Musical Muses: Fashion Inspired by David Bowie
British rock legend David Bowie has been an innovator in music and fashion since the 1970s. Famously known for his androgynous alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, Bowie created a cult following that influenced the glam rock era. He constantly changed his persona and musical style to adapt to the times, and in doing so, created a musical empire that still influences the music and fashion worlds today.
If you want to be inspired by some of David Bowie’s most famous styles, look no further than the outfits below!
Outfit 1: “Fame”
The look below is inspired by the classic, business side of David Bowie, which is consistent with his current style today. Start with menswear-inspired pieces like collared shirts and vests, and swap out typical preppy accessories for edgier ones like leather pants and studded earrings. I also love the shoes – as soon as I saw them, they just screamed David Bowie!
Product Information: Jacket- ModCloth, Pants- Forever 21, Vest- ModCloth, Blouse- Asos, Earrings- Asos, Scarf- Forever 21, Heels- ModCloth.
Outfit 2: “Space Oddity”
This outfit captures Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust-era fashion, and the looks that made him so iconic. Back in those days, he loved to mix patterns and never underestimated the impact of striped clothing. He also wore lots of structured, broad-shouldered jackets in bright colors that set him apart from other musicians of the time.
Recreate his Ziggy-era looks by pairing a printed jacket with these unique leggings and Doc Martens. Add a shiny top, striped headband, and glam rock ring for the perfect stage outfit.
Product Information: Blazer- Asos, Ring- Forever 21, Leggings- Urban Outfitters, Tank- Urban Outfitters, Headband- Forever 21, Boots- Endless.
Outfit 3: “Ziggy Stardust”
One of the most inspiring aspects of David Bowie’s style is his use of bold, daring makeup. He often used glittery and metallic face paint to create circles and lightning bolts across his entire face, looks that were very innovative at the time.
Try your hand at Bowie-esque makeup by procuring some different sized makeup brushes and face paints or liquid eyeliners. Try adding glitter, gemstones, colored hair extensions, whatever your heart desires – the goal is to be creative and make a statement!
Product Information: All makeup, brushes, and hair extensions – Urban Outfitters.
Are you a David Bowie fan?
Watch this video!
- “Space Oddity” – This song launched Bowie to fame in 1969 when space travel was just becoming a reality. It tells the story of astronaut Major Tom and was actually used on televised coverage of the Apollo 11 lunar landings.
Listen to these songs!
- “Let’s Dance” – His only single to reach number one both in the U.K. and the U.S., this song introduced David Bowie to a younger audience in the early 1980s.
- “Modern Love” – David Bowie has said this song is inspired by Little Richard, and its upbeat melody makes it perfect for listening to on a sunny day.
- “Changes” – A classic, enduring song, “Changes” describes the way Bowie felt about his constantly re-invented image and musical style.
These are just a few of David Bowie’s many hits from his incredible musical career. For more information on what David Bowie is up to today, visit his website.
Still want more Bowie fashion? Check out these other great items inspired by David Bowie’s eclectic style!
Product Information: Pants- Forever 21, Blazer- Asos, Skirt- Forever 21, Bowie T-Shirt- Old Glory, White T-Shirt- ModCloth, Bowie Face T-Shirt- Amazon, Dress- ModCloth, Blazer- Asos, Makeup- Urban Outfitters, Gray Shirt- ModCloth.
What do you think?
Do you love David Bowie’s style or music? How do you use makeup creatively to express your style? Have any suggestions for artists to feature in other posts? Let me know in the comments!
Posted on on October 29, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: celebrities, Celebs, david bowie, Fashion Inspiration, Featured, music, musical muses
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Tiia Dodge
So, David Bowie is one of my favourite artists of all time! I really enjoy this post!
Liz
I LOVE me some Bowie! Especially Life on Mars and Oh! You Pretty Things I make my boyfriend sing that to me in the morning! “Wake up you sleepy head, put on some clothes, shake up your bed, put another log on the fire for me, I’ve made some breakfast and coffee” which is true he makes good coffee :D
Awesome looks for an awesome icon!
Jordan
I really loved how Dakota Fanning’s character in The Runaways portrayed Bowie’s style, but made it her own.
Anne
OH. MY. GOD. David Bowie is just about my favorite artist ever. One of the things I love most about him is how he’s reinvented himself so many times, and how his different styles have been so distinct and out there. Although, Although, I never can dissociate him with the ridiculousness that is Jareth. Oh, Labyrinth….
Cristina
Great post! Bowie is so talented it’s no surprise he married a babe like Iman.
Maddie
I love this man! He is inspiring in every way. I love that you touched on his influence as a makeup innovator, too! I need to go listen to some Bowie now….
Britney
i know, i am always asking things that have nothing to do with the post, sorry, but i would like to know what do u guys think of colorful scarves, because i am kind of loving them but i need another opinion before i buy it! should i buy plain ones or a colorful one? ( i have seen one with 3-4 colors..) thanx :)
Fab
Bowie!!! This post is just awesome!!!!
Patricia
Megan thanks a lot! I adooore David Bowie and I have borrowed inspiration from him a couple of times. The guy really knows how to rock unusual clothes and it’s really nice to see that someone else can appreciate that :)
Niamh
LOVE this!!!!
Kate
how can you mention bowie and not mention the labyrinth??!!
Jessica
Love Bowie! I’m going as him for Halloween, with makeup inspired by his Aladdin Sane cover :)
June
Yes! Love this article, and the looks you came up with. Oh, and David Bowie.
Leah H.
I love Bowie! I was Ziggy Stardust for Halloween last year! Thanks for featuring him and some Bowie-esque looks :)
Britney
thanx girls, for never answering my question!
K.M
I love David – however do you think you could do something inspired by his movie Labyrinth??? It was a awesome part of career where he wrote all the music and star in a key role :)
Tiia
Dear KM
I agree 100%
That movie has some kick ass style going on.