What The !@#? Am I Going To Wear?
We’ve all been there—you’ve spent weeks preparing for a gig — working on the music, rehearsing with the band, and promoting on socials, only to find yourself on the big day staring at your closet thinking,
“What the !@#$ am I going to wear?”
This universal question goes beyond finding clean clothes. What we wear on stage is a powerful form of artistic expression that can visually communicate our creative spirit and artistic vision. As our manager used to say, “Look good, feel good, play good!” Though he was talking about golf, that saying applies perfectly to stage wear, too. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, that confidence transforms every aspect of your performance.
Want to create your own unique stage look? It’s easier than you think. All you need is an understanding of your visual preferences.
You already have a personal style shaped by preferences collected throughout your lifetime. Think of these preferences as a scrapbook called “Stuff I Like”—its pages would be filled with the themes, colors, textures, and images that light you up — and naturally point to the stage wear that would feel the most authentically you.
Feel like you missed out on the fashion gene? Well, here’s the good news: creating a captivating stage presence through clothing is a skill anyone can learn, regardless of their starting point.
My own starting point was pretty low. As a 70s hippie, I’d always prioritized improving my musical skills over developing a sense of fashion. My wardrobe consisted mainly of comfortable pieces found in a free box. I had to work hard to develop my sense of style for the stage. In the pre-digital era of the 1970s, fashion inspiration was as scarce as money. My husband John and I didn’t even own a TV for a while, and of course, the internet and social media didn’t exist. Fashion magazines were a luxury, leaving global style trends out of reach.
With limited resources, a tight budget, and no natural flair for fashion, creating a distinctive stage wardrobe was quite the challenge. Through trial and error, including some questionable outfit choices and seeking advice from my more fashion-forward friends and family, I eventually developed a style that felt authentically ‘me.’ And you can, too.
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
How to find inspiration for your stage wear
How to shop sustainably on a budget, finding eco-friendly alternatives to fast fashion
The importance of comfort and practicality in performance outfits
And tips for working with stylists and photographers while maintaining your artistic vision
No matter where you are in your journey as a performer, you can craft a look that’s as distinctive as your sound. As your style evolves alongside your artistry, you’ll develop a visual identity that grows with your music and truly embodies the unique artist that you are.
So, let’s get started!
A Lesson In
Fashion Faux Pas
Let me take you on a quick journey through my fashion evolution. If you weren’t born with a natural sense of style, my story will definitely give you hope!
The Early Days: Learning Through Experience
When I first started performing, my approach to stage fashion was... let’s say, less than strategic. Here I am in our first band photo — that’s me with a cigarette and sandals - not exactly the epitome of stage-ready attire. Our bass player inadvertently added some unintended humor with an open fly, while my husband John sported a cleverly placed band-aid to hide an unfortunately timed blemish. These early missteps taught me the value of having a trusted friend or team member present during photo shoots to catch any overlooked details. A second pair of eyes can make all the difference!
In our next photo shoot about a year later, we'd improved a bit. While the rest of the band was starting to look more fashion-forward, there I was with a questionable perm, sweater, and, again, sandals (?) still looking completely out of my element.
The Evolution: Finding My Style
Next, I went through what I call my "sweatshirt phase." While my bandmates were decked out in groovy '70s hats, vests, and leather jackets, I was in a plain sweatshirt. I even performed at a major stadium event wearing one—clearly mistaking basic comfort for stage-worthy style.
By the time we recorded our EP, "That's Right," I had progressed from sweatshirts to a New Wave-inspired look complete with suspenders. Better — but still not quite "it."
Money was incredibly tight back then — we'd spend the end of each month eating microwave burritos from 7-Eleven or showing up at my parents' house for dinner. Though I often blamed my poor fashion choices on our limited budget, my sister Shannon proved this was just an excuse. She had an innate sense of style and could walk into any thrift store and instantly spot a $5 Armani leather jacket. She had an eye for fashion that I completely lacked.
Looking back at these photos, I cringe at my attempts at style — basically, pants paired with suspenders, which were trendy at the time. And wouldn't you know it, this became the photograph for our single release.
Still, my style was slowly improving.
After signing with Atlantic Records, we struggled to assert our visual identity. By this time, my style was evolving—I was wearing shoulder pads, cool jackets paired with skinny pants, and cowboy boots. I was finally developing a sense of style. Then Adidas invited us for what we thought was just a promotional photo shoot with free shoes and clothes (ironically, receiving free stuff right when we could finally afford it). Little did we know that Atlantic would use these casual promotional shots as our official worldwide marketing images—a direction that completely clashed with our artistic vision.
