The evenings are bright and enduring, the air is warm, the sun out in its bright, bellowing glory - and there's a sense of optimism in the air.
Yes, summer is here.
Summer is a time to go wild, it's a time to get out there in the sun and celebrate being alive - and of course, it's a time for pool parties. But, over the years, pool parties have become less free-spirited and festival-like, and more of a 'glam' event for oiled posers - not very rock & roll at all.
Less Woodstock and more Jersey Shore, pool parties can be off-putting for rock & rollers looking to have fun without selling out. Having said that, we'd hate for you to miss out on an epic pool party because you feel forced to conform - so here are three essential pool party fashion tips that will empower you to attend the aquatic ball while staying true to your rock & roll roots.
Let's get started.
Swimsuits: Find Your Edge
A pool party is a chance to lose your inhibitions and sway to the beat of a carefree drum - so a little confidence will go a long way.
Rock & roll is all about staying true to yourself, finding your unique edge and putting two fingers up to society. That said, the best thing you can do when picking out your rock & roll pool party outfit is to be bold in your choices.
Naturally, the foundations of your pool party ensemble will be your swimsuit. Ladies and gentlemen, to ensure you stand out while remaining 100% rock & roll, you should conduct a little research on what's 'en vogue' in the pool party fashion scene this season - and avoid these garments like the proverbial plague.
Armed with your newfound knowledge of what not to wear, you should look for swimsuits or shorts that are not only unique but call out to you on a personal level.
If you stay true to yourself, finding your edge will be easy: swimsuits with skull prints, polka dots, offbeat patterns, shark teeth (cool, right?), band emblems or deliciously dark color schemes are about as rock & roll as they come.
Keep your eyes peeled alternative swimsuits with attitude, think about what suits your shape, musical tastes and personality - and before you will have found your pool party edge.
PoolParty Essentials: Accessories
Any solid pool party goer enhances their look with accessories - and if you're a rock & roller, this is no exception.
Accessories are the best way of showcasing the nuances of your personality, as well as your unrelenting rock & roll style.
You cannot go to a pool party (even if it's cloudy) without a pair of shades. Classics such as Aviators or Wayfarers are real rock & roll favorites but if you want to go one step further, goggles or edgy sunglasses sporting weird lens patterns and unusual shapes will serve to make your look all the more original.
Also, bracelets, necklaces, hairpins, sew on patches for your swimsuit, dark muscle tops, gothic, off-beat beach maxis and if you can handle it, even vintage denim or leather jacket will complement your ensemble perfectly (it will also keep you warm later when the sun goes down and you have mild sunstroke).
Rock & roll is all about creativity and self-expression - and with your accessories, here's your chance to push your out-of-the-box-thinking flair to the limit.
Head & Toes Matter
An extension of your accessorizing efforts, when going to a pool party - rock & rock-style - you should pay particular attention to your head and toes.
Not only is this important in a functional sense (you don't want to cut open your foot on a stray glass or get your face chargrilled by the sun, after all), but hats and footwear as cool as f...
When it comes to shoes and hats, the sky really is the limit. Choose a bandana, sport a baseball cap with an edgy logo, put on a studded pork pie or flaunt a giant fedora - whatever you do, just do you. And when it comes to footwear, a classic pair of Converse sneakers, leather sandals or even a big old chunky pair of leather DM-style boots will do the trick.
Alongside your edgy swimsuit, your expressive accessories and your shades, your rock & roll hat & shoe selection will complete your look, showcasing your commitment to the cause while preventing you from getting dazzled or burned by the sunshine.
"Rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me. I can't help it." - Elvis Presley
This summer, wear your pool party outfit loud, wear it proud, choose what's right for you - and don't give a single care to what anyone else thinks, not for a moment - stick it to the man (or stick it to the 'glam'), have the time of your life - and don't forget to bring along your sunscreen.
For more rock & roll inspiration, check out our guide to punk clothing and the icons that wear it.
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