our daily life. Vampire Weekend has many different inspiration and I love it. This article is really good! : )
lalalina
I really liked this article, it was so unique. I loved the pink pants in the White Sky outfit. I have a pair of pink pants from the Gap that I absolutely love. I’d love to see more outfits using music as inspiration.
Madeleine
I’ve never actually really seen the actual band members until this blog so now I like their style but I’ve always really loved their music. I draw inspiration from weird places so I don’t really look to one musician. I would really like to see you do an article about fashion inspired by Regina Spektor.
Mani
I love the third outfit!
lauren
i really love the watch from nordstrom and the blue and white shoes from urban outfitters! great article :)
Emily
Love the idea behind this post, since music inspires everybody, and I love Vampire Weekend, but I’m not sure exactly how I feel about the outfits (the white sky one, in particular).
I somehow envisioned vampire weekend inspired clothing a little differently; maybe a blazer in lieu of the denim vest, or a switcheroo of some sort. However, I think that might be a matter of personal opinion. It’s a cool idea, though, and I hope this series continues!
Dana
I love vampire weekend and all of these outfits are things I would actually wear! great article!
Kim - Cal State
omg i am in love with vampire weekend, the new album is on replay all day for me! cute article!
Taylor
Omg, this is awesome! I lovelovelove Vampire Weekend! I always dress according to my musical muse that day, so I think this is really cool. I hope this series continues, and I have a feeling it will be super popular.
Maybe an article on MGMT-inspired outfits? Lol, in sticking with the Vampire Weekend theme, anyway. xD
LC
I hope there are lots more musical muse posts in the future, I love this!!! It’d be neat to see how to incorporate Lady Gaga style without looking crazy or like its halloween…I think it would be really cool to see outfits inspired by more tv shows also, like Friends and Ally McBeal…hey, if flannel shirts are making a comeback, maybe the Rachel haircut will too!!
Tatiana
I loved this post! I’d love it if you did this same feature (Musical Muses) but inspired by Franz Ferdinand and Muse :D It would be AMAZING!
Paula
I think it would be awesome if you did one of these on Cobra Starship!
Maelynn
this is
really, really cool
second for regina spektor :D
gaby
Horachata is AMAZING!!!
Kelly
This was an awesome article! I love how you interpreted both the band members themselves and the music into outfits. I can’t wait to see more.
I agree with a Regina Spektor post as well, and I think The Rolling Stones ones would be awesome too.
Sydnie
MUSE!
MUSEMUSEMUSEMUSE!!
:D
Marlen
this is great! i love vamp weekend. i am gonna see them on sept. so you gave me great ideas :) thanks