Rock chick lite?

[catteabook]

In my younger days my style was very much “rock chick”: leather, ripped jeans, band tees, heavy eyeliner, fishnets etc.

in my 30s I had young kids and lost my way a bit lived in skinny jeans and tunics.

im largely happy with what wear now which is basics with some more edgy elements so a plain ish dress with my beloved leather hooded bomber jacket and DMs or DM sandals.

the problem is this is quite seasonal and also if I for example visit someone and remove jacket/shoes at the door I’m essentially wearing a plain dress with no personality.

I’m relying too heavily on accessories which are often/sometimes removed at my actual destination.

My question is how, at 45yrs, do I honour my ‘rock chick’ sensibilities without feeling like I’m cosplaying? I’ve evolved from the full on aesthetic but still want…suggestions…of it iyswim?
so I want to add some ‘toughness’ to an outfit (aside from leather jacket + boots) without being too ‘on the nose’? Any suggestions!

I’ve put a few examples of the kind of thing I currently wear, and a leather skirt I’ve just ordered. (I will style completely different from photo).

Please don’t just say ‘wear whatever you want’ ‘don’t worry about what others think’ It’s more about me feeling comfortable, not feeling like I’m wearing a costume, as opposed to what others think.

thanks!

@DeHumanaeMentisApatheia good point, the original ones are, although punk's not dead! 😁

Bloody hell I’ve just looked at that Mikuta site - the prices are eye watering for jewellery made from steel and everything else is so overpriced!

I’ve dressed this way for years although I’ve gone a bit more toned down as I’ve got older but I still like that slight ‘edge’. I get it from a couple of small tattoos and piercings and I think hair makes the biggest difference - mine is short and I need to make sure it’s messy otherwise it just doesn’t work.

I find a Pinterest board useful and like another poster the 3 words thing - these days mine are Comfort - Creative - Effortless and I guess the creative bit is where the ‘edge’ comes in. I found this (attached) which I thought was interesting.

I actually think curly/wavy hair is one of the most forgiving hair types for doing it yourself at home. I do mine now with loads of layers and a choppy fringe using the butterfly method and I often get people asking me which curly cut I ask for. I watched loads of youtube and tiktok videos first, but I do think that when your hair is textured it's a lot easier to hide if you do mess up slightly

I also agree with others that accessories are what really ties it together for me. I wear fairly plain stuff to work, usually with my dms. But I've got quite a few facial piercings (nostril x3, septum, labret) and ear piercings, as well as tattoos and I wear rings, bracelets etc

Also, I've always got my nails done but always in a dark colour. Normally black, dark red, dark green etc. Occasionally pink in summer but rarely

Definitely agree with what the screenshot says, that it’s easier in autumn winter to add the ‘edgy’ accessories (esp boots jacket etc)

I think everyone is right that the hair will make a big difference, which I hadn’t really given enough thought to before.
i might even try @PatNoodle’s DIY method 😬. My hair is quite shaggy anyway, just needs a shorter layer (I think!!) and I’ve got a hairdresser appointment booked next month, so if it needs fixing it won’t be for too long…

I’m going to see Bon Jovi at the weekend so might try to do it before that.

You sound a lot like me in your preferred style. My 21 year old son told me recently that I always look like I'm off to a rock festival. I was delighted. He told me it wasn't meant to be a compliment but meh, it is to me!

I was going to suggest Disturbia too though I can see it's already been mentioned. Also Saint &Sofia, All Saints (try second hand first to see what you fancy). I love vintage Wheels & Dollbaby though it ceased production years ago so stuff is fairly sparse. Black denim. Band tees. Statement necklaces/chokers and belts so you aren't losing the whole look once you take your boots and jacket off.

Like you I've struggled with hair. Mine is long but whenever I get a trim I ask for shaggy layers and get sharp boxy face framing. I've started trimming it myself now with the kitchen scissors lol. (Admittedly it is very straight so quite easy but wouldn't work for everyone!)

Also have had black eyeliner and dark eyebrows tattooed on. No regrets at all. One of my best investments. Even if I don't wear additional make up on top I can still look a bit rock/goth just waking up in the morning!

Never heard of the three word method, off to investigate.

Have a look at Zadig and Voltaire for grown up French rock chic. The prices aren't cheap but the style is what you want. Keep an eye out for their stuff on Vinted. Structured shoulders and contrasting textures are key to the look, a structured shouldered blazer with boot cut jeans and a slouchy y2k inspired bag.

I had forgotten about this site, but someone shared it when I started a thread about the clothes on Daisy Jones and the Six years ago!
some great accessories & Band T’s
https://little-lies.com/

@catteabook my first thought was layers, waistcoat and long pendants. Long silky scarf. Like Stevie Nicks but not too chiffony.

Oh my god, I’ve never seen this site but it’s like my spiritual home 🤣