10 Best Songs About Fashion

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No, no, no, we are not going to list David Bowie’s “Fashion” or ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” on this list. That would just be too easy. We dug in deep, trying to be a little more creative, a little more interesting. Fashion can mean many different things—it’s not just about clothing, but about attitude, identity, and the way people carry themselves. Sometimes, it’s about an unforgettable outfit that leaves a lasting impression. Other times, it’s a metaphor for power, confidence, rebellion, or even heartbreak. The songs on this list capture the many ways fashion weaves its way into music, whether through bold statements, cultural shifts, or simply a great story built around a piece of clothing.

Take “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins, for instance. It wasn’t just about a pair of fancy footwear—it was about self-respect and personal pride, a declaration that rock and roll came with its own set of rules. Similarly, “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” by The Hollies used fashion as a marker of mystery and allure, turning a black dress into a symbol of danger and seduction. In a completely different vein, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini” captured the anxiety of stepping into the spotlight, using fashion as a metaphor for self-consciousness and shifting cultural norms.

Other songs on this list highlight fashion as rebellion, like Ray Stevens’ “The Streak,” which ironically celebrates the complete lack of clothing as a statement of freedom and absurdity. And then there’s Maria McKee’s haunting “If Love Is a Red Dress (Hang Me in Rags),” a song that turns fabric into a devastating symbol of love lost—once luxurious, now reduced to ruins. Even Nigel Olsson’s “Dancin’ Shoes” taps into the emotional power of fashion, where putting on the right pair of shoes isn’t just about looking good—it’s about shedding loneliness and embracing possibility.

Each of these songs approaches fashion from a different angle, proving that clothing, or the absence of it, has always been a powerful storytelling device in music. Whether it’s a status symbol, a disguise, or an emotional anchor, fashion is never just about the fabric—it’s about what it represents.

# 10 – You Wear It Well – Rod Stewart

Fashion isn’t just about clothing—it’s about attitude, confidence, and the way someone carries themselves. That’s the essence of Rod Stewart’s “You Wear It Well,” a song that turns an old flame into an enduring symbol of grace and style. Recorded in 1972 at Morgan Studios in London and produced by Stewart and Martin Quittenton, the track was the lead single from Never a Dull Moment. Built around Quittenton’s acoustic guitar, with contributions from Ronnie Wood on electric guitar, Micky Waller on drums, and Pete Sears on piano, the song carries a rustic, folk-tinged rock feel, echoing Stewart’s earlier work with Maggie May.

Lyrically, it’s a wistful letter to a lost love, filled with sentimental memories and admiration for the way she carries herself—“You made me feel like I was the king of the world”—a perfect reflection of how personal style transcends fashion trends. Released in July 1972, it became another major hit for Stewart, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. More than just a love song, “You Wear It Well” is a testament to how presence and elegance leave a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, the way someone wears life itself is what truly matters.

# 9 – You Can Leave Your Hat On – Three Dog Night

Clothing is often about making a statement, but in “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” it becomes something far more suggestive—an accessory of seduction and power. Originally written by Randy Newman, Three Dog Night’s version was recorded in 1974 for their album Hard Labor, produced by Jimmy Ienner. Unlike the more stripped-down and brooding delivery of Newman’s original, Three Dog Night turned the song into a sultry, blues-infused rocker, with Cory Wells delivering a smoldering vocal performance over a backdrop of electric guitar, rolling piano, and slow-burning horns.

The lyrics unfold like a playful command, using the act of undressing to build tension, with the titular hat serving as the final, teasing detail: “You can leave your hat on.” While the song gained greater notoriety in later years through Joe Cocker’s 1986 rendition—immortalized in 9½ Weeks—Three Dog Night’s take gave it a livelier, more soulful spin. Though not released as a single, the track remains an overlooked gem in the band’s catalog, blending fashion, sensuality, and attitude into a song where an article of clothing becomes an instrument of desire.

