When you think of a fashion icon from the past, who is the first person that comes to mind? Marilyn Monroe? Audrey Hepburn? Edie Sedgwick, perhaps? While all three of those women have enviable styles that we absolutely love, there are so many other fashionable women that have graced the history pages.
This bi-weekly column focuses on just that: unexpected and out-of-the-box fashion icons from the past. We feature women who have not only made an impact, but also have distinct signature styles that we can still draw inspiration from today.
For the last two articles in the series, we talked about Amelia Earhart’s androgynous style and Billie Holiday’s gorgeous jazz-inspired look, and now we’ll be moving forward in history, to cover rocker Joan Jett and her gritty, totally badass sense of style. Read on to learn more about her life and unique style, then check out some outfits ideas to help you channel her look for yourself:
Table of Contents
5 Facts About Joan
- Joan Jett was born Joan Marie Larkin on Sept. 22, 1958 in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. When she was 12, Joan moved to Los Angeles with her family and received her first guitar as a Christmas gift at the age of 14.
- As a teen, Joan immersed herself in LA’s glam rock scene and in 1975 helped co-found the all-girl rock band, The Runaways.
- The Runaways recorded four albums together and their most well-known song is “Cherry Bomb.” The band went through multiple line-up changes before officially breaking up in 1979. In 2010, Joan served as the executive producer on a biographical movie about the band, called The Runaways. Joan was portrayed in the film by Kristen Stewart.
- She went solo for bit after The Runaways breakup, then in 1980, formed her band Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Together, the band recorded eight platinum and gold albums and released nine Top 40 singles, including “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Crimson and Clover,” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You“
- Joan is still performing today and released her latest compilation album, Greatest Hits, in 2010. Recently, it was announced that Joan Jett and the Blackhearts were nominated for the 2012 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Vote for them here!)
Joan’s Style 101
- Tough girl. Joan has an edgy, one-of-a-kind look that incorporates tough materials like leather, chains, studs and safety pins. Add a piece that incorporates one or more of those elements to channel Joan’s gritty style.
- Pops of bright color. While black clothes and accessories make up a majority of Joan’s wardrobe, she also adds some bright pieces for a pop of color. Red and pink are her signature shades and she often wears shoes, jackets and other items in one of those colors.
- Go glam. When it comes to performing, Joan isn’t afraid to add some over-the-top elements like sequins, exaggerated shoulders or a jumpsuit for a glam look. Mimic her look on your next night out by wearing something sparkly and statement-making.
- Jewelry junkie. Joan is definitely not a minimalist when it comes to jewelry. She piles on the necklaces and stacks tons of bracelets for an eclectic-cool look. For an authentic Joan-inspired accessory, try wrapping a bandanna around your wrist to create a unique ‘bracelet’.
Outfits for Inspiration
Cherry Bomb
Product Info: T-Shirt- Rivethead, Jeans- Topshop, Blazer- Forever 21, Necklace- Max & Chloe, Belt- Bardot, Boots- ModCloth, Ring- Nasty Gal
Bad Reputation
Product Info: Tank- Madewell, Pants- H&M, Layered Necklace- Lucky Brand, Guitar Necklace- Threadsence, Bandanna- Levi’s, Bracelet- Linea Pelle, Shoes- Converse
I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll
Product Info: Earrings- ASOS, Jacket- Buckle, Top- Buckle, Jeans- Forever 21, Booties- Piperlime, Bracelet- Topshop
What do you think?
Do you find Joan’s style inspiring? What do you think of her look? Would you wear any of these outfits? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!
Joan Jett is totally awesome! This post was amazing! I love the edgyness with the glam touches! Great article!
Love this! She’s amazing. There are so few women in rock and roll (70’s era, not 90s+) and I love that you decided to highlight one. I like all of the outfits, there are bits and pieces from each one I want!
I really in love with this clothes and I want them to have because this part what I wear normally I wear all the time and also I am the hugest fan of Joan Jett
The Best of the best…there are no others like Joan who knows how to Rock n Roll like her! Everyone forgot the main thing in her style…her eye make up is what finishes up the look! Love her
Total badass outfits! I love Joan Jett, her music and style is one of a kind! 😀
I have been dressing similar to this for years, and recently got into Joan Jett after watching The Runaways movie. She was popular in the 80s when I was a teen (I told on my age), but now I am a rocker chick myself (bassist and vocalist), the style matches me. I recently got my hair cut like hers in the 80s. I went from looking like a chubby Selena (the late Selena not Disney one), to Joan Jett over night. Joan Jett Rocks!!!!
Rock and roll music all the way! I love joan jett. I remember in highschool I wanted to dress like her just to be seen as a tough girl, then she turned into a fashion icon in my eyes. Thank you for posting this.
Love, love, love! I adore Joan Jett (although I must admit that when I saw her play at a music festival earlier this year I was a bit saddened as she wasn’t as awesome as I expected). Still love her though 🙂
I love these looks!
I’m not too big on the whole rocker vibe, but there are a few elements of the look that I do enjoy incorporating into my outfits for a little edge. I particularly love the red blazer and the black tank in the second look. They’re totally versatile pieces that could be made edgy or preppy or chic.
I loved this! I would also love to see fashion inspired by Deborah Harry from the band Blondie.
I was so happy when I saw u didi this on her. 🙂
However, what i think you are missing is that she is not just a fashion icon. She was the first woman to start an all girl rock and roll band! She is an important person in the history of an equal rights for men and women, and equal exeptance too.
Love this! Her style is amazing! Though I’ve toned down the tough now, a few years ago I loved to dress like this all the time. I still bust out the edgy clothes once in a while!
I love rock n roll is one of my favorite songs of Joan Jett:0 I especially love the edgy touch style she has.
I love Joan Jett. I think she’s totally badass and I have her music on constant replay. I wouldn’t wear a full Joan Jett outfit, I think that’s a little too edgy for my tastes. However, I do love leather jackets and rock any time I can. Great job!