Tegan and Sara: "Closer" to being fashion icons

Tegan and Sara are my twin idols. In terms of fashion, the duo intentionally defies the rules.

They even had a phase where they tried mullet cuts, for goodness’ sake. Jointly, I’d depict them as that girl in art class who has a quiet fierceness to her as she paints a picture that no one else gets.

The same goes for their sense of style.

They’ve been a landmark case in proving rebellion is sometimes necessary for honest self-expression.

When the twins announced on a radio show earlier this month they decided to hire a stylist, the word sell-out came to the minds of most indie fashion enthusiasts. However, I dare anyone with these initial thoughts to stop being so damn hipster and think about it from a different perspective.

In light of their seventh album release, I thought this week’s column could focus on Tegan and Sara’s past quarrels with fashion standards and state their justification for the recent experiments. After all, their new album “Heartthrob,” with hit-single “Closer,” is all about experimentation, whether with music, sexual curiosity or even fashion. So listen while you read, and who knows? Maybe it’ll convince you to do a little experimenting yourself.

LEATHER AND GLOBAL PATTERNS:

When ‘60s styles flood the runways, Tegan and Sara have been behind by being ahead. They’ve had a taste for the ‘80s. We’re talking about highly reoccurring bulky bomber jackets and artsy paint tees. However, the recent switch has been to slim leather pieces like you’d see with Jason Wu’s  skirts, more worldly patterned artistic tops and oxford shoes. They’ve managed to keep the jacket and laces, but simply modernize it a bit. Less gaudy, more sleek, with just as much fun with global patterns by designers like Duro Olowu.

INK:

No matter how much their ensembles are experimented with, their tattoo-stained arms will always make a statement that is all their own. It shows they are still firm in their initial motives as musicians as they continue to showcase them with rolled sleeves. It’s a personal statement that never stops speaking, despite whatever experiments they take on. If you choose to embark on this genre of experiment, you should do your research.

STRIPES AND SUITS:

The word punk hasn’t been on the tongues of fashion gurus since the prime days of Against Me! Tegan’s labret piercing helped fans distinguish her from Sara, and it complemented her numerous Popkiller graphic tees, which always seemed to be worn in black. However, the girls seem to have put a pause on the graphic attitude and black-eyed promo pictures to dabble in more poppy chic shoots, keeping the attitude for their lyrics. Tegan is still bold by experimenting with stripes you’ll see with designers like Marc Jacobs, black and white shirts and strong tailored suits to state her continuing dominance in the pop world.

FLOURISHING FLORAL:

This spring is boldly blossoming with bright floral prints and full designs by designers like Jenni Kayne. And though Sara looks quite chic in a high-collared floral oxford in recent fashion snaps seen on the web, the girl has never worn so much color in her life. But she carries it surprisingly well, and so might you. The album’s bright outlook might simply need brighter clothes, and there is nothing wrong with that.