Rivers Cuomo is one of the great Gen X singer-songwriters. He’s the guy behind Weezer, one of the most popular indie/rock/pop bands of the past couple decades.
In a world of pop acts and YouTube stars that come and go in a matter of weeks, Weezer is one group that has managed to stay relevant. Despite what hardcore Weezer fans may think, they did it while staying true to their sound and without “selling out”.
I’m a huge fan of Weezer and Rivers Cuomo. He’s obviously a brilliant guy, and he knows how to write a catchy tune.
Even in his mid-forties, he still looks pretty young. Turns out there are some benefits of being 5’6″!
His style is casual and laid back. He loves sweaters, vests and – you guessed it – sweater vests.
He’s been wearing retro black frame glasses since before they were cool. In fact, he’s probably the reason why they’re so popular amongst the hipster crowd (what exactly is a hipster these days??).
Rivers has got the dorky rocker thing down. If you want to borrow from his aesthetic, it’s easy. Here’s what you need to do in three easy steps (plus one slightly harder step):
Step 1: Put on a fitted polo (preferably with a retro pattern). Check your local vintage or secondhand shop for button ups and polos with old school patterns, like thin horizontal stripes. It’s okay if they don’t fit perfectly. They’ll be cheap, so you can afford to get them tailored.
Step 2: Layer up with a vest, Marty McFly style. Vests really are the perfect layering pieces for spring, fall and winter. I love these affordable J. Crew Factory Walker Vests.
Step 3: Wear some nerdy-but-cool specks (or shades). Pretty much anything from Warby Parker will do. I have two pairs from them – one pair of prescription glasses and one pair of sunglasses.
Step 4: Learn guitar. Or just carry one around. Or if that’ snot your thing, just dig up an old Weezer CD and drive around blasting My Name Is Jonas until your speakers blow out. You’ll have to find a car with a CD player, but it will be totally worth it.
Laid back style, is the best style.
I dont play the guitar…Can I substitute a clarinet instead? LOL
I had previously confirmed this with a seemingly knowledgable representative. Usually with J Crew if the jackets, blazers, sportcoats and other outerwear are sized with (S,M,L,XL) they are fitted for “regular” men (5′ 10″ to 6′ 2″). I wanted to purchase some of those J Crew Factory Walker Vests but figured they would hit well below the natural waistline of a 5′ 7″ gentleman such as myself. Do you know otherwise from first hand experience?
I’m 5’6 too and so glad I found this place, because Rivers Cuomo is literally my favorite musician ever since school.