Each month, I join my lovely co-hosts Marsha and Shelbee for our Songful Style challenge, where we take a song and use it as inspiration for an outfit. It’s always so interesting to see how the same piece of music can lead us in completely different directions style-wise. Last month’s pick was mine — Carry On Wayward Son — which was such a fun one to play around with. This month, Marsha chose I Love Rock ’n Roll by Joan Jett, and it’s definitely brought out a slightly more rebellious, rock-inspired side! As always, don’t forget to pop over and see what Marsha and Shelbee have put together — I love seeing how uniquely we all interpret the same song.
There’s something about I Love Rock ’n Roll that just doesn’t age. It still feels gritty, confident, and a bit rebellious in the best possible way.
Joan Jett’s version, released in 1981 with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, wasn’t actually the original. It was first recorded in 1975 by The Arrows. Joan heard it while she was touring England with The Runaways and clearly thought, “I’m having that.” And thank goodness she did, because her version is the one that stuck in all our heads forever.
It went to number one and stayed there for weeks, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. It’s simple, catchy, and has that slightly raw edge that makes it feel real rather than overly produced.
And then, years later, it had another moment thanks to Britney Spears, who covered it in the early 2000s for the film Crossroads. I remember hearing it at the time and thinking it felt completely different — more polished, more pop — but it introduced the song to a whole new audience. It’s funny how songs can have multiple lives like that.
Now, the music video… it’s so simple, but that’s exactly why it works. Black and white, set in a bar, nothing flashy — just Joan Jett leaning, playing, existing, and somehow completely owning the room without even trying.
And I don’t know if this is just me, but every time I watch it, I can’t unsee how much she looks like Noel Fielding from The Mighty Boosh. There’s something about the hair, the eyes, the whole slightly androgynous, effortlessly cool thing going on. I mean… surely I’m not alone in that? Do you see it too?
Style-wise, this song is basically the blueprint for what we now call “rock chic”, but in a way that doesn’t feel try-hard. It’s leather jackets, skinny jeans, worn-in boots, a bit of eyeliner, and hair that’s not overly styled. It’s the kind of look that feels like you just threw it on — even though it still makes an impact.
What I really love about it is that you don’t have to go all out. You can, of course — full leather, studs, the works — but you can also just take one element and let that shift your whole outfit. A tougher jacket, a darker eye, a slightly more fitted silhouette… it all adds up.
For my take on this, I didn’t want to overthink it or go too costume-y — because that never feels quite right on me. Instead, I leaned into pieces I’ve had for years and genuinely love, while subtly emulating that effortless Joan Jett vibe. I’m wearing my trusty Levi’s skinny jeans, an old rock chick tee that I’ve literally had forever (and it feels very on-brand for this look), my Aldo boots, and my Massimo Dutti leather jacket — all staples that have that slightly worn-in, rock ‘n roll feel.
I added layered silver necklaces and a few chunky rings, which I think really help bring in that undone, slightly edgy aesthetic she’s known for. The only “new” addition is my Victoria’s Secret handbag, which was such a fun find. A friend of mine has one and I loved it so much, I went straight onto Vinted and managed to find one in mint condition for a bargain — definitely one of those little wins that makes you oddly happy.
I have to say, I really love this outfit. It feels very me — a little bit rock ‘n roll, a little bit effortless — and most importantly, it makes me feel confident. And I think that’s the real point of all of this, especially at this stage in life. We’re not getting dressed to fit in anymore… we’re getting dressed in a way that feels right for us.
So yes… a little bit of rock ’n roll energy never hurt anyone, right? Don’t forget to add your posts to the link up, below. And please join in the fun! Next month we’ll be styling Shelbee’s song choice of Zombie by The Cranberries which should be fun too!
