Elvis Presley’s style was unique and highly influential. Elvis Presley was a revolutionary figure in music and entertainment. He was an icon of style that embraced fashion and paved the way for men’s fashion of the future. As we celebrate almost 80 years since the release of his self-titled debut, this anniversary should be marked with the biopic Elvis – which gives us an insight into his life and style. In “Elvis” directed by Baz Luhrmann, generations of fans can glimpse what inspired actor Austin Butler to portray a truly authentic version of Elvis on screen.
Austin Butler, who plays Elvis in the movie, researched extensively to recreate the look as accurately as possible. Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis on screen perfectly captured the musician’s unique style, from his jumpsuits to his 1950s buckles and billowing shirts! Learn more about Elvis’ fashion sense in this blog post.
Don’t just watch the movie; dive into the world of Elvis Presley’s style with us! Get ready to channel your inner King of Rock N’ Roll now!
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is an American musician, actor, and Sergeant in the US Army. Aaron Presley was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. He is acknowledged as one of the most influential cultural leaders of the 20th century and is known as the “King of Rock and Roll Style.” During a time of profound change in racial relations, his sexually provocative performance style, energizing song interpretations, and a particularly potent confluence of influences from all backgrounds brought him immense popularity and initial controversy.
He rose to fame with his unique blend of country, rock ‘n’ roll, and gospel music. His career spanned more than two decades, starting when he signed with Sun Records in 1954 and ending with his death in 1977. During his time on the stage and in the recording studio, he released numerous chart-topping singles such as “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Love Me Tender,” and several albums that featured a blend of musical styles from R&B to rockabilly. In addition to his work on stage, Presley has starred in 33 films and recorded hundreds of songs. He is also credited with introducing African American music genres to a broader white audience through his recording sessions covering several genres, including blues, country, and gospel music. Elvis Presley’s legacy continues today through TV specials and documentary films about his life and career featuring interviews with friends, co-stars, producers, directors, and fans.
Introduction To Elvis Presley’s Style
An iconic figure of the 20th century, Elvis Presley made every inch of his iconic fashion style count. Whether it was an all-American look on the stage or a sleek aesthetic at the movies, Elvis’s dress was always to impress. From his signature hip swivel and jumpsuits to his trademark shades and bouffant hair, Elvis’ fashionable sense defined him as a music and style icon.
As we explore some iconic moments in Elvis’ fashion timeline, let’s take a trip back in time. We’ll relive some of the most memorable outfits that The King ever wore.
Since the 1950s, Elvis Presley has been at the forefront of popular culture and fashion. His style has had a lasting impact on the rock-and-roll scene and across generations. From his teenage years in Memphis to his final performances in the late 1970s, Elvis Presley’s style reflected societal trends and his unique musical influence.
Look at how fashion evolved with Elvis Presley’s style over time.
The 1950s
Elvis’ musical success in 1956 quickly catapulted him into stardom, and his sartorial choices soon began influencing a generation. Elvis performed in the April 1956 Library of Congress advertisement on the Milton Berle Show. An audience of sailors and their dates cheered and yelled during his performance on the USS Hancock’s deck in San Diego, California. He favored bright colors, cowboy attire, leather jackets, high-waisted pants, and statement hats, all emulated by fans throughout the decade. During this era, Elvis became an unofficial brand ambassador for two clothing companies: RCA Victor Records and Capezio Shoes. His style was recognized internationally when he appeared alongside Ava Gardner in publicity photos for their movie “Jailhouse Rock.” The movie Jailhouse Rock called for the prisoners to be in denim workwear and money talks, so Elvis put up no resistance to his no-denim rule. As mentioned, this is the only instance on this list where Elvis wore denim, but he wore it so well it’s one of his signature styles.
The 1960s
As rock-and-roll gained even further traction in mainstream society during this decade, so did its influence on fashion. Elvis embraced the latest trends, such as bell-bottom jeans and military-style jackets, while staying true to his classic pieces, such as a black leather jacket and a white t-shirt. However, it wasn’t until 1969 that he began utilizing his wardrobe to showcase an appreciation of bold jewelry and accessories–including custom pieces from renowned jeweler Cartier—which would become one of his signature styles throughout the rest of his career. Additionally, his tight-fitting suits bore what is now known as “the Elvis silhouette”—consisting of pleated trousers worn with short structured jackets characterized by wide lapels and high armholes—and are still seen today as a timeless menswear classic.
The 1970s & Beyond
By 1970, Elvis had grown tired of being viewed as America’s teenage heartthrob singer/actor. Instead, he transitioned towards a more mature wardrobe featuring oversized blazers paired with black trousers or velvet suits in deep red or purple shades. This reflected not only a shift in taste but also in age.
As he ventured into Las Vegas for many extended residencies throughout this period onward into 1977, he further mixed elements from different eras, such as camp-collared shirts from the 70s with items from previous decades—in particular, Paisley printed shirts which became one of his most recognizable looks beneath billowing jumpsuits adorned with military medals. During this decade, we saw him beginning to enjoy a growing appreciation for ostentatious, over-the-top styles mirrored by his increased international fame gained through notable concerts such as Aloha From Hawaii (1973).
Today, Elvis’ signature sartorial choices remain influential in modern fashion trends. This includes platform shoes made famous by dancefloor royalty or tailored suit coats epitomized by fans worldwide aiming to emulate ‘The King.’ No matter what decade it is or what trends emerge within our ever-changing culture, the fashion legacy left behind by Elvis will undoubtedly live forever.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s style was revolutionary in the music industry, and his influence can still be felt today. Many people have a personal Elvis, and Elvis is one of the few who can claim to be an icon. Austin Butler’s outfits for his biopic “Elvis” testify to Presley’s enduring legacy!
His signature style remains iconic even in the present day and is an inspiration for countless people around the world. We urge you to watch the biopic and admire Butler’s incredible talent as he channels Elvis!
