The big question when it comes to this weekend’s Macy’s Glamorama fashion show: What to wear? After seven years of attending the show, one of the things I always look forward to is dressing to the year’s theme. For the 2007 show, which featured country music performers Big and Rich and Gretchen Wilson, I donned a peach Loretta Lynn-inspired vintage pleated ruffled dress. For the MC Hammer-Cyndi Lauper-headlined show in 2008, I offered an ode to Hammer pants.
This year, I decided to riff on the “Fashion Rocks” theme with a rock ‘n roll-inspired look custom-designed by local designer Max Lohrbach, inspired, in part by the Chanel Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear collection–a little bit pretty, a little bit punk.
So I thought it’d be fun to offer up some fashion inspiration for this year’s show from some of rock’s style icons, featuring items selected from Macy’s as well as local boutiques and designers.
Inspiration: Patti Smith
Just because it’s a fashion show doesn’t mean you have to wear a dress. Take a cue from the rock icon’s signature look in slouchy-chic separates, like this long tuxedo jacket and tuxedo-stripe track pants. Add a little glam with some sexy peep-toe boots and minimalist, geometric jewelry.
Alice + Olivia Long Tuxedo Blazer, $396 @ shopbop.com
Calvin Klein Tuxedo-Stripe Track Pants, $79.50 @ Macy’s stores & macys.com
Knot Sisters 1991 Tee, $29.99 @ Parc Boutique & parcboutique.com
GUESS Ollay Sandals, $60 (on sale) @ Macy’s stores & macys.com
Sarah Loertscher Mila Necklace, $500 @ Walker Art Center & shop.walkerart.org
Inspiration: Florence Welch
For a look that’s both free-spirited and très chic, take a page from the statuesque Florence and the Machine singer and go bohemian glam in a ’70s-inspired floral-print maxi dress, eclectic jewelry and platform sandals.
Free People First Kiss Floral-Print Maxi Dress in Black Combo, $109.99 (on sale) @ Macy’s stores & macys.com
MICHAEL Michael Kors London Platform Sandals, $175 @ Macy’s stores & macys.com
Stephanie Lake Design Jumbo Gem Pendant, $365 @ stephanielakedesign.com
Stephanie Lake Design Peau de Soie Wristlet with Monumental Serpent, $425 @ stephanielakedesign.com
Annika Kaplan Green Sapphire, Large Opal Fan & Sterling Silver and Lapis Rings, $170-240 each @ shopmille.com
Inspiration: Gwen Stefani
Give a vintage ska-punk look a sexy, glam edge with strappy stiletto boots, chain-inspired jewelry, and red, red lips.
Assymetrical Double Layer Tank, $48 @ Cliché & clichempls.com
Free People Plaid Straight-Leg Trousers in Red Combo, $128 @ Macy’s stores & macys.com
Steve Madden Lauper Booties, $89.99 (on sale) @ Macy’s stores & macys.com
Chain Link Cuff, $25 @ shop.walkerart.com
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $16 @ Macy’s stores & macys.com
Macy’s Glamorama takes place at 8 p.m. Friday, August 1, at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Tickets range from $75 to $1000. Visit macys.com/Glamorama for more.
[All images via the listed websites]