Rock stars like the Sex Pistols, The Ramones and the Clash embodied a style of music and fashion that sought to reject the mainstream. These rock stars donned fashions with handcrafted touches and alterations like torn clothes put back together with safety pins, sometimes with handmade sayings or writing added as well. Black clothing, motorcycle jackets, torn denim and ratty t-shirts with text or slogans --- sometimes inflammatory --- were a mainstay in this type of rock star outfit.
While punk stars used safety pins on their clothing, new wave stars mixed bold and bright colors with an angular, futuristic silhouette and quirky sensibility. Devo sported shiny red plastic hats shaped like flower pots with white crewnecks and pants or metallic sports coats and pants. The B-52s took on a 60s-inspired look with beehives and high-waisted pants with modern twists like denim, sports coats and teased bangs. One of the most iconic styles in new wave was The Talking Head's David Byrne, who wore his sports jackets in white and beige without a tie, or a high-necked, single-breasted jacket with large shoulder pads.
MTV introduced a new kind of star when it debuted in 1981. Michael Jackson and those inspired by his style wore read leather jackets, a leather glove on only one hand, white socks with black pants and flat dress shoes. Stars like Prince wore their collars popped and even wore makeup, a nod to the androgynous fashion trend during the decade. Pop star Madonna defined a style of her own with black, mesh tops with visible undergarments, teased hair adorned with large headbands and bows, colorful bangles on both wrists, large dangly earrings, and short, frilly and ragged skirts. She also wore gloves, though they were tight and sometimes mesh or lace.
Heavy metal took root in the late 1970s but gained popularity during the 80s. The "hair metal" rock star had a particular look. Stars like Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, and Iron Maiden wore long, shaggy hair, often dyed, highlighted and hair sprayed. Eyeliner, lipstick and jewelry like leather wrist cuffs were typical. Bands like Kiss took on a similar style, with a "glam rock" twist that included platforms, skintight costumes embellished with rhinestones and studs and fully painted faces. Stars wore plenty of animal prints and leather.