Indie style is a retro way of dressing comprising vintage and handmade clothing and accessories with aesthetics from the Bohemian subculture and independent, alternative music scene.
Main Indie patterns are buffalo checks, plaids, abstract designs, and floral prints, while the textures resemble the worn-in feel of a chambray shirt, a hand-knit sweater, or the pebbled surface of a leather satchel.
The Indie style is all about conveying a feel of unique retro aesthetics by combining rock band tees from the 70s, vintage Levi’s 501 jeans, checkered flannel shirts, embroidered denim jackets, classic Converse, fedora hats, hand-tooled belts, and necklaces.
Let’s explore 3 handpicked outfits depicting the Indie look to perfection and the instructions regarding the garments, footwear, and accessories you need to create them.
1. Indie Sleaze
The Indie Sleaze outfit encapsulates the raw, edgy ethos of Indie style, reminiscent of the gritty late 2000s indie music scene.
Central to this look is a vintage Pixie band logo t-shirt from Urban Outfitters, evoking the retro vibe of Indie fashion, paired with Levi’s distressed straight-leg jeans, a brand renowned for authentic vintage feel and enduring quality.
Add a Schott NYC brown double-breasted wool pea coat and accessorize with an All Saints silver cross necklace and handmade braided fabric bracelets from Etsy artisans to enhance the outfit’s bohemian rock sensibility.
Footwear is a pair of Cariuma high-top camel suede sneakers, grounding the outfit with their laid-back yet fashionable design.
2. Indie Biker
The Indie Biker outfit combines the rebellious edge of biker attire with the laid-back cool of indie fashion.
Start with a biker leather jacket from Saint Laurent or All Saints and a casual band t-shirt, ideally an official The Strokes piece, to anchor the ensemble in Indie music heritage and distressed Levi’s denim shorts.
Accessorize with vintage-like pieces like a Brixton wide-brim Panama hat, a leather strap watch from Tom Peterson, and a grey messenger bag from Herschel.
Completed with Dr. Martens sturdy ankle leather boots with a slight heel for an iconic Indie vibe.
3. Cute Indie
The Cute Indie outfit juxtaposes classic indie elements with a youthful charm.
Begin with an oversized cardigan from Acne Studios or Rag & Bone as a cozy and relaxed layer over a graphic t-shirt, such as one from the official merchandise of Pretty Green.
Complement with a blue and black plaid pleated skirt, reminiscent of classic British punk, from retailers like Topshop or ASOS.
Finally, add a touch of grunge with army ankle boots from Dr. Martens, which bring durability and a strong character to the look.
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Championing sustainability and veganism from Sao Paulo to London, Ana Alves is a dynamic force in the fashion and beauty industry. With a decade-long writing career, Ana’s compelling narratives on sustainable fashion have graced the pages of Forbes, Wired, Vanity Fair, and more. Ana’s journey spans key roles at Unilever and Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, where she honed her marketing acumen. As an Editorial Contributor at WTVOX and Fashion & Style Editor at The VOU, Ana shapes the discourse on sustainable fashion.
