Rod Stewart is not only known for his raspy voice and timeless hits, but he also became an undisputed fashion icon in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. His unique blend of high-fashion flamboyance and gritty rock edge shaped a style that became his signature, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of musicians. Stewart’s look evolved over the years, but it always stayed bold, audacious, and unmistakably his own, reflecting his personality and musical evolution. Whether he was wearing tailored suits or leopard-print pants, the Rod Stewart look transcended fashion trends to become a symbol of rock star glamour.
Early Beginnings: Mod Fashion and the London Scene
Rod Stewart's journey as a fashion icon began in the early 1960s, during the mod movement in London. As a young musician, Stewart was deeply influenced by the stylish, sharp-dressed mods, who favored slim suits, pointed shoes, and bold hairstyles. At the time, he played in various London bands and worked as a street musician, adopting the tailored, clean-cut mod look that defined the era. The skinny ties, fitted jackets, and Chelsea boots became his uniform, reflecting both his working-class roots and the youth rebellion of the swinging sixties.
However, even in his early years, Stewart wasn’t afraid to experiment with his appearance. His naturally blonde hair was often teased into a spiky, voluminous style that became a precursor to the rock star hairdos of the 1970s. This attention to his hair would remain a defining characteristic of Stewart’s look throughout his career.
The 1970s: Glam Rock and Flamboyance
It was in the 1970s, as Stewart achieved international fame with Faces and as a solo artist, that his style truly came into its own. This era marked a shift from the mod look to the flamboyant and extravagant fashions of glam rock. Stewart embraced this shift wholeheartedly, often stepping on stage in skin-tight pants, satin shirts, and oversized fur coats. His wardrobe choices reflected the excess and larger-than-life persona that defined the rock scene at the time.
Stewart's penchant for eye-catching, daring outfits made him stand out from his peers. His looks were often a mix of high-fashion and street style, blending leopard prints, leather pants, platform boots, and bold accessories. His love for bright colors, particularly shades of red, pink, and silver, added to the extravagance. The feather boas, sequins, and tight, glittering outfits he wore on stage became synonymous with the glam rock movement. He could pull off feminine touches like ruffled shirts and scarves while maintaining a distinctly masculine rock star presence, a balancing act that few other musicians mastered so effortlessly.
Rod Stewart's Signature Hairstyle
A defining element of Stewart’s look has always been his hair. The signature shag haircut, with its tousled layers and spiky edges, became as iconic as his voice. Originally influenced by mod hairstyles, it evolved into a unique look that Stewart carried throughout his career. The hairstyle became a symbol of his laid-back yet rebellious persona, influencing fans and musicians alike to adopt a similarly tousled look.
The 1980s and 1990s: Sophistication Meets Rock Star Edge
As Stewart’s music evolved through the 1980s and 1990s, so did his style. He began incorporating more sophisticated elements into his wardrobe, wearing tailored blazers, silk shirts, and fitted trousers while still maintaining his signature rock star edge. Even as his outfits became more refined, there was always a hint of flamboyance—whether through colorful patterns, bold prints, or a flashy accessory like his ever-present scarves. The leopard print that defined his glam rock days made frequent returns in this era, showing that while Stewart matured, his bold fashion sense remained intact.
The Legacy of Rod Stewart’s Style
Rod Stewart’s influence on fashion goes beyond the music industry. His ability to blend styles—combining high-fashion with a streetwise rock aesthetic—created a blueprint for future rock stars who would similarly push the boundaries of fashion. Stewart’s style was fearless, unapologetically bold, and deeply tied to his identity as an artist. He demonstrated that fashion could be an extension of music, a visual representation of the charisma and energy that defined rock ‘n’ roll.
From his early mod days to his glam rock peak and beyond, Stewart’s wardrobe choices have always been reflective of his ever-evolving persona. He didn’t just follow fashion trends—he created them. To this day, the Rod Stewart look remains iconic, embodying a spirit of rebellion, confidence, and timeless rock ‘n’ roll cool.
