Can you carry off a rock chick look at 40+? That’s not a rhetorical question, by the way. Can you?
I do hope your answer was a resounding YES!
If not, why not? If Chrissie Hynde can rock it at 64 and Debbie Harry at 70, then I can certainly rock it at almost 50.
But what about the ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ mutterings,
or the
‘well, she’s trying abit too hard, isn’t she?’ sniggerings.
If I was slathered in heavy eye make-up, was wearing a stud collar round my neck, a beaten up leather jacket on my shoulders and my skull scarf threaded through my belt loops, rather than on my bag, then I MIGHT, but only MIGHT mind, concede that it could possibly come across as trying a tad too hard.
So why the rock chick styling? Well, a couple of weeks ago, Tall Brown Fox and I went to see trip hop duo, Lamb, gig at the Troxy in the East End of London, as they celebrated 20 years in the music biz and the release of their 6th studio album, Backward Spiral. As part of Tall Brown Fox’s big 40 birthday present at Christmas, his canny sister had bought us the gig tickets.
Normally, I go for the trusted jeans and leather jacket combo for gigging. However, Tall Brown Fox’s other canny sister had bought us vouchers for a meal at The Narrow, Gordon Ramsay’s riverside restaurant in Limehouse, so we could have dinner before the gig. Spoilt rotten or what?!? Thanks ladies!
What to wear for both then? Step forth my coated jeans; smart enough for the restaurant, being a step up from denim jeans, without being over dressy for the gig.
As it was freezing on the evening of the gig, I wore the dark sapphire blue, quilted jacket with faux leather trim, I bought from the French brand Camaieu, when in France at Christmas. They regularly do these neat, stylishly casual jackets which are perfect for petites – I have its cousin in black – and it was the ideal choice.
– thin enough to wear under my faux Astrakhan coat,
– smart enough for dinner,
– I wasn’t going to roast alive in it during the gig,
– added some colour to avoid the ‘black widow‘ look I so often see at gigs – you know, head to toe black!
– and the quilted chevron pattern was a great contrasting texture to the coated jeans.
The third piece of the outfit was a basic grey marl tee. But with two mesh panels on the front, it has a sports luxe feel which was on point for the jeans.
. 
The foundation of the outfit sorted, time to cement the rock chick vibe with some fun accessories.
I’ve not just tied the skull scarf around my bag for effect. I did say it was freeeeezing on the night, so it most definitely played a functional role around my neck to and from the restaurant and venue, as well as a fun one, on my bag!
Yeah, but isn’t a skull scarf all abit too obvious, I can hear some folks say?
C’mon, this was a GIG, not a polite garden party at Buckingham Palace!
At gigs, I like to let my curly locks down and D-A-N-C-E. No half hearted, slightly embarrassed swaying at the back of the room for me. Therefore, dangerous jewellery and shoes were out!
A simple, jet black, beaded choker at the neck was all I needed. I mean, the last thing you want is a necklace banging about on your collar bones, or knocking your two front teeth out, when you’re cutting your dance moves.
I was barely out of tutus and ballet shoes growing up, so I know all about the pain of dancer’s feet and I don’t do that no more!
My snakeskin, western style ankle booties can be danced in all night; and they certainly were that night! Plus, they added a touch of badass to the look.
My workhorse of a fringe bag that has had more starring roles on this blog than any other item (although I think these boots are giving it a run for its money now), was perfect cross body candy.
A dash of red on the lips and voilà, I’m ready to rock. I’m on the low to barely registering level of maintenance on the make-up scale, meaning I’m out the door after a flick of mascara. I leave all that smokey eyes business to those who have the patience!
And just to show how it looked on the night, here I am posing in the glamourous location of the staircase linking clockroom to stage! We only had time for a quick snap before Lamb came on hence the quality of the photo in the poor light!
And the real reason my scarf was tied around my bag was that on the way up from the clockroom, I realised I’d forgotten to put it in my coat pocket, necessitating me to quickly tie it round my bag to be hands free for the night!
Light show a go, go, in the beautiful Art Deco venue, Troxy!
Andy Barlow did the obligatory crowd surf – good man.
