Style Evolution: The Arctic Monkeys

Since their inauspicious beginnings in a Sheffield suburb, the Arctic Monkeys have come a very long way indeed, smashing to the top of the charts with hits like I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor and Fluorescent Adolescent and putting words like ‘mardy’ firmly in the national vocabulary.

They’ve been heaped with praise for their infectious hooks and intelligent, punchy lyrics, and this year their success reached new heights with a headline slot on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage alongside the Rolling Stones. Over the years, their style has evolved just as much as their music – we take a look at the journey, and point you in the right direction to get the look, with Style Pilot.

2005-2006

Fresh out of Sixth Form and building up a serious following on MySpace (remember that?), the lads were all about grungey heritage style. Think Ralph Lauren knits, baggy jeans, duffle coats, basic cotton polo shirts, tracksuit tops and distinctly unglamorous fleece jumpers.

2007

A mere year later, with the release of their second album Favourite Worst Nightmare, and there's a slight hint of smartness creeping into the band’s wardrobe. The jeans are a bit tighter and the grungey fleeces have been replaced by argyle knit jumpers and shawl neck cardigans, whilst the duffle coats have been whisked away in favour of military-style pea coats.

2008-2010

These were the years when Alex Turner’s hairstyle went from a Paul Weller-esque mod cut to a more Beatles-ish lengthy mane – and when the band’s style really started to mature. Think stylish quilted coats, single breasted blazers, skinny jeans and leather bomber jackets.

2011-Present

In the past couple of years, the band’s style has changed dramatically, and whilst drummer Matt Helders maintains some of the gritty inner-city look that defined the early years, the rest of the guys are looking noticeably more coiffed and manicured, albeit still with an affection for double denim.

Performing last year at the Olympics opening ceremony, Alex Turner showed off a rockabilly-style quiff, along with drainpipe jeans and a leather jacket – a look that perfectly encapsulated the band’s transition from rebellious young upstarts to bona fide rock stars.