Finding their inspiration on the runway or in magazines, many artists have sung about fashion, but only a handful of them have truly managed to capture the essence of style in their songs. Discover the top 10 songs about fashion, from artists who are really passionate about their style.
From the swinging ‘60s to modern hip-hip, here are some of the best songs about fashion, in which artists express their adoration for the visuals that helped them find musical inspiration.
10. Nancy Sinatra – These Boots Are Made For Walking
The timeless ode to sexy boots, Nancy Sinatra’s song remains one of the most powerful fashion statements of the ‘60s. It was the song that inspired Sinatra to name her first album “Boots” and topped charts all over the world. It was later covered by many artists from different genres, including Geri Halliwell, Megadeth and Jessica Simpson.
9. Kanye West – Dark Fantasy
The rapper namedrops quite a few designers in his collaboration with Jay-Z “Ni**as in Paris”, but “Dark Fantasy” is Kanye’s more suitable contribution to the best songs about fashion. Referencing one of his favorite designers in the lyrics (“And my chick in that new Phoebe Philo”), Kanye created a musical fantasy inspired by his own perception of fashion.
8. RuPaul – Supermodel
Starting out as a gay anthem, “Supermodel” quickly went mainstream, becoming one of RuPaul’s biggest hits. The lyrics tell the story of a young black supermodel and it’s basically an one to modeling and the transformative power of fashion. In the song, RuPaul gives a shout-out to the biggest supermodels on the ‘90s, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington.
7. Justin Timberlake – Suit & Tie
Timberlake loves dressing up and his hit song “Suit & Tie” is definitely one of the best songs about fashion. From expressing his love of fatty ties to singing about a good tuxedo, Justin managed to create one of the most powerful odes to looking and feeling good about your style.
6. Kreayshawn – Gucci Gucci
The incredibly successful debut single from hip hop artist Kreayshawn takes a different approach to examining fashion, calling out the connection between superficiality and big name brands. Gucci, Prada and Fendi all get called out for being the go to choices for “basic b******” who think wearing designer handbags translates to value as a person.
5. Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans
While it’s not an obvious choice for the top 10 songs about fashion, Lana Del Rey’s song uses style metaphors to highlight how deceiving looks can be. “You were sorta punk rock, I grew up on hip hop, But you fit me better than my favourite sweater,” Lana sings about her lover, admitting that his blue jeans were a bit part of the attraction.
4. Weezer – Undone – The Sweater Song
“If you want to destroy my sweater, Hold this thread as I walk away,” Weezer sings on one of their most iconic songs. It’s the quintessential sweater song, even as it creates a deeper metaphor, relating fashion to an unhealthy relationship in a way that’s both sad and very melodic.
3. Amy Winehouse – F** Me Pumps
Before she became an international superstar, Amy Winehouse took a strong stance against women dressing up for men on her first album. “When you walk in the bar, and you dressed like a star, rockin’ your F me pumps,” Amy sings about women that she feels pity for. Going deeper than most songs about fashion, Winehouse managed to highly a darker side of style.
2. David Bowie – Fashion
“Fashion! Turn to the left. Fashion! Turn to the right. Ooooh, fashion! We are the goon squad and we’re coming to town,” Bowie sings in one of his most memorable songs. The artists known for his drastic transformations questions the meaning of fashion and following trends without having an actual connection to the clothes you’re wearing.
1. Madonna – Vogue
Namedropping some of the biggest fashion icons of the past century, including Marilyn Monroe, “Vogue” takes its name from a type of dance, but the songs oozes style in ever verse, as it takes the no. 1 spot among the vest songs about fashion. The message of the song relates to finding your own beauty and style ideal, not getting it from the cover of Vogue magazine without a second thought.
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