Rockabilly Rules

What to Wear, and How to Act

Rockabilly is a genre of music created by combining the sultry sounds of rhythm and blues that were popular in the 1950’s with the burgeoning beat of what was to become rock and roll, and topping it off with the twang of country music. However, rockabilly is much more than just a musical style – it’s a sub-culture with its own set of rules.

Rockabilly rules are simple – you follow a certain style of dress, and you listen to a certain type of music. You wear your hair in a certain fashion. Then, you relax and smile (rockabilly, though carrying a characteristically fast-paced beat, is a laid-back musical style, where artists sing about any old thing – rockabilly rules do NOT dictate subject matter!).

Rockabilly rules start with knowing who you are

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What are the rules of rockabilly, anyway?

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That amazing rockabilly slap bass

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Here is a simple set of rockabilly rules for dressing to fit in:

Men always were slacks. Rockabilly is not country music, and jeans and boots don’t fit the bill in this genre. Neither do baggy pants or leather – pull out a nice pair of khakis or dress slacks if you want to fit in.
Pastel or Daddy-O style shirts are a necessity. Collars are usually required by the rockabilly rules of fashion as well, so that the look can be completed.
A baggy overcoat is worn over the shirt, but the shirt collar is worn OVER the coat collar. Think Buddy Holly or Jerry Lee Lewis.
The shoes are very important. Creeper shoes are a must. Color doesn’t matter – rockabilly rules aren’t that strict, and creeper shoes come in every color under the sun. However, plain black and white are still the most common.
Complete the look with a little brylcreme – pompadour hair is one of the most important elements of rockabilly fashion. Your hair should be kept high and stiff, much like early Elvis or Johnny Cash.

Following these simple rockabilly rules will have you swinging with the “billies” in no time. Rockabilly is a fun, laid back culture that rocks and relaxes at the same time. So, tune in the radio, listen to the yelps and gulps, and have a great time!