2024 Tone Setters: The Most Stylish Musicians of the Year

From the lacey debut of The Last Dinner Party to this year’s Brat-coded summer, we look back on some of the most stylish artists who have defined this year’s zeitgeist of music and fashion.

By Johnnie Potter

Musicians are known to set the most show-stopping fashion trends, but this year feels more spectacular than most. There have been more than a few era-defining looks on and off stage throughout 2024, so here are our picks for the most stylish musicians marked by equally astounding albums.

Amy Taylor (Amyl and The Sniffers):

If there’s one person who knows how to get a crowd jumping, Amy Taylor is it. A hurricane in hotpants and heels who has shown her authenticity time and time again whilst being a lighthouse for other young “Aussie chicks” with big dreams. November’s three sold-out nights at The Roundhouse for the new album Cartoon Darkness was a reminder of just what a symbol she has become since the band’s first gig at Rough Trade East back in May 2018. It doesn't come easy looking this great all the time, however. Amy has been outspoken about the many challenges of being a woman in the Punk world - and the unwelcome attention which comes with it. “I’ll fight everybody and anybody,” she told Rolling Stone, and that's a boot not to be on the wrong side of.

Chappell Roan

A year after the Super Graphic Ultra Modern album that brought the queer-pop drag star to the world’s attention, Roan is hitting even bigger with her style and music this year. Her Grammy-nominated single ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ guided the chameleon-esque catwalk of unapologetically bold and feminine outfits on the main festival stages and red carpets around the world. Chappell’s audacious energy extends well beyond times when she’s in-face, as she let us know this year at the VMAs. A testament to her legend-building artistry, she’s shown more than one photographer where to stick it this year when they’ve overstepped their mark.

Something that can certainly be said about Chappell and the genius-duo formed with her stylist Genesis Webb (formerly assistant to Lady GaGa’s stylist) is a creative well that seemingly never runs dry. With drag looks inspired by classic movies, drag queen icons like Divine and even Lady Liberty herself, Chappell Roan’s style blends Elton-John maximalism with a Madonna-like girlhood.

The Last Dinner Party:

Speaking of irrefutable feminine power, The Last Dinner Party have been riding a continuous high this year following their success as one of 2023’s hottest new bands. It’s not every day a romantic, Baroque-inspired group comes out of the woodwork fully formed with all the confidence to suit. Their highly anticipated debut album Prelude to Ecstasy was one of 2024’s first great records, which met the high expectations set by the release of their earlier singles. The band’s wardrobe is a collage of pompous time periods, from corsets to feathers, lace to leather, their resourcefulness when it comes to style wins them this year’s title of charity shop queens.

Fontaines D.C.

Back once again this year with their latest album, Romance, this is Fontaines D.C’s brilliance at its most unrestrained. The first taste we got of the band's new flair was marked by their gritty Starburster music video, an instant success amongst fans and a sheer joy to see the boys back together again after Grian Chatten’s more melancholic solo venture. It would seem the band has always recognised their status as true rock icons, yet this time around it feels like they’ve come into their own entirely, bringing with them all of the swagger of their Irish steel.

Charli XCX / The Dare

Years from now, kids will want to know what you were wearing during Brat Summer. Charli and The Dare brought Indie Sleaze back in their own luminous way this year. Tank tops, knee-high boots, daringly short skirts, lip gloss and square-rimmed shades were staples in the wardrobe of any brat party girl, while 20-something men haven't looked this good in well-fitted suits since Alex Turner.

The attitude which the Brat album so clearly defined had us using the word to describe anything deemed suitably brat ; The feeling of dancing through the night in a sweaty basement club with no bra and walking out as the sun comes up to light your last Marlboro. A luxurious yet laid-back lifestyle wearing yesterday's makeup. Charli knows.

Interpol & Nick Cave

On the subject of men looking good in suits, we feel we should give an honorary mention to two artists who are far from their debut release. Interpol were back touring this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album Antics in their ever-cool lineup of sharp suits and leathers. Nick Cave’s Wild God album topped charts across Europe with a phenomenal performance at London’s O2 in this crisp Gucci three-piece (Later donated to album co-writer Warren Ellis and his wildlife charity).

Raye

Back on the subject of women making waves this year, First Lady in music, Raye, cleaned up at the BRIT awards in March as she took home six titles including Best British Album, Song of the Year and British Artist of the Year. Since picking up her trophies for her album My 21st Century Blues in this timeless sequined Fendi couture dress, she’s been touring Europe and America with her ever-elegant presence. Her Met Gala debut saw her in another Fendi Haute Couture created especially for the event by fashion designer and friend Kim Jones.

Confidence Man:

Australian group Confidence Man were favourites amongst dance-pop/electronic fans this year with their album 3AM (LA LA LA). The group’s live shows are as much a spectacle of high fashion futurism, disco glitz and glam rock as their album portrays. Janet Planet and Sugar Bones, the band’s dazzling front duo, are equal parts theatrical and euphoric in their androgynous semi-choreographed routines. Contrasting this is the band’s two silent members, Reggie Goodchild and Clarence McGuffie, whose transcendent nun-like veils give the band’s style its subtle unease.

Yes, there have been many incredible looks this year in music, and we’ve only just scratched the surface of the many artists who shaped the sound and style of 2024. Who were your favourite trendsetters? Drop us a comment on Instagram or tag us @RoughTrade.