Shirley Manson’s Style Evolution
There no question about it. Shirley Manson is a style icon. As the lead singer of alternative rock band Garbage, Manson has been one of the top reigning queens of style in the music industry since the mid-90s – but in our eyes, it started much earlier than that. Manson killed it with her gigs in previous bands, Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie and Angelfish, only to come out on top some 30 years later.
From the 80’s hair, to the ’90s alternative look, to modern day lady killer, there is absolutely nothing this woman cannot pull off. Needless to say, we’re jealous. Let’s take a look back at the style evolution of Shirley Manson.
’80s Teen Model
Photo: Shirley Manson/Facebook
In this shoot for Jackie Magazine in the 1980s, Shirley was the epitome of everything cool back in the day. From the hair to the flower arrangement, this just screams, “I’m meant to be on album covers!”
Although none of Garbage’s six albums feature the band on the cover, Shirley has appeared on the album covers for previous bands, Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie and Angelfish, respectively. All things eventually come full circle as many styles from the ’80s and ’90s have made their way back into circulation, making it easy and exciting to recreate them today.
A Sullen Star
Photo: Shirley Manson/Facebook
While Manson has been through a hell of a lot throughout her life and career, in our eyes, she always came out on top. She’s no stranger to being the underdog, which makes her so relatable to millions of adoring fans around the world.
Who hasn’t tried to recreate this outfit at one point or another? Whether it was your rebellious stage in high school or a sense of comfort in the darkness, you can never go wrong with a pair of combat boots and jeans. Add some dark jewelry to the mix and your classic ’90s alternative/goth/grunge look is set!
Teenage Angst
Photo: Shirley Manson/Facebook
How has she not changed at all?! Shirley did a lot of modeling in her teen years, making her a fresh face in a world full of status quos. Her mood clearly affected her style – something we all can relate to – making this shoot one of our favorites from the early years of her career.
This girl (and OK, probably DJ Tanner) can make ’80s hair look amazing. Add in some fun accessories and some flannel and you’re golden! But seriously though – doesn’t this look exactly like something you’d see in Forever 21 today?
Angelfish
Photo: Shirley Manson/Facebook
Shirley’s band Angelfish ultimately led her to her gig with Garbage. Guitarist Steve Marker was watching MTV’s 120 Minutes one late night in the early ’90s when he caught a glimpse of Angelfish’s “Suffocate Me” video. He, along with the rest of the band, reached out and the rest, they say, is history.
Who could resist her, though? That distinctive voice and fiery red hair are one of the many assets that make Manson an icon. She clearly always had incredible fashion sense, too. This lacy button down with high-waisted pants is everything! Where can we get this today?
On The Verge of Stardom
Photo by Mando Gonzales
While Angelfish only had one album, it sure made a big impact. After fellow Garbage bandmate Steve Marker discovered Manson on TV one fateful night, things started to happen in Garbageland. Without ever knowing Marker, Duke Erikson, and Butch Vig, Manson spent some time with the boys in Madison, Wisconsin, later forming an indestructible bond that has spanned over 23 years.
Manson was never one to shy away from androgyny, making this look from the 1994 Angelfish debut album a classic for Shirley fans. After all, it just may be the look that started it all.
Baby Faced
Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images
As Manson joined Garbage, she had no idea of the magnitude of impact they were on the verge of making for fans everywhere. August 1995 saw the release of their self-titled debut album, spawning hits like “Vow,” “Stupid Girl,” “Only Happy When It Rains,” “Queer,” and “Milk.” The impact from their debut effort was celebrated 20 years later in 2015 with a special anniversary tour and re-release of the album.
While this look is probably the simplest we’ve ever seen on Manson, you can’t deny that she wears it well.
Assertiveness & Feather Boas
Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images
One staple fans can’t get enough of from the band’s debut era is Shirley’s pink feather boa, meant to match their 1995 album art. Mini tank tops & skirts with high boots were a staple in Manson’s style during this era, making a simplistic style so iconic in the eyes of Garbage fans.
Manson brought back the beloved boa during the band’s 20 Years Queer Tour, a celebration of their debut album in 2015.
Winning At Everything
Photo by Patrick Ford/Redferns
Manson’s usual award show styles were always noteworthy. Award shows are a way to be a bit bolder and take your personal style up a notch, and Shirley never disappointed. Though the band doesn’t frequent as many awards shows as of late, we sure do miss her red carpet stylings.
You can’t go wrong with a big furry jacket if you’re Shirley Manson. This look from the 1996 MTV Europe Music Awards is classic Shirley and looks super cozy.
Bun In The Oven…Kinda
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
Speaking of Shirley’s red carpet fashion, ask any Garbage fan and they’ll tell you that absolutely nothing in this world will ever compare to her 1999 GRAMMY dress! Inspired by the band’s sophomore release, Version 2.0, this dress was a way to commemorate their bombastic release with some flair; an illusion of a pregnancy that actually just turned out to be their most iconic album to date. Brilliant!
With a look like this, there really is no need to go over the top. The navy blue dress compliments the colors of the album globe, while her signature black boots are a staple in any wardrobe.
Pour Your Misery Down On Me
Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
Similar to Manson’s outfit in the iconic “Only Happy When It Rains” video, this red carpet look is classic ’90s Shirley with all the fixings. This woman continues to rock the life out of pink to this day and there’s no denying how great that color looks with her fiery red hair!
