Michael Stipe may be best known as the chunky black-rimmed specs-wearing singer-songwriter of the now-disbanded alt-rock outfit REM, but he’s actually got many more strings to his bow. The star owns and runs a couple of film production companies (Single Cell Pictures and C-100) and is a talented photographer: Stipe’s 2018-released book, Volume 1, was a collection of images taken by the star over the years and included striking photos of celebrities including Kurt Cobain and River Phoenix.
Stipe is also known for his political activism: he participated in the ‘March for Our Lives’ rallies in 2018, advocating for gun control, and describes himself as a democratic socialist.
The star is an unlikely fashion icon, too, although the man himself may be reluctant to acknowledge this his status as such. From layered tartan ensembles to colorful neck scarves, brightly-patterned wool blazers, and slickly-tailored suits, Stipe has always had an eye for a standout ensemble. All of which are completed and complemented by his signature eyewear. If you’re a fan of Stipe’s unique sartorial sensibility, then we can help you emulate his look – read on to learn how to do it!
The Tartan Years
Recent times have seen Stipe indulge a love of tartan – sometimes through subtle splashes of the pattern, other times through all-out tartan ensembles. Regarding the latter, the star has been snapped wearing a longline navy blue and black tartan layered with a black and gray tartan overcoat and colorful necktie, paired with, of course, Stipe’s signature thick-rimmed black glasses.
For a more subtle take on the tartan look, channel another of the former REM singer’s signature outfits: a dark tartan shirt worn beneath a tailored leather jacket and jeans (and with those glasses in place, of course). Or, for another option, go with a simple tan and tartan neck scarf teamed with a gray blazer, a bright blue beanie, and contemporary white-framed sunglasses. The splash of brightness from the shades and hat is a great way to add an extra touch of personality to otherwise business-like threads.
Contemporary Colored Lenses
Fashion-wise, Michael Stipe is best known for his collection of standout, iconic glasses. As well as the black-rimmed chunky specs that are his go-to eyewear, he’s also regularly dabbled with colored lenses, adding a different edge to his usual look.
If you’d like to try this style yourself, it’s more accessible than you think. The star recently stepped out wearing a grey suit, blue shirt, brown and yellow neck scarf, and white fedora, worn with a pair of black-framed glasses incorporating red lenses. Make this look work for you by choosing a colored lens that suits your preference, skin tone, and the color of your spectacle frames. There’s a wide range of colors available: light blue and yellow make for a subtler take on Stipe’s aesthetic.
High Hats
Michael Stipe is a master at the hat and glasses combo and has pulled more of these looks off successfully over the years than we can count. One of our favorites was a recent outfit featuring a simple gray beanie and blazer combined with a pair of clear framed glasses – the latter are extremely on trend right now.
Other notable hat moments include a flat cap worn with a red and black striped slouchy top and skinny jeans and a very cute panda hat paired with a gray suit and shirt. Only Stipe could pull off this look, and we salute him.
The Classic Wayfarer Look
If you’ve followed Michael Stipe’s fashion journey over the years, you’ll have noticed, too, that he returns time and again to classic Wayfarer-style sunglasses, worn to slick effect either with the most casual of outfits or teamed with formal suits and shirts. If you want to recreate the look, then we strongly suggest shopping for glasses online, where the choice is vast, and the costs are lower, especially when it comes to signature looks like Wayfarers.
Wayfarer shades from Ray-Ban have never gone out of fashion since their first appearance in the 1950s. James Dean wore a pair of Wayfarers in the classic movie released in 1955 Rebel Without a Cause, and they’ve been an iconic accessory ever since. They offer a timeless, elegant design that can be worn with literally anything for ultimate cool.
To wear them like Stipe, team them with a double denim ensemble finished with a tan fedora or with a mixture of layered textures, such as a wool blazer worn over a colorful silk shirt.
…Or Just Use Paint
And if you’re totally committed to getting Michael Stipe’s look, get ready to embrace face paint! Stipe’s been known to literally paint on his eyewear, daubing bright blue face paint around his eyes and temples for a striking stage vibe.
What’s Next for Michael Stipe?
This may come as a surprise to many, but Stipe is getting set to release a new solo album later this year. The star teased fans last year with the release of two singles from the forthcoming record, Your Capricious Soul and Future with Future. The singer-songwriter has recently spoken about how he’s collaborated with a wide range of musicians to create the eagerly anticipated album.
The album, like its inimitable creator, is sure to be flamboyant, thought-provoking, and unlike anything else out there.
