The Contemporary Indie Uniform
Menswear’s got a fresh rock ‘n’ roll agenda, and it’s being pedalled by a slew of high-end designers this season – most notably Saint Laurent’s Creative Director, Hedi Slimane.
But while the new indie-rock aesthetic is still about constructing interesting, monochromatic looks from head to toe, the vibe has moved on from the skinny ties and side-sweeping fringes of your mid-teens. Today, ‘indie’ is sophisticated, and has a more eclectic feel to it that fuses influences from grunge, punk and rockabilly subcultures.
What’s more, the contemporary indie uniform is much easier to wear than you might initially think. Sure, the focus remains on skintight fits and an abundance of leather, but just check out the key pieces that underpin the trend, below, and see how simple it is to segue into the indie cult this spring.
Skintight Jeans
Back in the post-punk days of the early 1980s, indie kids used to sit in hot baths with their jeans on to achieve second-skin levels of snugness. Thankfully, in 2015, denim with high elastane content is now par for the course, so securing a pair of jeans that hug you tight doesn’t require any uncomfortable time in the tub.
For a contemporary take on the indie trend, scoop yourself a pair of stretch jeans with some artfully distressed sections (knee rips are optional).
Remember: if they don’t compromise your testicular health, they’re probably not tight enough.
Photo: Allsaints
Get The Look
Print Cigarette Jeans, available at AllSaints, priced £88.
Photo: AllSaints
The Leather Jacket
At the risk of mixing up our musical subcultures, a classic leather bomber jacket is key to nailing the contemporary indie look.
And a biker is the perfect silhouette. Timeless, edgy and effortlessly cool, a black leather biker will never fall out of fashion, so you will get good use out of it for many years to come.
Team it with your skinny jeans, a simple shirt and a pair of Chelsea boots to channel your inner rock star.
Photo: Topman
Get The Look
Black Leather Biker Jacket, available at Topman, priced £175.
Breton Stripes
Few items kick out ineffable cool like a Breton stripe top. Despite its humble beginnings as the uniform of the French Navy, it’s now considered a menswear essential after working its way onto the backs of everyone from Pablo Picasso to Mick Jagger.
More recently, Slimane sent his models down the SS15 runway in Breton striped tees – cementing their position as the only option when it comes to indie base layers.
Layer yours underneath a rugged denim or leather jacket for an easy, everyday take on the trend.
Photo: ASOS
Get The Look
Nudie Otto Raglan Solid Stripe T-Shirt, available at ASOS, priced £58.
Round Lens Sunglasses
Putting other sunnies in the shade, quite literally, round lens frames are enjoying a renaissance and have become synonymous with the new wave of indie fashion.
Heavy acetate styles with smoky lenses will bring an edge to any warm-weather look, while lighter metal frames in pastel shades are perfect for high summer.
Photo: Topman
Get The Look
Jeepers Peepers Sunglasses, available at Topman, priced £18.