# 8 – Devil With The Blue Dress On – Mitch Ryder

Few songs capture the sheer exhilaration of rock and roll quite like “Devil with a Blue Dress On,” a track that turns fashion into a force of unstoppable energy. Originally recorded as a bluesy shuffle by Shorty Long in 1964, it was Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels’ electrified 1966 version—produced by Bob Crewe and recorded at Bell Sound Studios in New York—that transformed it into a rock and soul anthem.

Paired with “Good Golly Miss Molly” in a blistering medley, Ryder’s take accelerates the tempo, backed by the relentless drive of John Badanjek’s pounding drums, Joe Kubert’s scorching guitar, and the high-voltage horn section. Lyrically, the song paints a vivid picture of a woman whose fashion choices make her the center of attention—“Wearin’ her perfume, Chanel No. 5 / Got to be the finest girl alive!”—turning a simple blue dress into a symbol of confidence, style, and allure. The single reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966, making it Ryder’s biggest hit and a staple of garage rock. More than just a party anthem, “Devil with a Blue Dress On” is proof that the right outfit doesn’t just make an impression—it starts a fire on the dance floor.

# 7 – Soup ‘N Old Clothes – Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa never did anything conventionally, and “Soup ‘N Old Clothes” is no exception. Featured on Shut Up ‘n Play Yer Guitar, a 1981 collection of instrumental guitar improvisations, the track is an intricate, free-flowing exploration of Zappa’s unparalleled musicianship. Recorded during live performances in 1979 and assembled at Zappa’s Utility Muffin Research Kitchen studio, the song showcases his ability to turn even the most abstract concepts—including its title, which playfully references fashion and sustenance—into deeply expressive art.

With Zappa’s searing guitar leading the charge, backed by Vinnie Colaiuta’s dynamic drumming and Arthur Barrow’s fluid basslines, “Soup ‘N Old Clothes” embodies the spontaneous brilliance of his live work, favoring raw emotion and technical prowess over traditional structure. Though Shut Up ‘n Play Yer Guitar was never a commercial blockbuster, it became a cult favorite, revered by guitarists and avant-garde music enthusiasts alike. In the context of fashion, the song’s title serves as a wry nod to the way style and substance are often intertwined—suggesting that, in both music and life, the best ideas sometimes come from repurposing what’s already there.

# 6 – The Streak – Ray Stevens

Fashion is usually about what people wear, but in the case of “The Streak,” it’s all about what they don’t. Released in 1974 at the height of the streaking craze—when people began running naked through public spaces as a bizarre yet rebellious fad—Ray Stevens turned the phenomenon into a comedic country-pop hit. Recorded at Ray Stevens Studio in Nashville and produced by Stevens himself, the song features his signature blend of humor and musical precision, weaving spoken-word commentary with an upbeat, honky-tonk-inspired arrangement.

The lyrics follow a befuddled eyewitness recounting multiple streaking incidents, with Stevens voicing a breathless news reporter and an exasperated husband trying to shield his wife from the chaos. Released in March 1974, “The Streak” raced to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it held the top spot for three weeks, while also topping charts in the UK and Canada. Beyond its novelty appeal, the song captured the absurdity of a real-life social trend, proving that even fleeting fashion statements—or in this case, the absence of one—can leave a lasting cultural mark.

Read More: 1974’s Best Classic Rock Albums

# 5 – If Love Is A Red Dress (Hang Me In Rags) – Maria McKee

Love and fashion are often tied together, but in “If Love Is a Red Dress (Hang Me in Rags),” Maria McKee uses clothing as a striking metaphor for heartbreak and betrayal. Recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles and released in 1994 as part of the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, the song is a stark, mournful ballad that stands apart from the film’s otherwise cool and chaotic energy. Produced by McKee herself, the track’s stripped-down arrangement allows her voice to carry the weight of its sorrow, accompanied by subtle acoustic guitar, atmospheric strings, and gospel-influenced backing vocals. Lyrically, the contrast between a luxurious red dress and tattered rags illustrates a love that once felt opulent but has been reduced to nothing.

While never a chart hit, the song’s inclusion in Pulp Fiction gave it an enduring presence, cementing its status as one of the most emotionally gripping moments in the film’s legendary soundtrack. McKee delivers every line with a quiet, seething devastation, proving that fashion isn’t just about appearance—it’s about what we carry with us long after something has faded.