Having heard horror stories about "difficult artists" making unreasonable demands, we were hesitant to speak up or ask crucial questions—like how the photos would be used or whether we'd have input on the final selections. In our attempt to be easy to work with, we allowed the label to dictate our image. Unfortunately, this wouldn't be the last time we made that mistake.
Then, the label hooked us up with a costume designer in Los Angeles. Compared to my sweatshirt-and-suspender days and the Adidas shoot, her designs were a major upgrade. However, despite showing her exactly what we wanted and being clear about our vision, the results weren’t what we’d hoped for. The $20,000 investment (in ’80s dollars!) resulted in just three outfits each for John and me, while the rest of our band received only a few shirts and ties. With our packed schedule, we had no time to make any changes.
The Turning Point: Taking Control
The real breakthrough came when we started actively curating our image. We began working with photographers like Hiroshi Iwaya, who understood our vision. He recognized that we wanted a more artistic look rather than a "rock" aesthetic. Our collaboration finally gave us some promotional materials that truly represented our music and style.
Sadly, right after we had finally figured out a look that felt authentic to our musical identities, we were dropped from our record label. Still, I’d learned a lot about what feels right to me that I use to this day.
I finally got smart and asked my sister, Shannon, to help with our photo shoots. As both a musician and model, she’d used her natural fashion sense to create stunning outfits and photo sessions for her own career. For more recent photo shoots, we had each band member bring several outfit options, and she helped us create a cool, unified look. The results were fantastic!
Crafting Your
Unique Stage Style
Now it’s your turn!
Begin:
Start by creating a visual collection of “Things I Like” in a physical notebook, digitally using a tool like Canva, or on Pinterest if you’re already an active user there. Think of it as your personal style scrapbook.
Fill it with images you’re drawn to: album covers that speak to you, fashion photos that make you say “YES!”, colors that light you up, and textures that intrigue you. Pinterest boards are especially great for this since you can create a section for each aspect of your style - one for colors, another for textures, and maybe one for vintage finds that inspire you.
Don’t overthink it - just collect what naturally draws you in. The beauty of this exercise is that it serves double duty — not only will it help you develop your stage style, but these visual elements can later inspire your entire artistic brand. You can use them as jumping-off points for your website design, gig posters, album artwork, and social media aesthetic. Remember, your personal taste is the thread that ties all your artistic expressions together.
Next:
Once you’ve collected your inspiration images, it’s time to turn them into actual outfits. Using a digital tool like Canva’s fashion collage maker or Adobe Express (or even good old-fashioned scissors and paper), create mood boards that combine different pieces you’re drawn to. Try mixing and matching elements from your favorite looks - perhaps pairing that cool jacket silhouette with those striking colors you love or combining different textures you’ve collected. You can even add fonts that inspire.
This visual experimentation helps you see how different elements work together before investing in actual pieces. As you play with these combinations, you’ll start noticing patterns in what you’re consistently drawn to - these patterns are the foundation of your signature style.
Once you know what makes your heart sing style-wise, you can start creating a "mix-and-match performance wardrobe" — think of it as your collection of stage-ready pieces that all play nicely together. With just a handful of well-chosen pieces that complement each other, you can create tons of different looks for the stage. Not only will this save you money, but you'll never again find yourself staring at your closet, thinking, "What the !@#$ am I going to wear?”
Here’s the fashion collage I created for this exercise:
Notice how these style elements are reflected in our recent Nu Shooz photo shoots?
Let me break down my collage into three main categories. This will help you see what to look for in your own collage later.
First, check out the color palette. Notice how I consistently gravitate towards bold, striking colors that make a sophisticated statement - deep blacks, rich reds, and metallic accents that catch the light and create contrast.
Next, look at the shapes in my outfits and accessories. You’ll see clean lines and form-fitting pieces that create a strong architectural presence on stage.
Finally, notice how the overall aesthetic draws heavily from the late 1960s modern era. The look is particularly inspired by Emma Peel from The Avengers - sleek, powerful, and effortlessly cool with a touch of spy-thriller sophistication.
Feeling inspired? OK, go! I’ll wait 🙂
Now that you have one or two outfits put together, it’s time to find them online or out in the world.
But wait!
