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Lainey Wilson’stalents are undeniable. The reigning ACM Female Artist of the Year has taken the country music world by storm with her fun and authentic sound, and she also stars as Abby on Yellowstone, one of the most-watched shows on television.
But while hertalentsare varied, you can always count on one thing to be the same for Lainey: Her incredible fashion sense, which always involves a pair of bell bottoms. She even named her album Bell Bottom Country.
“I was really trying to figure out what could I do to stand apart from the rest of the females in Nashville because it’s very important to do that,”she told Variety.
This love for flared legs goes beyond just looking good. Let’s delve into the real reason why Lainey Wilson wears bell bottoms and explore the journey that brought her to this signature look.
A Childhood Love Affair with Flared Legs
Lainey’s love for bell bottoms goes way back. In an interview withVariety, she reminisced about her “very first pair of bell bottoms. They were blue leopard print,” a gift from her mom. This early experience sparked a lifelong appreciation for the flared silhouette.
Fast forward to Lainey’s pursuit of a music career in Nashville. The country music scene is known for its emphasis on glitz and glam, with manyfemale artistsfavoring sparkly dresses and tight-fitting outfits. Lainey, however, was determined to carve her own path.
Lainey Wilson; Photo by John Russell/CMA
The realization struck her during a visit to CMT offices. Looking at photos of country music icons, she noticed a common thread: “You know, all the legends — you can recognize them by their silhouette,” an executive remarked.
This sparked an epiphany. Bell bottoms, with their distinct shape, offered a way to achieve instant visual recognition. In a crowded industry, creating a memorableimageis crucial. Lainey, with her sharp fashion sense, recognized this and used it to her advantage.
“I was really trying to figure out what could I do to stand apart from the rest of the females in Nashville, because it’s very important to do that.
And what is something that is really true to me? And for me it was whole bell bottom throwback look. And I’m glad we did. I mean, we’ve been doing it now for probably about six years solid. Probably 2016 is when I decided, all right, if I’m gonna do this, I need to wear bell bottoms and need to wear my vintage shirts and stuff like that, daily. It was about a year before I ended up getting a publishing deal and I just stuck with it.”
Lainey shared in her interview with Variety.
More Than Just Style
Lainey’s choice goes beyond mere distinction. Bell bottoms have a rich history in country music, tracing back to the genre’s early days.
Legends likeDolly PartonandLoretta Lynnfrequently donned flared pants, making them synonymous with the genre’s spirit.
By embracing bell bottoms, Lainey subtly pays homage to these country music pioneers. It’s a way to connect her contemporary sound to the genre’s heritage, demonstrating respect for the artists who paved the way for her success.
“I call my style of my music and myaestheticbell bottom country- from the way I talk to the way that I sound, this country thick accent is where the Country comes into play. Country music is my heart and soul. It’s everything I’ve known and what my family listened to every day. It’s more than a genre of music for me, it was a lifestyle.”
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson is even opening a bar namedBell Bottom Up! It’s a three-story restaurant and bar located in Nashville, Tennessee. The name is a clear reference to her signature style and love for bell bottoms.
There’s also a practical side to Lainey’sfashion choice. Bell bottoms offer a level of comfort and ease of movement that’s perfect for an energetic performer who gives her all on stage. They allow for dynamic stage presence without restricting her movement.
“I feel confident in them,”she shared with Variety.“I feel like I can move around and just be me.”Confidence is key for any performer, and Lainey’s signature look allows her to feel comfortable and empowered while captivating audiences.
Lainey’s love for bell bottoms cleverly accentuates her most famous asset – her curves.
This fact wasn’t lost on the internet. Remember the viralTikToktrend sparked by “Thicc as Thieves,” her collaboration with Lauren Alaina? The song, a catchy celebration of “women and their curves,” perfectly complemented by the duo’s confident strut in their signature bell bottoms, took the platform by storm.
