Stylish Men: Fashion Inspired by David Bowie – Part 2
You knew this was coming — after nearly two months of analyzing some of the most stylish men in recent history, we’re finally talking about the man and the legend David Bowie. (We’ve covered David Bowie’s style here before, but after so many requests, we couldn’t resist doing a few more takes on his iconic look!)
David Bowie (also known as Ziggy Stardust, his androgynous alter-ego) burst onto the music scene in the late ’60s. Bowie was a cult favorite, and released hits such as “Fame,” “Let’s Dance,” “and “Space Oddity.” I remember him best from his creepy-yet-amazing film role in Labyrinth. Over the span of his 5-decade career, he has sold over 140 million albums.
David Bowie has some fashion connections as well – he’s been married to Iman, one of the world’s first and most famous supermodels, for the last twenty years.
At the time, Bowie’s music was groundbreaking, and so was his glam/psychedelic/androgynous/rock and roll stage persona. His loud and risky ensembles set the stage for many big music personalities to come (like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj!).
Ready to steal a little Ziggy Stardust style? Read on my friends!
(For more in our Stylish Men series, check out our posts on Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury, Andre 3000, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, Seth Cohen from the O.C., Johnny Depp, and Kanye West.)
David Bowie’s style is build around two main elements: varied suits and bright colors. In the prime of his fame, it was nearly impossible to catch Bowie in a plain suit — his were always embellished with sequins, printed with bold patterns, or tailored in a unique way.
Bowie was known to wear a lot of ruffled shirts under his sports coats and blazers. This gave even the most classic jacket a whimsical spin. He was also big on neon colored make up, gravity-defying hairstyles, platform shoes, and bright printed scarves. During the height of his fame, David Bowie even wore crazy things like leotards, velvet catsuits, and leopard print pants!
Need a few outfit ideas to get you started? Read on!
Outfit Inspiration
Jacket, Shirt, Shoes, Pants, Necklace, Lipstick
I can’t believe I found this blazer — it looks just like one that David Bowie was famously photographed in (see photo above)! Balance out the business of the striped jacket with a solid colored pair of pants and shirt — in bold colors, of course! Finish the look with a lightning bolt necklace, pink lipstick, and leopard print shoes for an extra boost of eccentricity.
Jacket, Blouse, Pants, Shoes, Necklace
Allude to David Bowie’s seventies style by rocking a pair of velvet bellbottoms and a flowy blouse. Add a long-cut blazer, metallic oxfords, and finish with a feathered statement necklace.
Jacket, Pants, Blouse, Bow Scarf, Shoes, Ring
Bold colors and classic items with a spin make this outfit totally Bowie-worthy. Start with a base of purple skinny pants and a mustard colored blouse. Add a classic blazer, but up the style with a crazy bow(ie) scarf, platform shoes, and a lightning ring.
What Do You Think?
Do you listen to David Bowie’s music? Have you seen Labyrinth? What do you think about his style? Is it too over-the-top for you, or do you think it’s appropriate for his stage persona? Who else would you like to see CF cover? Be sure to tell us what’s on your mind by leaving us a comment!
Posted on on January 12, 2012 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Celebs, david bowie, Menswear, music, Stylish Men
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Emily Williams
My sister’s a HUGE Bowie fan and she’d love this! :) I was really hoping there would actually be something more Jareth-like when I saw the Labyrinth picture in the article. I would love to see outfits inspired by Labyrinth!
M.A.E
Hello, I was wondering, how do you create the pictures with the different clothing pieces in it? Do you have a special program for it? I’d love to know!
Lauren
I really like the leopard booties! The flowy blouses are definitely in right now too
allison goertz
I love David Bowie. Great outfits. I second more Labyrinth inspired outfits.
Beckie
David Bowie is my all time favorite musician ever! I adore him and his style, and I’m loving that you’re giving him well-deserved recognition. I find he’s often overlooked, but he is a very important fashion icon! Thanks!
Stephanie
Love David Bowie! NGL I wouldn’t be caught dead in the crushed velvet bell bottoms but other than that the outfits are spot on!
Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
You can make them at Polyvore.com!
maxine
OMG, the 1970′s are so me and I would love to wear David Bowie’s clothes especially the tan blazer with the blouse and the velvet bellbottoms.
Emma
More glitter!
Erica
When I first came to the CF site and went through the archives, I saw the first Bowie post and thought “I want to see more of them!”. Then as the Stylist Men articles came rolling in, I thought to myself “Bowie has to be part of this!”. And yay it’s finally here!
I so wish I could pull off the first outfit, it looks fantastic!
Eliza
Finally, an article that totally mimics my personal style! I adore David Bowie (coincidentally, his song Rock n Roll Suicide just came on my itunes right now…) and androgynous, seventies style. My favorite article yet, thanks!!!
Katy
Perfect!
Man, do I want that striped blazer.
august j
I especially like the last outfit. That scarf/bow is amazing. I can’t get over it!
sarah
This is great, I would love to see outfits inspired by the movie labyrinth!
eyeliah
Great ideas, I <3 Bowie!