Written by Reese Tackett

Photography by Rishita Nannapaneni

Modeled by Mia Chei, Natalia Cordero, Annabella Diaz, Liz Eike, Cade Johnson, Hazel Leeker, Ellie McCleary, Kait Patton, Reese Tackett & Cole Vest

Music and musicians have been shaping pop culture and fashion for decades. Fall is a uniquely-aestheticized season, conjured by a variety of fashion styles that were highly  popularized by musicians. Particularly, Fleetwood Mac's boho-chic looks and the heavy, classic looks popularized by Alice in Chains have overpowered fall fashion and fueled the specific aesthetic that tends to rule the season. Pieces such as sweaters, bell bottoms, plaid, and boots work so well in the autumn weather. 

In the 1970s, the emergence of the beloved California-based, free-spirited hippie style was becoming increasingly popular. It’s still present today, with linen tops, flowy skirts, button-downs, and tall boots growing ever-popular. Though associated with the 70s, this hippie style actually originated in the 1960s. It stemmed from the counterculture movement that was focused on anti-war views, peace, anti-consumerism sentiments, and the feeling of wanting a life different from parental expectations. The phrase “make love, not war” emanated from this movement. Fashion shown to us by the rockstars of the 70s come to life during the fall with the use of bell bottoms, a linen top, or your favorite colorful jacket. A few rockstars that embodied the movement were Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, The Grateful Dead, and The Who. 

Prior to when Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974, the band's fashion from 1967-1974 was much different than what people recognize them for today. Initially, their clothes were not as free flowing, and the band wore simple colors. In 1975, the band released the album “Fleetwood Mac,” now with Nicks and Buckingham. While touring the album, the first glimpses of “Fleetwood Mac fashion” are made apparent. We began to see big bell sleeves, wide leg pants, scarves, billowy button downs, and a much looser feel to the clothes. Prior to Nicks and Buckingham, the band wore shirts and pants that didn’t have much give or show much pattern. Nicks remains a fashion icon, known for her platform boots, lace, velvet, patterns, scarves, and shawls. 

After their success, the band got to work on their eleventh studio album, “Rumours.” The title was fitting considering there was intense emotional turmoil during the making of the record. Problems with infidelity, intensified by a drug-fueled lifestyle, made it difficult to finish the album. They had no idea that this emotionally-charged, raw album would change rock ‘n’ roll forever and become one of the best selling albums of all time. Somehow, the band managed to stay together to release “Tusk” in 1979, which perfectly captures the essence of fall and the witchy feeling of a cool breeze.

Many other bands in the 1970s were inspired by the free-spirited fashion, including Heart, who had a romantic twist on the style, filled with vests and patterns. Led Zeppelin also had their own take, still incorporating free flowing tops, but generally paired them with a high waisted bell bottom. Led Zeppelin epitomized the “rockstar style.” Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix also helped pioneer this style in the late 1960s, but had his own psychedelic, colorful, eccentric, twist on the counterculture. 

On the other side of the musical spectrum, grunge was being born in Seattle during the late 1980s from loud drums and distortion pedals. Grunge is a subculture formed out of concern for social justice and rejection of societal norms and its lyrics can be used as a form of protest. While the music is often loud and in your face, the fashion is more reserved. Grunge fashion focuses on a few main ideas: layering, rips, oversized fits, and an unpolished overall look. It’s still debated who exactly had the first grunge album, but the 1985 EP “Come On Down” by Green River is widely recognized as the first. 

Around this time, Nirvana was in its early years. For $600 they made their 1989 debut album, “Bleach.” However, after the release of “Nevermind” in 1991, they saw great success. Their song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” took the world by storm and put grunge in the forefront of the charts. Nirvana had an undeniable impact on the world of fashion — everyone wanted to dress like Kurt Cobain with his iconic sweaters, cardigans, striped shirts, distressed jeans, and the famous circle sunglasses. 

Alice in Chains also helped birth grunge fashion. Members of Alice in Chains were often seen in ripped jeans, band tees, leather jackets, flannels, and a mess of hair. These pieces work well in the everchanging fall weather because of the comfortable layering possibilities. Alice in Chains really showcases grunge at its grittiest — their music is heavy, musically and lyrically. In their personal lives, the band battled drug addiction, which translated into their music. They wanted to write songs to shed light on the glorification of drug addiction that had sadly taken many musicians of the grunge community. This can be heard on their albums “Dirt” and “Jar of Flies.” 

Both Alice in Chains’ 1996 MTV Unplugged and Nirvana’s 1994 MTV Unplugged performances capture the essence of grunge beautifully. They showcase that grunge can simply be jeans and baggy sweaters. Grunge fashion itself is all about rejecting societal norms and opting for more androgynous looks. Grunge-looking clothes can easily be found secondhand in thrift stores — or more likely — your parents’ basement. Both movements are big on anti-consumerism and staying conscious of environmental impacts while refining these styles is essential to the aesthetic.

During the everchanging fall weather, both of these music-related fashion phenomena suit the season well with layers, jackets, flannels, scarves, and so much more. Understanding the history behind the movements gives insight to how the fashion came to be and exactly why it’s still so relevant to this day. Whether it's a 70s afghan coat or a grungy leather jacket, the options for accessorizing the season are endless.