Glam rock gets a grown-up vibe

Bobbie Thomas TODAY Style Editor

This season, rock gets reinvented with chic, sophisticated styles. Fitted black dresses, lots of leather, glitz and glitter, and fabulous footwear take over the fashion stage to make up the “cool” clothing of the moment. But make no mistake, modern designers have streamlined the trend, and with an abundance of accessories to try, women of all ages can add a little edge. So put your notions of punk aside, and look out for fashions that are glamorous and grown-up, with a little bit of attitude. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz for “In Touch Weekly,” highlights her favorite glam rock pieces: 

Nicole Miller/Nordstrom.com

Sleek-and-slinky pieces
Last fall we fell for volume, but this season we slip back into some sleek silhouettes. While fitted frocks like the little black dress and skinny pants are the foundation for this ultra-chic trend, simple suits and and tailored pieces are staples. Look for details like exposed zippers and subtle hardware to up the ante on your black basics. Less is more, and anything lean and mean will create a canvas for your glam rock look.  So rather than hiding under heavy clothing this autumn, why not embrace the excuse to flaunt your figure? Show off your shape, and roll with confidence.

Chic shine
Metallics have been hot for quite some time, and this season the sheen factor is in full effect. Get ready for glossy fabrics and all-over glitz, as well as accents like sophisticated sequins and studs. Sequins are second to none when it comes to shine, but the best way to keep it classy is to seek out deep hues like black or jewel tones. Bloomingdales.com offers plenty of sparkle from French Connection and Carmen Marc Valvo, while the Metallic Trapeze dress by A.B.S. ($188; macys.com) is also a great example of sophisticated shimmer. 

CCSkye.com

And the must-have of the moment, thanks to designers like Burberry and Be&D, studs are showing up on every accessory out there, from clutches and cuffs to shoes and boots. Oversized studs look best on jewelry and accent pieces like CC Skye’s belts and bracelets ($198-$380; ccskye.com), while smaller studs like those on the Studded Silk Jersey Mini Dress from Catherine Malandrino ($545; saks.com) and Michael by Michael Kors Woman Goddess Dress ($160; Macys.com), give a glamorous vibe to an otherwise simple style. 

Little leather jackets
The little leather jacket sings glam rock like no other piece of clothing, and contemporary brands like Mike & Chris and Rock & Republic are offering a variety of styles that would make a modern-day Pink Lady proud. Cropped and fitted versions are the best way to wear the trend, and edgy elements like slits, snaps and grommets complete the chic statement.

In addition to jackets, leather skirts and even leather pants are all hot once again. Spiegel.com offers a variety of affordable options — from a croco-textured pencil skirt to their Shape Fx leather boot-cut pant with built-in power-mesh control liner!  And for those in search of a very special splurge, check out Thomas Wilde’s studded Clyde Beauty Leather Jacket ($3,500; eluxury.com).

Pointy pumps and spiked heels
Footwear has found its way out of the ladylike look and back to killer kicks with the infusion of glam rock. So if you’re looking to try out the trend, put your ballet flats aside, and pull out your pointiest pumps. And for another great way to go glam rock below the gams, check out spiked heels and even the ultra-popular edgy ankle boot. From designers to discount, there are plenty of brands and styles to choose from. Keep in mind, though, the key to capturing the glam rock vibe is simple — if they look dangerous, they’ll do the trick. 

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