Musical Muses: Fashion Inspired by Coldplay
Known the world over for their melodic piano riffs and inspiring lyrics, British rock band Coldplay has been making music nonstop since their first album Parachutes debuted in 2000. Composed of lead singer Chris Martin, drummer Will Champion, and guitarists Jonny Buckland and Guy Berryman, this band does not shy away from musical or sartorial risks.
With the most recent release of their Viva La Vida album, they have totally embraced the French Revolution theme with military jacket ensembles and other touches for an international flair. If you like Coldplay, or would just like to steal some of their savvy style tricks, look no further than the tips below!
Outfit 1: “Viva La Vida”
The military trend may be hot on the runway right now, but these boys were literally rockin’ this look long before it hit the stores. I absolutely love their custom-made jackets with colorful armbands, buttons, and embroidery. Their looks show that military-inspired pieces don’t have to be plain or serious and can instead be fun and whimsical.
To incorporate this aesthetic into your wardrobe, add a military-style coat and tee to black jeans and flats. For some extra color, slip on these recycled rubber Made with Love bracelets (the same ones Chris Martin sports) from a charity the band supports that helps women and children in Africa.
Product Information: Jacket- Urban Outfitters, T-Shirt- Forever 21, Flats- Delias, Jeans- Pacsun, Bracelets- Giving Tree Jewelry.
Outfit 2: “Lovers in Japan”
This look is inspired by the butterfly confetti that rains down on the audience every time Coldplay plays Lovers in Japan live. I have fortunately been able to see the band live twice, and each time they played this song it was truly magical!
In keeping with the joyous tune of the song, this outfit is fun and bright with florals and butterfly earrings, as well as a skirt that still has a military feel. For a feminine touch, add a pair of pink heels with lace socks. And of course this outfit would not be complete without a cute parasol to keep the Osaka sun off your face!
Product Information: Parasol- Oriental Trading, Socks- Miss Selfridge, Heels- Modcloth, Shirt- Forever 21, Skirt- Forever 21 (unfortunately sold out, but here is a similar one), Earrings- Miss Selfridge, Purse- Modcloth.
Outfit 3: “Life in Technicolor”
This look is all about color and living life to the fullest! When Coldplay comes back out for the encore at their concerts, they trade in their navy and black military jackets for the more colorful ones shown above. I love how they are not afraid to wear bright colors and that each piece has its own unique touch.
To copy this look, try wearing a tee tucked into a striped pencil skirt with a fuschia trench and sneakers. To top it all off, wrap a purple scarf around your neck like Will Champion does for every concert!
Product Information: Earrings- Urban Outfitters, Scarf- Forever 21, T-Shirt- Coldplay Official Store, Skirt- Modcloth, Trench- Net-a-Porter, Sneakers- Zappos.
Want more Coldplay?
Download these songs!
- “Death and All His Friends”- this song builds to an exuberant ending, perfect for listening to outside on a nice summer day.
- “White Shadows”- a more contemplative, electronica-based song with a catchy tune.
- “Yellow”- the classic romantic hit that started it all.
Watch this video!
- “Strawberry Swing”- This amazing stop-animation video is done entirely in chalk, with Chris Martin posing as a superhero who must save a damsel in distress from a giant squirrel!
Also, don’t forget to check out Coldplay’s website for tour dates, merch, the latest news, and a feature called The Exibition Room that showcases artwork done by Coldplay fans around the world. You can even submit your own artwork for a chance to be shown on the homepage!
Even More Coldplay Fashion
While Coldplay is hard at work on their next album, here are some more Coldplay inspired pieces to suit their style and tide you over until their next release!
Product Information: Trench- Urban Outfitters, Earrings- Urban Outfitters, T-Shirt- Official Coldplay Store, Cargo Pants- Singer 22, Dress- Modcloth, Tank- Modcloth, Purse- Modcloth, Headband- Forever 21, Paris Tank- Forever 21, Earrings- Miss Selfridge, Tank- Forever 21, Scarf- Forever 21.
What do you think?
Are you a fan of Coldplay? Do you like how they incorporated the military trend into their stage costumes? Let us know with a comment, and as always let us know what other musical artists you’d like to see featured in a future post!
Posted on on May 22, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: butterfly, coldplay, Fashion Inspiration, Japan, Military, music, musical muses
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Emma
I’m a HUGE coldplay fan.. been to 3 of their concerts in the past 2 years :)
It was a nice concept I think … however the looks seem just a bit too mismatch to be fashionable.
