Gwen Stefani's Look for Less

Chic Rock Star Style to Fit Your Budget

Jan 27, 2009 Marsha West

Get Gwen Stefani's signature style by combining bold patterns, Hollywood glam, and a dash of punk.

No Doubt’s front woman, Gwen Stefani, has been a trendsetter since she burst onto the music scene in the mid 1990s. Young fans that try to emulate her unique style have been dubbed “Gwenabees.” Gwen’s signature style has always been an eclectic mix of punk, vintage, and old Hollywood glamour. As her star rose, she even started to throw couture into her style mix. Yet, you don’t need a huge bank account to capture Gwen’s unique style – just keep these tips in mind:

Wear Houndstooth, Plaid, and Stripes

Gwen is a huge fan of British fashion designer and punk matriarch Vivienne Westwood. She can often be seen wearing one of Westwood’s expensive couture garments that usually have a houndstooth or plaid print. Striped shirts and sweaters are another trademark staple of Westwood’s fashion line.

One of the reasons Vivienne Westwood’s clothes look so good on Gwen is because they are fitted and flatter her shape. You will find many mall chain stores such as Express and the Limited that sell pants, dresses, and pencil skirts in houndstooth and plaid patterns. However, be sure to pick a flattering piece of clothing or one that can be taken to a tailor to fit your body. Clothes made out of natural fabrics such as wool and cotton look more expensive than ones made out of polyester and synthetic blends.

Get Inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour

Gwen is a fan of vintage and vintage-reproduction clothes and accessories. She is often photographed in 1940s-style cardigan sweaters and heels. She also loves anything with a leopard print, retro-looking envelope clutch purses, and glamorous statement jewelry of Hollywood’s heyday. Fortunately, vintage clothing stores are usually overflowing with girly beaded sweaters, elegant evening bags, and faux costume “bling.” Also, Gwen is never without her signature red lipstick and a 1940s hair style. Let blonde screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe or Jean Harlow be your inspiration.

Add a Few Rockin’ Accessories

Although Gwen has been an actress and is also a fashion designer, she is primarily a singer and rock goddess. As such, she loves to throw a few punky accessories into her wardrobe. Whether she’s on stage or strolling around the street, she likes belts with chains and studs. These types of belts can be purchased at Hot Topic. She has also been photographed with kitsch charm necklaces manufactured by White Trash Charms. At more casual events, she can be seen wearing a tried and true footwear favorite of California skate punks everywhere: Vans.

The copyright of the article Gwen Stefani's Look for Less in Women’s Fashion is owned by Marsha West. Permission to republish Gwen Stefani's Look for Less in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Jan 28, 2009 2:38 AM
Guest :
Just came across your article-I LOVE Gwens look although don't always quite manage to pull it off :( I came across a great vintage online shop that has some great 'Gwen-eque' dresses -this one reminds me of the dress she wore for the 'Don't Speak' video-Love it
http://www.perkuponline.com/70s-revamped-floral-day-dress-p-156.html
Great article
Toni X
Jan 28, 2009 11:04 AM
Marsha West :
I agree that Gwen's look is tough to pull off! Typically, I either really love Gwen's outfits or I hate them. There doesn't seem to be an inbetween with me. I prefer vintage "Tragic Kingdom" Gwen though. I think I heard that Gwen purchased the dress she wore in the "Don't Speak" video for $5 in a vintage shop. Then, she washed it and it shrunk. There is a similar dress like the one she wore in the "Don't Speak" video at JCPenney.com right now- American Living Dotted Knit Dress. Cute, but I'll wait 'til they reduce it more!
2 Comments