The Daily Gamecock

Dress Like an Icon: Alex Turner

Arctic Monkeys lead vocalist Alex Turner performs during day one of the Outside Lands music festival at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on August 8, 2014. The festival runs through Sunday. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group/MCT)
Arctic Monkeys lead vocalist Alex Turner performs during day one of the Outside Lands music festival at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on August 8, 2014. The festival runs through Sunday. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group/MCT)

Alex Turner, lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Arctic Monkeys, is not only a man of immense musical talent but also shows off ultra-smooth rockstar style on- and offstage.

His signature 1950s cool is a nuanced and sleek look, with a focus on retro details and rocker-like textures. Here are five simple ways to add a hint of Turner’s edgy vibe to your everyday wardrobe.

Retro-cool additions

Turner always makes sure to include at least one rockstar retro detail in all of his ensembles. He is almost always seen with a classic black leather jacket thrown on over an outfit. Try one of these jackets in a vintage moto style, reminiscent of past icons such as Marlon Brando or James Dean. Other options for channeling Turner’s throwback detailing include basic white tees a la fifties greaser and retro aviator shades.

Fancy footwear

Turner focuses on the finishing touches, such as shoes, to pull his look together. He often chooses loafers, oxfords or Chelsea ankle boots to finish off an ensemble. Try a pair of loafers in an interesting color, such as deep red, to add a twist to a typical dressed-up evening outfit. A pair of black Chelsea boots or lace-up workboots are ways to graduate a casual pair of jeans and a tee to a celebrity-off-duty level. 

Streamlined styling

Keeping the cuts of your wardrobe items slim and well-fitting is an important element of Turner’s style. Turner keeps his suits and everyday looks slim-fitting. Try buying tees that may be a little tighter than usual or a pair of trousers with an ankle length. For evening wear, Turner often dons a sixties-style mod suit with a slim-cut jacket, tapered pants leg and narrow black tie. Re-create this on your own night out with a slim-fitting white button-down with the sleeves rolled, a pair of straight-leg jeans and a narrow-cut jacket to finish the look. 

Manicured locks

The luscious locks of Turner are perhaps his most noticeable fashion statement. Turner has rocked a few different hairstyles over the years. If you have longer, more textured locks, go for a voluminous, shoulder-length style. Keep your hair looking windswept or like you just rolled out of bed to achieve Turner’s styling. If you have hair that is straighter and shorter, try blending a dollop of pomade throughout your mane and then using a fine-toothed comb to style in a greaser pompadour.

Effortless details

Achieving this vocalist’s cool is all in the details. Try wearing a slouchy short-sleeved button-down with the sleeves rolled a few times and all of the buttons closed. If you’re daring, unbuttoning a few buttons and popping the collar may be the way to add edge to your outfit. Incorporate unexpected textures and patterns into your wardrobe by choosing a tux jacket with a velvet collar or mixing a striped tee into your daily wear.

Rocker attitude

In order to work Turner’s style, a nonchalant, rockstar vibe is required. Channel Turner’s attitude by listening to his solo soundtrack “Submarine” or to one of the albums from his band, Arctic Monkeys. Most importantly, be confident in yourself, your talents and your style to fully absorb Turner’s mellow rocker attitude.


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