# 4 – Dancing Shoes – Nigel Olson

Style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you move, and “Dancin’ Shoes” captures that effortless connection between music, motion, and emotion. Recorded by Nigel Olsson in 1978 for his album Nigel, the song was written by Carl Storie and produced by Paul Davis at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama. With its smooth, mid-tempo groove and polished production, “Dancin’ Shoes” blends soft rock and pop with a touch of blue-eyed soul, creating an atmosphere that feels both reflective and uplifting.

The song transforms the act of putting on dancing shoes into a metaphor for leaving loneliness behind, stepping into the moment, and embracing the possibilities of love and connection: “Put on your dancin’ shoes / Throw out those one-night blues.” Olsson, best known as Elton John’s longtime drummer, delivers a warm, understated vocal performance that complements the song’s breezy yet melancholic undertone. Released as a single, it became his biggest hit, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1979. More than just a song about fashion, “Dancin’ Shoes” is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a rhythm and the right frame of mind to turn things around.

# 3 – Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress) – The Hollies

A single outfit can define a moment, and in “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress),” that moment is filled with danger, intrigue, and effortless cool. Released in 1972 on Distant Light and recorded at AIR Studios in London, the track took The Hollies in a grittier, swamp-rock direction, influenced by the raw energy of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Written by Allan Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway, and produced by Ron Richards, the song tells the story of an undercover agent mesmerized by a mysterious woman in black, all set against a backdrop of crime and smoky barroom tension.

Clarke’s reverb-soaked vocals, the hypnotic guitar riff, and Bobby Elliott’s driving drums strip away the band’s signature harmonies, replacing them with a lean, bluesy intensity. Unlike their earlier, more polished pop hits, this track embraced an edgier, Americanized rock sound that resonated with audiences, pushing it to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s impact proved that style—both in music and fashion—is about more than appearance; it’s about presence, attitude, and the kind of allure that never fades.

Read More: 10 Best Songs Of The Hollies

# 2 – Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini – Bryan Hyland

A novelty song that became a cultural flashpoint, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini” turned a simple piece of swimwear into a symbol of shifting social norms. Recorded by Brian Hyland in 1960 at Bell Sound Studios in New York and produced by John Dixon, the song was written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss as a playful take on the changing attitudes toward fashion and modesty. Hyland’s youthful voice narrates the tale of a hesitant young woman too shy to reveal her daring new bikini, while the upbeat instrumentation, punctuated by doo-wop backing vocals and a bouncy rhythm, captures the lighthearted anxiety of the moment. Released in June 1960, the song shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 by August, cementing itself as more than just a summer hit—it became part of the larger cultural conversation around evolving fashion trends. Decades later, the song remains a quirky yet important moment in music history, a reminder of how clothing and confidence are often intertwined.

# 1 – Blue Suede Shoes – Carl Perkins

Fashion and rebellion collided in “Blue Suede Shoes,” a song that turned a simple pair of footwear into a symbol of attitude and self-respect. Recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis on December 19, 1955, and produced by Sam Phillips, Carl Perkins wrote and performed the track with a raw, infectious energy that captured the essence of early rock and roll. Inspired by a story from fellow Sun Records artist Johnny Cash about a soldier guarding his prized blue suede shoes, Perkins transformed the idea into a rockabilly anthem, warning anyone who dared step on his treasured footwear: “Well, you can knock me down, step in my face / Slander my name all over the place / Do anything that you want to do / But uh-uh, honey, lay off of my shoes.”

Backed by his own lead guitar, Clayton Perkins on bass, and W.S. “Fluke” Holland on drums, Perkins’ recording became a groundbreaking crossover hit, reaching number one on the Billboard country chart, number two on the R&B chart, and number three on the pop chart in 1956. Though Elvis Presley’s later version helped cement its status as a rock and roll staple, Perkins’ original remains the definitive take—a moment where fashion wasn’t just about style, but about identity, pride, and the untouchable swagger of rock music itself.

Read More: Top 10 Carl Perkins Songs

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