Olivia Rodrigo: From Punk-Princess to SOUR Purple

In honour of Olivia Rodrigo turning 20 and exiting her teenage years, this article is a retrospective on how the singer-songwriter redefined what it means to be a heartbroken and resentful teen. Rodrigo's debut album was released in May 2021 and showcased her versatility in writing angsty ballads and upbeat pop-punk songs. She successfully expressed what it's like to experience heartache at the ripe age of seventeen. The title, SOUR, reflects the anger and jealousy she was experiencing while writing her album. Rodrigo has said she wanted the album to capture the bitter emotions that women are often told to suppress. Her dynamic style and relatability have launched her into the media spotlight. Since the release of SOUR, Rodrigo has experimented with her style and is often seen sporting vibrant colours and textures. Rodrigo is unafraid to mix different prints and patterns; some of her signature pieces include corsets, miniskirts, platform heels, and stockings. Her style reflects her teenage mindset and challenges fashion norms. 

Throughout her rise to fame, Olivia has been recognized for her unique pop-punk style and Y2K-inspired aesthetic that draws on mid-90s to early 2000s trends. Her outfits are always bold and have a retro flare, sporting fishnets, fun colours, or platformed boots. In 2021, Olivia started leaning into her punk-princess title, incorporating leather, corsets, and plaid into her wardrobe. Rodrigo revealed that her wardrobe consists primarily of knit cardigans, slip dresses, layer-able necklaces, and combat boots. 

Olivia's stylist, Laura Sophie Cox, has worked with celebrities like Emma Watson, Natalie Reyes, and Bianca Lawson. Olivia and Laura bonded over their shared interest in eco-friendly fashion. Laura recognizes that most teenagers in Rodrigo's age bracket do not have access to vintage high-fashion designers. She, therefore, encourages Gen Z to use the app Good on You to follow their favorite brand's eco-footprints. Olivia is often seen wearing vintage high-fashion pieces by designers such as Marc Jacobs, Dior, and Chanel. She opts for chunky statement jewelry, including necklaces and ring stacks. Her style is authentic to who she is; she wears what she feels good in and embraces her style.

Olivia is an ambassador for conscious fashion. At age 14, she watched the documentary, The True Cost and realized the irreversible damage our generation is having on the planet. Scientists confirm that, after oil, the fashion industry is the second largest contributor to climate change. She has made it a personal goal to become a more conscientious shopper, purchasing most of her clothes second-hand or vintage.

Rodrigo is passionate about sustainable fashion and remains committed to purchasing clothes second-hand from Depop, thrift stores, and vintage. Olivia even has a Depop called SOURshop, where she resells her pieces. Looking to buy more trendy pieces, some of her go-to shops include Tigermist, UNIF, Réalisation Par, and I.AM.GIA. 

Now, no longer a teenager, Olivia Rodrigo is developing a more mature, subdued style. Working on new music for an upcoming album release, her fans suspect her more sophisticated, avante-garde style provides a glimpse into her latest works. One thing, however, is for sure; we will all be watching and waiting for her new music - and perhaps style – to unveil.