Oasis: Icons of Modern Outerwear
The Gallagher brothers are back, and while tickets and tour dates are today’s hot topic, we’re taking a moment to talk about Oasis' trademark style.
By: Logan RossDate: 2024-09-26
For the past 15 years, following their enormously successful (albeit controversy-filled) 19-year stint making music together, brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have refused to speak. Oasis, the brothers’ edgy Brit-Rock band, left millions of fans disappointed, believing they were a thing of the past... until recently.
On August 27th, 2024, just two days before the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ debut album Definitely Maybe, the Gallaghers announced they’d be joining forces once again for another tour, prompting many of those millions of fans to dig up their old records.
Here at Harry Rosen, however, we couldn’t help but also reflect on Liam and Noel’s trademark sense of style, both during the height of Oasis in the ‘90s and today, particularly their affinity for outerwear. These are the most iconic outerwear styles associated with Oasis.
If Oasis held personal stock in just one style of coat, it would be a parka. In fact, it’s become somewhat of a meme in the music world that Liam’s always wearing one, no matter the weather. Parkas are undoubtedly a clothing calling card for the band, who have shown us that robust outerwear can be just as much a fashion statement as it is practical.
In the 90s, Oasis’ unofficial uniform consisted of outerwear pieces featuring big, boxy silhouettes, high stand collars zipped or fastened all the way up to their chins, and most of the time, that was a form of parka.
The Gallagher brothers are proudly from Manchester in the north of England, a city that infamously sees quite a bit of rain. Therefore, it’s easy to understand why they would know their way around rain gear. That said, nobody’s been able to pull off a raincoat, anorak, trench coat, or any other variation of water-resistant outerwear quite as well.
What’s their secret? Opting for pieces from luxury Italian sportswear labels like C.P. Company, Parajumpers, Stone Island, and similar will offer a particularly appealing mix of technical performance and refined style – just make sure you to wear yours oversized for the Oasis stamp of approval.
There’s no great secret to pulling off a denim jacket, though asking you to look like a rockstar while doing it is a different story. What makes Liam or Noel Gallagher look so cool in a jean jacket? Perhaps it’s the haircut, it’s definitely (in part) the attitude, and we can’t forget the context.
The best way to copy the look yourself is by wearing yours, repeatedly and thoroughly, until it gives off that punk rocker vibe. Frayed edges, patches over rips and holes, and a few scuffs here and there will help you look like you just stepped off the tour bus.
Overcoats are for suits and tailoring, right? Not so fast – Oasis couldn’t be further away from corporate culture, but even they understand the timeless appeal of this outerwear staple. Although the British band’s approach was less Savile Row, more rock and roll, they still looked cooler in an overcoat compared to most others at the time.
Want to look like Liam and Noel in your overcoat? Flip up your collar, pull forward those lapels, and mix in a scarf or silk handkerchief to give your look a pop of colour. Oh, and if you can release a record-breaking rock album, that helps too.
Headlining Outerwear
