When Post Malone stepped onto the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in 2024, it wasn’t just another celebrity appearance. It was a bold declaration of how fashion and identity intertwine in unexpected ways. The rapper-turned-country singer made headlines for his unique style, which has been dubbed “gas station glam” or “truckercore.”
With his new country-focused musical persona and an unforgettable outfit, Post Malone is leading a movement that blends raw, working-class aesthetics with high-fashion flair.
Post Malone’s evolution as an artist has been fascinating to watch. Known for hits like “Rockstar” and “Sunflower,” he built his reputation on a mix of rap, rock, and pop. But in 2024, he surprised fans by announcing his sixth studio album, F-1 Trillion, which marked his official transition into the country music genre. This shift in sound was accompanied by a significant change in his personal style, showcasing how fashion can reflect an artist’s evolving creative journey.
At the VMAs, Post Malone’s transformation into a full-fledged country star was evident. His outfit, a unique combination of western workwear and dazzling embellishments, was a departure from his earlier “White Iverson” days, where basketball jerseys and face tattoos defined his look. Now, with F-1 Trillion on the horizon, Post Malone’s fashion choices reflect his new identity as a country artist while still retaining the edginess that made him a global superstar.
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Gas Station Glam: A New Subculture in Fashion
Post Malone’s VMAs outfit exemplifies the emerging trend known as gas station glam. This aesthetic draws inspiration from truck stops, roadside rest areas, and the rugged attire of long-haul drivers. It’s about taking elements of working-class fashion—like denim, leather, and trucker hats—and elevating them with a touch of glamour.
At the VMAs, Post Malone wore a white vest layered under a beige blazer adorned with floral embroidery and shimmering crystals. This blend of traditional country motifs with high-fashion embellishments created a look that was both authentic and avant-garde. His choice of blue denim jeans and ostrich skin boots further emphasized his connection to western wear, while the feathered trucker cap added a playful, nostalgic touch. It was the kind of cap you might find at a gas station souvenir shop, but Post Malone transformed it into a fashion statement.
This juxtaposition of rugged and refined elements is what defines gas station glam. It’s a subculture that embraces the grit and grind of everyday life while celebrating individuality and personal expression. For Post Malone, it’s the perfect style to accompany his transition into country music—a genre deeply rooted in stories of hard work, heartbreak, and humble beginnings.
The Icons of Gas Station Glam: Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, and Beyond
Post Malone’s VMAs look didn’t just come out of nowhere; it draws from a rich history of country music fashion, with influences from artists like Blake Shelton and Dolly Parton. Shelton, known for his laid-back country style, often sports jeans, boots, and button-down shirts—a uniform for many country musicians. Parton, on the other hand, is famous for her love of rhinestones, sequins, and anything that sparkles. Together, their styles represent the two sides of country fashion: the rugged and the glamorous.
Post Malone’s outfit at the VMAs blended these two aesthetics seamlessly. The blue jeans and boots channeled Shelton’s down-to-earth vibe, while the crystal-encrusted blazer was a nod to Parton’s love of glitz. It’s this fusion of influences that makes gas station glam such a unique and exciting trend. It’s not about adhering to one specific look; it’s about mixing and matching elements to create something entirely new.
Post Malone even took inspiration from country icons like Lainey Wilson, Shania Twain, and Beyoncé, all of whom have incorporated western elements into their wardrobes in recent years. His leopard-print Chrome Hearts belt, for example, adds a rebellious twist to an otherwise traditional accessory, showing how gas station glam can be both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
The Rise of Western Workwear: Carhartt, Stetson, and Wrangler
The growing popularity of gas station glam is also part of a broader trend in fashion: the rise of western workwear. Brands like Carhartt, Stetson, and Wrangler, which were once associated primarily with ranchers, farmers, and construction workers, have found new life in the world of high fashion. These brands represent authenticity, durability, and a connection to the American heartland—qualities that resonate with both country fans and fashion-forward individuals.
For Post Malone, western workwear provides the perfect canvas for his gas station glam looks. The durability and practicality of brands like Carhartt and Wrangler complement his rugged persona, while the addition of flashy embellishments like crystals and embroidery allows him to express his unique style. This fusion of functionality and fashion is what makes gas station glam so appealing—it’s a way to look stylish without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
In recent years, western workwear has also gained traction among celebrities outside of the country music world. Lana Del Rey, for example, has embraced the aesthetic in both her music and fashion, often wearing denim jackets, cowboy boots, and vintage western shirts. Her songs, which often tell stories of small-town life and Americana, perfectly complement her western-inspired wardrobe.
As more celebrities adopt elements of western workwear, it’s clear that this trend is here to stay. Gas station glam, with its roots in truckercore and country fashion, is a natural extension of this movement. It’s about celebrating the authenticity and grit of western wear while adding a touch of glamour and individuality.
The Future of Gas Station Glam: A Mainstay in Fashion?
Post Malone’s embrace of gas station glam at the VMAs signals that this trend is only just beginning. As more artists, influencers, and fashion-forward individuals adopt this style, it’s likely to become a mainstay in both the music and fashion industries. With its unique blend of ruggedness and glamour, gas station glam offers something for everyone—it’s a style that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
The appeal of gas station glam lies in its versatility. It’s a style that works on the red carpet, at a music festival, or even at a local dive bar. It’s about embracing individuality and rejecting the notion that fashion has to be polished and perfect. Instead, gas station glam celebrates imperfections, drawing inspiration from the grit and grime of everyday life.
Post Malone, with his fearless approach to fashion, is leading the charge in popularizing this trend. His ability to blend country and rap, high fashion and working-class aesthetics, makes him a true fashion icon for the modern age. As he continues to evolve as an artist, it will be exciting to see how his style—and the gas station glam trend—develops in the years to come.