I like the last look with the striped skirt, the earrings and splashed tee , but i’d probs wear it with heels or ankle boots? I just wouldn’t pair a trench coat with converse..
I would have liked to have seen more focus on waist coats perhaps? Because if I remember correctly all the band members wore them on stage… Guy Berryman wore a longsleeved red faded top and a black military waistcoat… it could look cool if it was a long red top.. leggings and ankle boots then the military waist coat.
However I did like the article :D I’m just picky haha
Emma, Scotland
x
Abby
I think your outfits all relate to the music amazingly, and there are ALOT of the items that I want to buy! But when we’re a college student and a trench coat is almost $900, there are only a very VERY limited (and lucky) few who can afford that. I love that you included lower priced items too (yay forever 21!) and I know we’re supposed to take this as inspiration, not as direct, but still, I would love it if items weren’t SO out of reach for us :)
Great post though!
Lindsay
awesome post! I’m a HUGE coldplay fan <3
Chelsea
I hate coldplay with a passion, but I love the Lovers in Japan outfit.
Milana
Never been a big Coldplay fan, but these outfits are amazing! Probably the best I’ve seen here in a while! Very European Rock chick! Great job!
yep
Michael Jackson was mos def rocking the military trend long b4 Cold Play.
I would rather see fashions inspired by him then ‘cold play’ but whatever
the outfits look cute i guess
awesome ransom
I’ve always been a reader but never a commenter on CF..at least,until this post!
Great article! It’s a huge plus that you took Coldplay as an inspiration!
Love,
Major Coldplay fan
Jennm
I love the first outfit. It really channels Chris Martin circa 2008 when Viva La Vida was first released.
Big coldplay fan here too :)
JillAnn
I could never pull it off, but I love the Lovers in Japan outfit. The skirt is adorable!
CLC
how neat, especially the second outfit!!! more music muses please!
Re
I like the outfits in this article. They’re all very beautiful I don’t listen to Coldplay much, but I guess I can give them another go.
However, I’m not too sure about the lacy socks and high heels look. As an overseas girl, I’m use to seeing those terrible combination all the tourists were and it drives me up the wall (although I have seen some fashionable figures actually pull off the long socks-short shoes look quite successfully). Maybe that could be a fashion challenge? I don’t know. :/
Anyway, keep up the good work!
Shannon
I’m a huge fan of Coldplay! Their concerts are incredible. I love this article. xx
Karissa
Not really into Coldplay, but this is a very creative post and I enjoyed it. Good job!
karlee
the first outfit is way cute, and i loveee blowfish shoes. i also like all the colors incorporated in the technicolor outfit. beautiful!
Monica
I LOVEEEEEE THIS. I am a huge Coldplay fann. Great jobb!!! :D
Marlen
i love this! you had such a wonderful idea. Coldplay are one of my fav bands and their music is just sublime… i think you didi a great job with the outfits…. i have the life in technicolor shirt :) so i will be looking for a coat like that one to copy your outfit :)
Marlen
Please create outfits inspired by the rolling stones… they are my fav band and that would be so interesting to see
Petra
I love Cold Play’s music, but because they were guys I never thought of using them as fashion inspiration my style is very feminine). But I love the Lovers In Japan look that you have created. It is very pretty, I love the fact that it has some of that cute/quirky youthful appeal that you see a lot in Japanese fashion. I also adore the lace socks with the heels. I have a few high wool pairs that I pair with heels (it is winter here in Australia at the moment), but now I am definately thinking that I need to get a lace pair, especially for when the warmer weather comes back around. Thanks for a great article.
Cara
Oh my goodness…I love that you included a parasol in the second ensemble. I have been craving a parasol (so much chic-er and easier than sunscreen, and so girly!) for weeks, but haven’t yet had the courage to order one. This has brought me a huge step closer.
valerie
lovely i love coldplay
and yeah lovers in japan is magical
ruby
OMG…i love coldplay..& your outfit is cute!!
find more at http://www.we fasionista.com
Meagan
I LOVE Coldplay and the Viva style, and I’m so glad you made the style work for girls! This is awesome.
chloe
OMG!!!!
I LOVE IT
I’m gonna up date my wardrode with all the latest Coldplay fashion