Of course, knee-high boots were Shirley’s staple back then and no matter what she wore, they always looked incredible. How did she do it? If only the band won as many awards as her award-worthy style.
So Slick
Photo by Maryanne Bilham Photography/Redferns
Shirley always brings her A-game to every promotional shoot. With a simple black tank and black jeans, Manson continues to prove that she means business and that there’s no need to accessorize excessively to make things happen.
One thing you’ll notice throughout this style evolution is how Manson never played by the rules with anything – which is one of the many reasons we adore her so much. Everything feels intended yet playful; classic yet modern.
Version 2.0
Photo by PA Images via Getty Images
Garbage’s second studio album, Version 2.0, was released in May 1998, and delivered hits like “Push It,” “I Think I’m Paranoid,” “When I Grow Up,” “Special,” and “You Look So Fine.” As it celebrates 20 years this year, fans are looking back at its excellence and its way of being way ahead of the curve back then. The band will tour this fall in honor of the album’s anniversary and re-release.
Is there anything more iconic in Garbage history than the orange puffer jacket? We think not. This jacket made its way around the world on tour with the band to match Version 2.0’s aesthetic and is now on display in a museum in Scotland.
Beautiful Garbage
Photo by Tim Roney/Getty Images
Garbage’s Beautifulgarbage era in 2001 is probably their most underrated. Released in October 2001, Beautifulgarbage was the band’s third release and home of “Shut Your Mouth,” “Breaking Up The Girl,” Androgyny,” and mega-hit “Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!).”
This was the era we saw Manson chop off her red locks and go blonde. Not a favorite within the fandom, but for diehards, it’s a novelty. Like we previously stated, there is literally nothing this woman cannot pull off.
Bleed Like Me
Photo: Garbage/Facebook
April 2005 saw the release of the band’s fourth studio album, Bleed Like Me, spawning hits like “Why Do You Love Me,” “Bleed Like Me,” “Run Baby Run” and “Sex Is Not The Enemy.” A bit louder and angrier (and rightfully so) from their previous release, Bleed Like Me introduced a whole new generation to the band while appeasing fans old and new alike.
Fans were happy to see Manson back to being a redhead, but nothing prepared us for the killer styles this era would bring. From heels and fishnet stockings to striped dresses and pink ensembles, she went and did it once again!
Not Your Kind Of People
Photo: Garbage/Facebook
After a seven-year hiatus, Garbage returned in May 2012 with a fifth studio album, Not Your Kind Of People, featuring hits like “Blood For Poppies,” “Control,” “Automatic Systematic Habit,” and “Big Bright World.” In this era, Manson, as always, took it upon herself to dazzle us yet again with some rather interesting style picks.
From skull hairpieces to floral jumpsuits, needless to say, this is the era that turned non-Garbage fans into supporters for life.
Big, Bright Florals
Photo: Garbage/Facebook
Alas, the iconic floral jumpsuit worn in the promotional photo shoot for the band’s Not Your Kind Of People album. Pair with some cool accessories and some boots or high heeled sandals and you’re ready for a rockin’ night out, Manson style!
It’s hard to believe that Manson wasn’t always confident of herself within her career. “I was suffering from extreme “impostor syndrome,” constantly measuring myself against my peers, sincerely believing that they had gotten everything right and I had gotten everything so very wrong,” shared Manson in a recent op-ed with The New York Times.
Riot Girl
Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
From stage style to promo chic, Shirley is a never-ending source of fashion inspiration. While on tour, Manson tends to opt for fashionable yet simplistic so she is comfortable on stage.
This leather mini skirt with leopard tights and band tee ensemble embodies classic punk rock vibes for days. Paired with some rad bracelets and Manson’s pink hairdo, this one is a definite winner on all sides of the style spectrum.
Strange Little Birds
Photo: Garbage/Facebook
June 2016 saw the release of Garbage’s sixth studio album, Strange Little Birds, featuring “Empty,” “Magnetized,” and “Even Though Our Love Is Doomed.” One thing that will never be doomed? You guessed it! Our love for Manson’s ongoing style choices.
The brick tights have been all the rage within the Garbage fandom, and rightfully so! Paired with a black leather dress and her pink hair, how can you not want to embody this look?
This Is The Noise That Keeps Me Awake
Photo: Garbage/Facebook
In 2017, Garbage released their first-ever book, This Is The Noise That Keeps Me Awake, in honor of their 20+ year career. Filled with glossy photos of the band’s past and present, the book fans have been waiting for does not disappoint as history gets told through the eyes of the band themselves.
Taken from the band’s music video shoot for “Empty,” Shirley dons her favorite white heeled boots with a faux fur coat and fishnet stockings: a staple for every rock star.
Sugar & Sass
Photo: Garbage/Facebook
Cut to present day and Shirley is still killing it. No surprise there. In honor of Version 2.0, the band’s sophomore release from 1998, the band will be going on tour in support of the album’s anniversary in fall 2018.
Here in the 20 Years Paranoid promo shoot, Manson opts for a metallic-like dress paired with her signature fiery locks in a ponytail. Needless to say, we are excited to see the looks she wears on stage this fall.