Before we explore where to shop, here are some essential practical tips to help you choose what to put in your shopping cart.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Prioritize Comfort
Comfort is key. Choose outfits and shoes you can easily move in that won’t cause pain or discomfort after hours of wear. But comfort goes beyond just the physical; it’s about feeling confident and at ease in what you’re wearing. Here’s how this holistic approach to comfort can enhance your performance:
It gives you freedom of movement. When you’re comfortable, your body can move more naturally and expressively; it frees you to fully embody the music and your performance.
It reduces distraction. Uncomfortable clothing can pull your focus away from the performance. When you’re comfortable, you can lose yourself completely in the music.
It builds confidence and authenticity: When you feel amazing in what you’re wearing, it naturally strengthens your confidence and helps you present a more genuine version of yourself. This natural self-assurance will transform your stage presence.
Remember, the goal is to find a balance between style and comfort that allows you to perform at your best.
PRO TIP: Practice in your performance clothes. This way, you’ll know how they feel when you’re singing and moving before you hit the stage. Some performers, like the late, great Tina Turner, could somehow dance in short dresses and sky-high heels, while others, like k.d. lang, prefer to go barefoot on stage. Practice in your stage wear before you find yourself on stage feeling like you’re performing in a medieval torture device!
Adapt to Your Environment
Another thing to think about is your performance environment. You might be shivering backstage one minute, then broiling under hot lights the next. Wear layers you can easily add or remove to stay comfortable. This keeps you looking good while feeling great. Try using light sweaters, jackets, or scarves that match your style and are easy to take on and off.
These accessories aren’t just functional - they allow you to transform your look during the show. Removing a jacket or draping a scarf differently can create multiple looks from one outfit, keeping your visual presentation dynamic and engaging throughout the performance.
Consider Visual Media
Remember that your stage outfit needs to translate well in promotional photos and videos. Avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your visual impact:
Small, busy patterns that can create distracting moiré effects on video
Pure white outfits that can blow out in photos or look too stark on camera
Choose materials and designs that photograph well and look consistent across photos, videos, and live performances.
NOW it’s time to shop!
Now that you understand what to look for, it’s time to find some pieces to add to your wardrobe.
A Word About Fast Fashion
Fast fashion may be cheap, but it wastes resources, pollutes the environment, and mistreats workers. Many workers face unsafe conditions and unfair wages. Instead of supporting these practices, here are better ways to shop:
Shop secondhand first - this extends the life of existing clothing and reduces waste
Invest in high-quality items that will last
Look for sustainable brands that use eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing
As my sister Shannon showed, you can find high-quality designer pieces at thrift stores without breaking the bank. This approach is both budget-friendly and environmentally conscious.
Here’s a short list of online resale shops:
ThredUp - Wide selection of secondhand clothing at various price points
The RealReal - Authenticated luxury consignment
Poshmark - Peer-to-peer marketplace for new and used fashion
Depop - Trendy vintage and contemporary pieces popular with younger audiences
Vestiaire Collective - High-end designer resale with global reach
Here’s a short list of some sustainable fashion websites offering stage-worthy pieces:
Stella McCartney - High-end sustainable designs with bold stage presence (check resale sites for better prices)
Farm Rio - Vibrant, eye-catching, sustainable pieces ideal for stage presence
Rent the Runway - “Say goodbye to buyer’s remorse. Rent it first, then buy it if you love it.” Rental platform for designer pieces, reducing fashion waste while providing stage-worthy options
For more resources for sustainable fashion, makeup,
and performance gear, check out the
Sustainable Singer page here on my website.
Collaborate While Maintaining Vision
While it's valuable to collaborate with professionals like stylists and designers, don't lose sight of your authentic vision. Our experience with Adidas and the $20,000 costume designer shows that even well-intentioned professionals can steer you away from your desired image if you're not firm about your direction. Clear, confident communication about your aesthetic goals is essential - share your mood boards and style collages, bring reference images, and don't be afraid to say no if suggestions don't align with your vision. Remember, you're the artist, and your stage wear should authentically express your artistic identity.
Final Thoughts:
Developing your stage style is a journey. It's about finding the sweet spot where your personal taste, comfort, and artistic expression meet. Embrace the journey, learn from the missteps, and most importantly, have fun. As one of my favorite musicians, Esperanza Spalding, wisely said,
"In the performance of music, a wardrobe can color a song and help tell a story."
When you feel truly confident in your skin (and your outfit), that energy radiates through your performance, transforming your stage presence into a visual narrative that brings your musical story to life.