We still in awe how Lainey rock the red carpet look with her bell bottom syle during CMT awards:
Lainey CMT Red Carpet Look
The Evolution of a Signature Style
Lainey’s approach to bell bottoms isn’t static. She experiments with different colors, patterns, and textures, keeping her look fresh and dynamic.
She often pairs them with vintage-inspired tops, creating a cohesive aesthetic that reflects her personality and musical style.
This adaptability allows her to maintain the essence of her signature look while showcasing her creativity and fashion sense. Lainey knows how to effortlessly balance tradition with a modern touch.
Here’s a table exploring the evolution of Lainey Wilson’s signature bell bottoms:
Era
Description
Style
Significance
Early Inspiration
Childhood
Blue leopard print bell bottoms
Sparked a lifelong love for the flared silhouette
Nashville Breakthrough
Early career
Simple, solid-colored bell bottoms
Strategic choice to stand out visually
Honoring Roots
Established artist
Vintage-inspired bell bottoms with various patterns and textures
Connection to country music legends
Modern Take
Current
Experimenting with bold colors, unique prints, and different fabrics
Maintaining a signature look with a fresh, creative twist
Lainey Wilson: Bell Bottom Evolution
Lainey Wilson: Beyond the Bell Bottoms
Of course, Lainey Wilson is more than just her bell bottoms. Her songwriting prowess is a major force behind her success.
Her music is known for its raw honesty, relatable lyrics, and storytelling ability. Songs like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Dirty Bombs” have resonated with audiences, solidifying her position as a rising voice in country music.
Lainey’s acting talents have also garnered attention. Her role as Abby in the hit show “Yellowstone” has introduced her to a wider audience.
She brings a natural charm and depth to the character, further showcasing her versatility as an artist.
On the heels of her chart-topping album ‘Bell Bottom Country,’ Lainey is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated new album, ‘Whirlwind,’ dropping on August 23rd, 2024.
Described as “innovative” and reflecting on the whirlwind of experiences in the past few years, the album promises to showcase Lainey’s songwriting prowess and musical evolution.pen_spark
While Lainey has made the flared pants her own, there are other artists in the country music scene who occasionally rock bell bottoms. Here are a few examples:
Dolly Parton:A true country music legend, Dolly Parton has been seen sporting bell bottoms throughout her career. From her early days to more recent performances, she incorporates the style in a way that reflects her larger-than-life personality.
Shania Twain:Known for her energetic performances and catchy pop-influenced country music,Shania Twainhas embraced bell bottoms as part of her stage presence. Her iconic leopard-print catsuit from the 1998 Grammy Awards remains a pop culture touchstone, featuring a dramatic take on the flared silhouette.
Kacey Musgraves:The Grammy-winningsingerknown for her genre-bending music and playful aesthetic has incorporated bell bottoms into her wardrobe. Her take tends to be more whimsical and modern, often featuring bold colors and unexpected patterns.
Midland:This critically acclaimed country group known for its traditional sound and vintage-inspired style frequently incorporates bell bottoms into their stage wear. The entire band, from lead singer Mark Wystrach to bassist Cameron Duddy, often sport flared denim, adding a touch of retro cool to their classic country aesthetic.
These are just a few examples, and there are certainly other country music artists who have embraced the bell-bottom trend. While Lainey Wilson has made them a signature part of her brand, the flared silhouette continues to hold a place in country music fashion, offering a connection to the genre’s history and allowing artists to express their unique styles.
Conclusion
Lainey Wilson is a shining example of how to forge your own path.
Her music resonates with its authenticity, her acting chops are undeniable, and her signature style with the ever-present bell bottoms has become a powerful symbol.
It’s a look that reflects not just her love for a classic silhouette but also her desire to stand out, pay homage to country music’s roots, and embrace her curves with confidence.
Lainey Wilson is more than just a singer who wears bell bottoms; she’s a force to be reckoned with, a breath of fresh air in the country music scene, and an inspiration to anyone who dares to be different.
Last Updated: May 15, 2024
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