How to Look Like Joan Jett: 12 Steps

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

During the 1970s and 1980s, Joan Jett pioneered the Los Angeles glam-rock scene and was the leader of the all-female rock group The Runaways. Musically, Joan Jett has achieved both critical and popular success, first with the Runaways and then as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. She has since been recognized as a forerunner of the punk riot-grrrl movement of the 1990s. Style-wise, Joan Jett was equally iconic, inspired other artists and influenced both urban street style and the fashion of the great designers. Find out how to borrow Joan Jett's look and rock your day.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Hairstyle

Step 1. Keep your hair short and voluminous

Joan Jett's signature hair is dark and chin-length, but you don't have to dye yourself jet black to look like her, nor do you have to copy her signature length - your hair can be short (like a pixie cut) or long (like a bob. shoulder height). The key to having Joan Jett's bold hairstyle is structure.

Ask your stylist to make your cut as choppy as possible. Bring a photo of Joan Jett to make sure she understands what you mean; it will cut your hair to get that uneven look and also create some bangs

Step 2. Use everyday styling products at home

With the right haircut, trimmed with the razor, your daily styling routine shouldn't be too complicated, but there are some tools and products that will be useful to have on hand.

Even if your hair is naturally straight, you should use a straightener to accentuate the uneven strands and make the overall look more showy.
Be creative with non-sticky gels, hair waxes and sprays to make your edgy look last longer.

Step 3. Experiment with color

If you want Joan Jett's signature black, try a semi-permanent treatment (at home or at the hairdresser) first. This way, you can make sure the change isn't too radical for you.

If you don't like dark shades, consider dyeing one or more strands of bright colors. This half-length type adds a punk touch to your look without forcing you to think about a complete overhaul of your color.
When choosing a bright color, have your hair professionally bleached before applying the dye. Doing whitening at home is possible, but you will get the best and safest results at a beauty salon.

Part 2 of 3: Make-up

Step 1. Master the smoky eye

Be bold: Don't be afraid of getting dark, smudged eyes. It's part of Joan Jett's signature aggressive style and will complement the rest of your look.

Start with a primer, which prevents smudging or build-up of makeup in the pleats. Then apply the concealer on the lid and under the eyes to eliminate dark circles and start with a smooth, even surface.
Apply dark eyeshadow to the lids, from the lashes to the crease. Make sure you blow on the brush first to remove excess dust. Using a small angled brush, apply the eyeshadow to the lower lash line.
Blend the edges of the eyeshadow. You can use a cotton ball or a small brush. Remember that the "smoky eye" should not have sharp edges.
Outline the upper eyelid with a pencil. This means that the line must be so close to the lashes that there is no visible skin between it and the lashes themselves.
Add a medium shade eyeshadow on top of the dark one and blend it at the top, towards the crease of the eye. The color should be dark towards the lashes and lighten as you move towards the crease until it becomes almost transparent. Make sure you blend and lighten any very noticeable lines.
To complete your look, don't forget to curl your lashes and apply mascara.

Step 2. Moderate your cheek makeup

Face makeup doesn't have to rival your bold eyes, so the rest of the makeup needs to be lighter. Brushing a little earth or a light blush should be enough to highlight the cheekbones, while allowing your eyes to receive all the attention.

Don't be afraid to look pale! While a nice tan has been in vogue for a couple of decades now, Joan Jett's look is undoubtedly pale. Such a tone will offset the flashy colors and texture of your hair, as well as the dark and metallic tones of your overall look

Step 3. For the lips choose a matte nude lipstick

If you take a look at some photos from Joan Jett's career, you'll find that her smoky eyes makeup was almost always paired with matte nude lips.

While nude lips are typical of Joan Jett, feel free to experiment with crimson shades and darker browns. Joan Jett's early career has positioned her firmly in the glam rock scene as well as in the punk rock scene; she has often identified David Bowie, a great lover of lipstick, as her own style icon.
Try a matte liquid lipstick for maximum coverage and minimal retouching.

Part 3 of 3: Clothing

Step 1. The right pair of jeans is the foundation of your outfit

As Joan Jett's career spanned several decades, she has used all the colors, patterns and cuts of denim over the years. Whether it's boot cut, flared, skinny or straight leg, any jean cut can convey Joan Jett's tough retro style. The secret to making any pair of jeans fit is shape and color.

As a general rule, opt for darker washes of blue, slate gray, or black denim. Lighter washes may work if you're looking for an old-school style like Ramones, but make sure they're obviously stone washed, bleached, or otherwise vintage.
Regardless of the cut of jeans you choose, opt for a fitted leg. Skinny jeans and slim straight leg jeans look great with Joan Jett's signature sneakers, but boot cut and flared jeans can also make you look slender and elegant when worn correctly.
Be creative. Worn details or cuffs on your jeans can make your Joan Jett inspired outfit more interesting. If your jeans look a little corny or plain, consider customizing them with safety pins, metal studs, or a DIY bleach bleach.

Step 2. Dress in layers at the top for maximum effect

Joan Jett's style is notoriously androgynous, so the key to mimicking her look is to balance feminine and masculine items.

For the bottom layer choose a black tank top or a white men's tank top, which goes with everything. If it seems a little too bold a choice, a lace tank top or a rock band t-shirt will do just as well.
Put a biker leather jacket, baggy sweater, or masculine blazer over the bottom layer. Dark colors should dominate your outfit, but throw in a few pops of color here and there, especially red, orange and pink, to enhance your look.

Step 3. Put on Chuck Taylor sneakers or boots

Joan Jett also wore heels from time to time, but her signature look was with Chuck Taylor.

While Chucks come in all shades and prints, opt for a darker style to match your jeans.
If you don't feel like wearing sneakers, a pair of combat boots or biker boots will always work. For a cheaper alternative to real leather, opt for a pair of faux leather ankle boots.
If you want Joan Jett's glam-rock concert look, retro glitter wedges or platform heel ankle boots pair perfectly with a low-rise jumpsuit or other exaggerated outfits.

Step 4. Complete the outfit with bold and eclectic jewelry

Joan Jett's style largely depends on her jewelry and additional tailoring details. Anything that looks bulky and metallic is a must; you certainly can't go wrong with leather or imitation leather inserts.

As a necklace, choose a black or suede leather choker. Alternatively, you could wear a heavy chain or necklace with a nameplate.
As for bracelets, you have to abound! Chunky leather studded cuffs or piles of bangles (or both!) Will always go beautifully in your Joan Jett inspired outfit.

Step 5. Complete your jeans with a black studded leather belt

Joan Jett's black belt has become part of the rock'n'roll tradition. Legend has it that she gave her favorite Runaways belt to Sid Vicious who, in turn, wore it until her untimely death. So don't forget this essential when choosing your outfit for the day.