How To Dress Like Alex James from Blur - Britpop Fashion

Alex James, the effortlessly cool bassist of Blur, wasn't just known for his bass guitar skills but also for his distinctive style that perfectly encapsulated the Britpop era. To dress like him is to walk a fine line between rock 'n' roll rebellion and British charm. Let's dive into the essentials for capturing the Alex James look with all the style.

In Blur, Alex James was the epitome of Britpop cool, often seen in leather jackets, coach jackets, skinny jeans, and statement shirts. His style was a blend of rock 'n' roll edge and British sophistication, accessorized with classic sunglasses and Chelsea boots, embodying the laid-back yet fashionable spirit of the 90s.

1. The Leather Jacket - The Rock Star Essential

Every aspiring Alex James should start with a leather jacket. It's the epitome of rockstar cool. Look for a classic black biker jacket that looks like it could tell a few stories. Brands like AllSaints or Schott are perfect for finding this essential piece.

2. The Skinny Jeans - Embrace the Tight

Skinny jeans are a staple in the Britpop wardrobe. Go for a pair that's snug but not restrictive, ideally in a classic blue or jet black. Brands like Levi's or Cheap Monday offer great options that scream indie rockstar.

3. The Statement Shirts - Bold and Bright

Alex was known for his eye-catching shirts. Think floral, paisley, or any print that stands out. They should be loud enough to make a statement but not so loud as to drown out your bass playing. Ted Baker and Paul Smith are great places to start your search.

4. The Chelsea Boots - Sleek and Stylish

A pair of Chelsea boots adds the perfect amount of sophistication to the rock 'n' roll look. Opt for classic black or brown leather. Brands like Dr. Martens or Clarks offer durable and stylish options.

5. The Sunglasses - Cool and Collected

Sunglasses are a must for any rockstar, especially if you're emulating Alex James. Classic styles like Ray-Ban Wayfarers or Aviators will help you nail the look.

6. Bass Guitar Accessories - A Nod to the Craft

While you don't need to carry around a bass guitar to get the Alex James look, a small nod to his instrument wouldn't hurt. Think keychains, pins, or even a poster for your room.

7. The Hair - Just Right

The key to Alex's hair was its seemingly effortless style. Aim for a look that's casual but well-maintained. A bit of hair wax can help achieve this balance.

8. Coach-styled jackets

These jackets add a sporty, yet retro feel to the ensemble, reflecting James's knack for mixing classic rock elements with contemporary, athletic-inspired pieces. They're perfect for creating a look that's both relaxed and stylishly on-point.

9. The Attitude - Effortlessly Cool The final and most crucial element is the attitude. Alex's style was as much about his demeanor as it was about his clothes. Stay laid-back, cool, and maybe a little mysterious.

Shopping List:

• Leather Jacket: AllSaints, Schott
• Skinny Jeans: Levi's, Cheap Monday
• Statement Shirts: Ted Baker, Paul Smith
• Chelsea Boots: Dr. Martens, Clarks
• Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
• Bass Guitar Accessories: Fender Keychain
• Hair Wax: Bed Head by TIGI

Dressing like Alex James is about balancing rock 'n' roll edge with a touch of British sophistication. It's about choosing pieces that are as cool and collected as the bass lines he played. Keep it simple, stylish, and always with a hint of that Britpop flair.

Britpop Fashion 101- Tips and Trends

Who says you can't look like a 90s kid again? With winter coming up, it's time to put on some new clothing and update your wardrobe. Since we're all massive Blur and Damon Albarn fans, we've got some Britpop style tips for you to look like you walked straight out from a magazine in the heights of the British pop, grunge era. Here are 6 essentials you need to look like a proper Britpop kid again.

1. Leather loafers- shiny navy loafers like the ones you can get from Trendeo (a great British shop with many cheap apparel) is a Britpop fashion essential. You can see loafers being worn by bands like Suede, Elastica, Echo and the more grungey/ preppy bands of the 90s. In fact, loafers are one of Graham Coxon's staple pieces, since he's always

Navy Leather Loafers- Trendeo- £23.95

2. Harrington Jackets - Noel and Liam Gallagher were huge fans of the Harrington, a classic piece. In fact, it is probably the most worn item by Blur’s Damon Albarn. Usually worn by American singers like Steve McQueen, James Dean and Frank Sinatra, the 90s saw the coat revived and celebrated as a British design classic. It was first produced in Manchester by outwear makers Baracuta in the 30s. This cropped, short jacket usually comes with stripes and is perfect for formal occasions, as well as more casual looks.

3. White Trainers- or more specifically, Nike trainers with a huge logo on the side. Damon Albarn is known for his slouchy sweaters and white Nike trainers in his music videos, including his signature look in the Beetlebum music video. White trainers give any outfit a slightly laid-back vibe, which matches with the hazy, psychedeli, new age mood of the 90s. In the photo below, you can see that Damon Albarn pairs his trainers with blue jeans (note the Blur song reference), which makes it extra Britpop-looking.

4. Fred Perry - famous for their preppy, collared t-shirts for men, Fred Perry is the go-to brand for Britpop fashion. In fact, they're still selling pieces that can make you look casual, stylish yet put together at the same time. Fred Perry's polo t-shirts are Damon Albarn's signature pieces- you rarely see him without a Fred Perry tee in most of the Blur gigs.

5. Oversized Coat- for the Britpop ladies out there, it can get freezing cold in the UK. One of the most popular trend in the 90s was a giant, oversized waterfall coat which can be wrapped up around the waist. These quintessential, British pieces were seen on stylish celebrities such as Liam Gallagher in the 90s. This trend is more of a style for women, since Britpop boys usually wore shorter jackets.

 

Oversized Beige Waterfall Coat- Trendeo - £53

6. Tweed - another classic Britpop material, tweed is old fashioned but still super in during the 90s era. It was a favourite of Graham Coxon, the eccentric guitarist of Blur. He is known for his Tweed coats, pants and even suits. In fact, Graham Coxon used to post on the official Blur forums under the nickname "Tweedo"- which was a surprise to all the fans! Definitely shows his love for tweed.

Damon Albarn, Justine Frischmann and Graham Coxon's definitely got these wardrobe staples in their closets (or at least used to). Hope you like these tips!