Jon thrashed his electric double bass so hard, there was barely any horse hair left on his bow by the encore – good man.
Lou Rhodes looked like a Grecian goddess in her stunning, white, structured gown and knocked spots off today’s mainstream pop divas with her haunting and commanding vocals.
Wallis Petite Coated Jeans A/W 15 Boohoo Ankle Grazer Coated Jeans
Camaieu Jacket A/W 15 La Redoute Suede Zip Up Bomber jacket or a more budget friendly Vila Collarless Bomber Jacket currently in the sale
H&M Grey, mesh panel tee (old)
Joy the store Fringe bag Ruby Rocks Fringe Suede Leather Bag currently in the sale at ASOS or this one is fun too from Mango Fringe Leather bag
Skull scarf from a French market stall. New Look Skull Scarf
Black beaded choker (old from e-bay) Beaded Flex Choker
Marks&Spencer Snakeskin Boots A/W 15 but sold out now. These Warehouse Snakeskin Block Heel Boots are currently in the sale and still available in size 3 & 4 for petite feet.
Rock footnote
If I was slathered in heavy eye make-up, was wearing a stud collar round my neck, a beaten up leather jacket on my shoulders and my skull scarf threaded through my belt loops, rather than tied on my bag, it wouldn’t matter. If I felt comfortable, confident and owned it, then it wouldn’t be trying too hard, it would be natural.
As it was, I did feel comfortable, confident and owned it on the night and I have a drumful of fantastic memories to boot!
What do you wear to gigs? And do you rock your moves in the mosh pit?
Linking with Garay Treasures / Confident Twosday / Turning Heads Tuesday / JerseyGirl/TexanHeart / Fresh Fashion / ColorandGrace / High Latitude Style / Daily Style Finds / EleganceandMommyHood / Fun Fashion Friday / Flashback Friday /
Yes, the main criterion in choosing an outfit should be the way one feels in it: if comfortable and natural, then it is right. Nothing worse then wearing something you feel uncertain and unhappy about. Lovely rock chic look, dear! Really like the jacket
Glad you like it Olga. The trim on the jacket just makes it, I feel, especially with the coated jeans. Yes, never wear anything that makes you feel unhappy.
I love going to shows to see what everyone wears! It's always so fascinating. Your pointers for picking a great outfit are very helpful. The way you mixed in some navy adds just enough pizazz. Well I'm co-hosting the link-up with Jersey Girl Texan Heart and just wanted to say hello/thanks for linking up!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
Great to meet you Nina, thanks for co-hosting and stopping by. I sometimes get bored by all black so the grey and the blue were good alternatives!
You rock! Once a rock chick, always a rock chick, that's my motto. You don't suddenly abandon your favourite music, and rockers get old, too, without losing any of their street cred. But I might be a bit biased: heavy metal is practically a religion in Finland, and nobody bats an eyelid seeing a 40 something woman rocking her leathers and studs…
Aw, thanks Tiina, glad I've not lost it – ha, ha! And absolutely, even rockers are not immune to aging! Oh yes, Tall Brown Fox is quite au fait with some of the heavy metal bands from Finland. He likes his thrashy guitar music!
Looks like a blast!
I love that you are wearing a beaded choker.
I agree…dress for yourself and owning what you wear.
bisous
Suzanne
It was a blast! I actually have a couple of chokers and I do like wearing them. I'm on the look out for some more too!
You can totally rock it and you are rocking it! Love seeing this fun look on you.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you Amy. I like to rock out every now and then!
It's a perfect concert look and I love your comment on the black widow! I'm decided to continue my rebellion against black—I just told my husband that I'm even banning it at my funeral!
Those boots —sigh—-so fab!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ha, ha, I like your sentiments – no black at funerals!
You'll be bored of those boots soon. I seem to be wearing them lately in every single post! Oh well, I'm definitely getting my money's worth.
Well, I think you have perfected the rocker look at almost 50. It is fun, edgy but not overly sexy or in your face. I love that despite being monochromatic, it is still quite fresh and all the textures together look awesome. I want your jacket, bag and that amazing skull scarf.
A pleasure stopping by, again.
