Avril Lavigne: The Unintentional Icon of 2000s Punk Style
Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Avril Lavigne once revealed the surprisingly simple secret behind the tomboy-skater-punk style that made her a cultural phenomenon when she burst onto the scene in 2002.
In March 2022, Avril Lavigne graced the cover of Alternative Press for the first time, a remarkable feat considering her two-decade reign as a grunge-pop icon. The timing was deliberate, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of her debut album, Let Go. The issue featured a unique format: contemporary artists interviewing those who influenced them. Lavigne found herself in conversation with none other than rapper Rico Nasty.
The pairing initially seemed unconventional, but Rico Nasty frequently incorporates a high-energy punk aesthetic into her work, even adopting the persona of “Trap Lavigne.” Therefore, a discussion between these two artists about early 2000s DIY aesthetics and unconventional influences felt entirely natural.
The Secret to the Style
Lavigne opened up about the origins of her iconic tomboy skater look. Rico Nasty asked if she had any inkling that her style would become so influential. “Oh, my God, I had no idea,” Lavigne confessed. “Even just hearing you say that and point it out… I was oblivious to what was going on. I was literally just wearing…”
“…Whatever you wanted?” Rico Nasty finished. Lavigne enthusiastically agreed, “Yeah, and I would wear the same stuff over and over,” she said. “No one ever does that now.” Rico Nasty rightly praised Lavigne for her early sartorial choices, emphasizing that the focus in 2002 was purely on the music. “It was all about the music with you. That’s fire as f**k.”
Vintage Roots and Dad’s Closet
Lavigne revealed the surprisingly personal origins of her wardrobe. “A lot of the vintage T-shirts I was wearing [at the start of my career] were literally mine from soccer and baseball and different sports,” she explained. “They were the T-shirts I had as a kid for those teams I played on. And the neckties were really my dad’s neckties. It’s really hilarious.”
The Let Go era was defined by loose neckties, pin-straight hair, tank tops and t-shirts, and baggy pants or shorts. Lavigne’s image included skateboarding backstage and in music videos, playing a low-slung guitar, and blending seamlessly with her band. She essentially created the blueprint for the 2000s-era punk-rock tomboy, inspiring countless adolescent girls to emulate her style.
Her style challenged gender norms and expectations long before mainstream conversations about gender expression were common. This influence is still felt today, with artists like Olivia Rodrigo citing Lavigne as a major inspiration.
Unexpected Influences
Lavigne’s influences are as intriguing as her style. She credits Alanis Morissette’s raw emotional honesty as a lyrical inspiration. But surprisingly, she also named Shania Twain as a key influence. “I met Shania Twain when I was 14,” she said. “I won a contest at a local radio station to sing onstage with her… She gave me an opportunity to get up onstage as a young kid, and that definitely helped me in my career.”
Avril Lavigne’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity. Her iconic style wasn’t a calculated marketing move, but a genuine reflection of her personality and interests. It’s a legacy that continues to inspire artists and fans alike.
