Fashion Inspiration: Walk The Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” Music Video

Channel the ’80s with three looks from the song that’s taken the radio by storm this summer.

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Shut Up and Dance Title
Photo Credit: Screenshot

Originally from Cincinnati, Walk The Moon is steadily climbing up the pop charts every day, launched into celebrity status by their hit single, “Shut Up and Dance.

If you haven’t already heard this catchy, ’80s-esque rock tune, I highly recommend checking it out (and their entire album!) along with the music video: 

WALK THE MOON - Shut Up and Dance (Official Video)

Below are three looks based on the music video that I think totally embody the feeling of the retro dance-off

1. A Backless Dress and Some Beat-Up Sneaks 

Backless Dress Outfit in Shut Up and Dance
Photo Credit: Screenshot

The first time I heard this song on the radio, this classic and memorable line definitely brought to mind an image of the lead singer’s dream girl. In the video, we see her wearing a backless dress, and in some shots, it’s evident that her sneaks are indeed “beat-up.”

Backless dress and red converse outfit

Product Information: Dress // Sneakers // Bracelets // Necklace // Lipstick

This look is screaming to be worn on a night out or to a summer party. Start with the quintessential backless dress and red high-tops (beat-up quality optional). Add red lipstick as both an alternative to dying your hair red and a fun additional pop of color to balance out your fiery kicks.

You could accessorize the way Nicholas’s love interest did in the video, with a heart pendant, a stack of bangles, and a silver arm cuff, or you could simply make this look your own! 

2. This Woman Is My Destiny 

Screenshot from Shut up and dance video

The lead singer, Nicholas Petricca, sports an outfit in the video that’s entirely wearable in an everyday context. A leather jacket and the watercolor-like neon pops of color on his shirt take center stage. 

Product information: Vegan Leather Jacket // Tank Top // Skinny Jeans // Booties // Necklaces // Wristlet // Eye Shadow Palette

Start with basic black skinny jeans and add a brightly-colored top. Here, I went with a neon tank in the same color family as Nicholas’s highlighter-like tee. To add a bit of a punky edge, slip into a pair of black booties and a (vegan!) leather jacket.

Put on a few necklaces that make you smile and carry your ID in this cute little wristlet in a contrasting neon shade. Finish off the look with a classic smokey eye, and you’re good to go.

3. Victims of the Night

Background Actors 80s outfits
Photo Credit: Screenshot

This last look is all about going retro. My favorite looks from the video were actually the ones worn by the extras! The 1980s had such an iconic style, and the combination of this tune with its big electric guitar solo and the outfits the background actors rocked throughout the video totally got the vibe across. 

80s outfit with denim skirt and crop top

Product information: Tank Top // Skirt // Headwrap // Crossbody Bag // Sneakers // Earrings // Lipstick // Nail Polish

This outfit utilizes a whole slew of born-again trends! Start with a button-front denim mini skirt, one of spring’s hottest items, and pop on a striped crop top. Leave your hair up or down (I’m loving the wild curls both these extras were sporting for the vid) and either slide on a cute bandana-inspired headwrap or go old-school and tie on a plain ol’ bandana.

Keep up with both modern and past trends in a pair of white low-top sneakers and silver hoop earrings while carrying your essentials (i.e. this gorgeous bright berry lipstick and matching nail polish) in a crossbody bag that delivers a quick punch of color. 

Tell us what you think! 

What are your thoughts on this music video? Are you a fan of Walk The Moon? Have you listened to any of their other albums? Which look is your favorite? Do you have a favorite fashion/music era, like the ’80s? Let me know your thoughts by dropping a comment below!  

2 thoughts on “Fashion Inspiration: Walk The Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” Music Video”

  1. Too funny! I go to CU-Boulder and wrote a really similar article on my own blog back in February! Totally love this song 🙂 https://entertainmentingenue.wordpress.com/2015/02/21/fashion-favorite-songs-shut-up-and-dance-by-walk-the-moon/

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  2. I’ve loved them since high school (I Can Lift A Car is my number one song when I’m down in the dumps….also, Down In The Dumps), and this is really good! Especially the second look!

    The 70s and the 80s were my favorite style eras! I love that 80s style music is coming back too, it’s so good.

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