Styled to Play

A Jazz Influencers Original by Kaylene Peoples
Where fashion meets phrasing, and image becomes impact.

Stage style isn’t about vanity—it’s about visibility. As a jazz artist and the longtime fashion editor of AGENDA Magazine, I’ve seen how the way we dress influences not just how we feel on stage, but how we’re perceived from the first downbeat. And in a genre where artistry should speak louder than appearance, too many musicians still struggle with fit, confidence, and stage presence—especially when the industry doesn’t design for real bodies or diverse style identities.

That’s why I created Styled to Play—a space to talk candidly about what we wear when we perform. From foundation garments and color theory to hat height and the dreaded midsection bulge, this column is about celebrating individuality and making style part of your performance, not separate from it.

For Women: Fit, Flow & Foundation

Meet Julie, a statuesque, plus-sized jazz vocalist whose elegance is matched only by her stage power. Julie knows what works—and what doesn’t—when dressing for real bodies under stage lights. Her go-to silhouettes? Empire waist gowns, wrap dresses, and coat dresses with bold lines and tailored fits. Cold shoulder cuts. Flowy maxis with movement. It’s not about hiding—it’s about honoring your shape.

Stage Style Secrets:

• Foundation first: Mid-thigh briefs, longline bras, and comfortable cinchers smooth without sacrificing breath.

• Color cues: Jewel tones pop. Diagonal prints elongate. Shine smart—satin must be structured.

• The Jazz Tonic: Julie’s daily de-bloat juice (celery, lemon, ginger, green apple, cayenne) keeps her gut calm and vocals clean.

“The dress don’t swing unless I do. And I need room to move.” — Julie

Q&A from the Jazz Sisterhood:

• Mary (Boston): Try Eloquii, Lane Bryant, AVA + VIV, and get a tailor. Fit isn’t a luxury—it’s strategy.

• Zee (Oakland): Make one bold statement, then anchor it with structure. ASOS Curve is your friend.

• Lina (Detroit): Jersey wrap dress, red lip, longline blazer. You’re ready.

For Men: Sharp Isn’t Just for Sax Solos

Gentlemen, welcome. From bassists to brass players, too many of you are still dressing like it’s soundcheck. It’s time to sharpen your style like your tone. In this edition of Styled to Play, we’re getting serious about stagewear that complements your groove—not competes with it.

Essentials:

• Fit rules all: A $75 blazer tailored right beats any $400 mistake. No “slim fit” if it doesn’t fit.

• Shoes tell your story: Clean loafers, Chelsea boots, or suede derbies. Save the gym shoes for rehearsal.

• Layer like you solo: Vests under jackets, tonal blacks (wool, silk, leather), and longline tees create texture without chaos.

Bald or bold? Own it. Or elevate it with a newsboy cap, fedora, or sharp beanie. Coordinate with shoes for cohesion.

Color? Yes—but sparingly. One bold piece. Let it solo. Everything else should comp quietly behind it.

“Because a man in tune with his look plays sharper. And the blazer and the bassist should both be in tune.”

Stage Style Clinic:

• Clyde (Memphis): Try soft-shouldered blazers with stretch. Longline shirts. Style the body you have.

• Rafael (San Diego): Go for felt fedoras or cotton newsboys. Rehearse in them. Make them yours.

• James (Brooklyn): One color, one focal point. Don’t dress like a jam session.

Backstage Body Reset: For Men

The Stage Sharpener Juice: cucumber, lemon, ginger, apple, cayenne, coconut water.
Why? It de-bloats, hydrates, and gets you gig-ready.

Other musts:

• Eucalyptus steam

• Beard grooming

• Anti-shine powder

• Stretch like a pro

About the Author

Kaylene Peoples is the editor-in-chief of Jazz Influencers and AGENDA Magazine, where she also pens the long-running “Fashion Talk” column. As a fashion consultant (not stylist), she has attended over 1600 fashion shows and interviewed more than 200 designers. She’s styled fashion stories at Soho House NY, collaborated with the Calloways on their comeback look, and regularly contributes to the Black Design Collective. Her signature series, Haute off the Rack, debuted in AGENDA Issue 19.