Welcome by and linkup with me for "Thursday Moda" tomorrow. The world needs to see this fun outfit of yours. Thanks, Ada. =)
Thank you Ada. I was trying to keep it fresh by avoiding too much black so I'm glad I succeeded! I'll pop by tomorrow for the link.
great style! Love your coat and those pants!
Thank you. I'm getting alot of wear from the coated jeans – so versatile.
Wow, I am worn out just reading that! You certainly have more energy than I'll ever have! Another great look and it needed to be just right as you say, since you had the tricky transition from fancy restaurant to rock gig! I would have had a panic attack and worn something totally inappropriate like kitten heels and a puffball skirt! I can't remember the last time I rocked anything, let alone in a mosh pit, but my dad was a massive live music fan and regularly attended gigs until well into his 70s – he got to know all the young bands in his local area and supported them, dancing all night like a maniac, right into his mid 70s – he was amazing! They adopted him like a mascot and loads and loads of bands came to his funeral and they even wrote a tribute song, which was played in his memory – not a dry eye as you can imagine – I will never forget all the leather-clad metalheads sobbing! His enthusiasm was amazing.
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your post there, Jacqueline! Just made me think of him and he would definitely have approved of your boots and your skull scarf!
Lovely outfit and brilliant concert review – I love reading your blog posts.
Don't apologize, that's a fantastic story about your Dad. I loved reading it. Good for him! That's the way to live and so touching that they wrote a tribute song – shows how much he gave to people which is wonderful. Sounds like he would've definitely approved of my boots and scarf!
Thank you for your lovely comments, Astrid. Much appreciated.
Such a great look! Love your outfit!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Thank you Trang do. Glad you like it.
fabulous outfit, and I think it's perfect for both occasions, as you look elegant but also very rock'n'roll, kinda 'rockglamour'!! lovely accessorizing!
Love particularly that you always vote for confort and comfidence!, fav attitude!
besos
Ooooh, I like that – rockglamour! Thank you.
I can't be doing with anything that isn't comfortable!
Mutton mutterings?…..not a chance!
Trying too hard?…rubbish!
It is a lot better to be dressed (and ready for fun!) than boring, dowdy and frumpy anyday!
XXX
Samantha
fakefabulous.com
Quite right too. Live life to the full and have fun.
Girl, you got it goin' on!!! I haven't been to concerts in yonks but when I did, my outfit would be very similar to yours with the only difference being that I prefer wearing sleeveless tops. I sweat a lot. Oh and I'd have spikes somewhere since that's how I roll GRIN
Thank you – that's a fab compliment from someone who's fierceness of style I really do admire! Spikes and all.
I have to say I was abit sweaty by the end of the night! Never mind, at least I danced off the calories of the dinner.
You are rocking this edgy look! I love that jacket paired with coated pants!
Thank you Laura. It really felt right on the night and just because we get older doesn't mean we can't have some edge to our outfits!
Hey Jacqueline, it was a case of great minds today then. I posted my own version of rock chick and I'm nearly 60! When you look at Judith (Stlye Crone) she recently rocked an amazing biker jacket and looked better than any of us, proving that age has nothing to do with looking good. You just have to know what suits you and your body shape, and go for it. You look fab. Those boots steal the scene every time!
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
We're rock chick sistas! Love it! I've just popped over – been meaning to all week but I've been up to my eyeballs. We both have killer looks and boots! People had better watch out if and when we go out on the town together.
I think you look super cool and chic! And yes, absolutely we can pull of rocker chic still … why not? I love going to see live music. And hey, we miss you over at Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Thank you Dawn. We all rock together!
Yes, I've missed a couple of Fridays. Things have been hectic and finding slack somewhere in my life meant I haven't had time to do as many of my regular link ups and I do look forward to yours – genuinely! I shall pop over and link.
You look smooooking!!! Love that look, esp the gorgeous Choker!! I love Whitby-jet looking Jewellery! You look fun, rock chick, but comfy too! I'm glad you had such a great time at the gig!
So sweet Kezzie. I love that you think I'm smooooking! Yes, the choker is pretty neat considering it was only a couple of pounds on e-bay! It was so good to hear live music again – there's nothing like it.
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.