#1) 'sexy' is used jokingly--I am not thirsting off a teenager please no

[thatbanjobusiness]

My aesthetic is teenaged Marty Stuart in Lester Flatt’s band getting away with forsaking dress code because, as a child, he can get away with it apparently. 

Thirty years of enforcing a strict and carefully coordinated dress code (Lester even had a banjo picker fired for wearing the wrong shirt color, etc.), and Flatt was too soft to correct the kid. In videoed interviews, other band members expressed confusion how Marty managed to wear something different.

Let’s rate Marty’s dress code “interpretations” photo by photo, shall we?

Band Photo (1972)

Just started in the band. Ohmygoshhhg he is a SMOL. That is a CHILD. Look at that happy child. They hired a child. That is a fully salaried member of the band. Content to conform his wardrobe for now. Look at that stupid tiny hat. You can’t give anything but maximum points to a happy smol, but brownie points awarded for wearing Roland’s guitar strap with the wrong name emblazoned down the side. 10/10

The Porter Wagoner Show (1973)

The wardrobe divergences begin. One year into the band and he’s already forsaking the norm. 

Because Lester Flatt is in black and Curly Seckler is in mustard, half the band isn’t color-coordinated anyway, making Marty’s fashion defiance less noticeable or entertaining. Some credit given to avoiding purple because I know he had a matching purple shirt (was laundry day against his favor? is *THIS* how it started???). Red doesn’t match light purple, lack of color palette is pain to the eyes. Horrible haircut matches banjo picker’s, but Marty’s growing his out, so he has limited excuse. Some points regained for wearing a hat too big for him, looking darned stinkin’ cute as a fourteen year old, singing a duet with Lester in a voice that hasn’t dropped yet, and playing one of two versions of Dueling Banjos I can tolerate. 4/10

Flatt Gospel (1975)

Marty has figured out his style divergence groove. He’s started tying his scarves wrong and will keep doing variations of this the rest of his life. Today people Google Marty’s neck to learn what’s under his scarves. Everything else is same style-wise, but the obvious scarf rebellion is entertaining. Whoever was lining up band members shouldn’t have put poor balding Paul next to Marty’s growing black locks. 6/10

A Living Legend (1976)

Long thick hair during a time period Flatt was obsessed about and loathed long-haired hippies. Similar hat but more ornamented, because let’s upstage the style of the band leader. Is he wearing his tie like a choker? Collar unbuttoned. Resourceful deconstruction of bluegrass traditional attire. Wears close to the same thing but makes everything sexier. 7.5/10

Unknown Concert (1976)

With Lester Flatt offstage, Marty’s wardrobe defiance makes him look like bandleader. Shameless move, true confidence. Rest of band already classily dressed. Chooses different textures and patterns but somehow matches band color-wise enough to look like he belongs. Getting mileage out of that hat. Continues to tie scarves weird so he has the excuse to unbutton his shirt collar. Love the pattern on that shirt. Is that stubble on an eighteen year old? Don’t comprehend why anything works here but it does. 9/10

Heaven’s Bluegrass Band (1976)

This is peak euphoria. Lester Flatt let this pass ON THEIR ALBUM COVER. Did he just... walk out the door and Lester didn’t stop and go, “YO IT IS PICTURE DAY, THIS IS REPRESENTING US TO THE WORLD, CAN YOU AT LEAST TRY?!!” Marty looks like he’s someone’s lost kid who wandered in to stage a photobomb prank. This is nowhere CLOSE to the same vibe. Incredible. Hysterical. That scarf’s textures. The JEANS. Like, nothing about this is formal and everyone’s spick and span. This is culture clash enough even the busiest photographer would excuse a delay to bring Marty wardrobe changes. They hid the bassist for wearing blue but Marty gets front row. Have no idea how this image exists. God is real 2043/10 this is the photograph that made me do this post

Televised Appearance (1978 or 79)

Wtf why are you matching everyone. Did being on a major tv broadcast make you lose resolve? Outfit looks great on him but that’s not what I’m here for. Single point for mismatched hat. 1/10

Take A Little Time (1980)

Wearing white, same as new band leader—bold. Appreciate variations of a theme on white and red, but everyone else looks better-dressed. No hat to brag off fancy hair. Please get rid of that gawdawful beard. 3/10