The Like is, like, the hottest girl band right now. They’re also totally rad, have wicked style and know how to rock. The chic Cali-based quartet — Z Berg, Tennessee Thomas, Laena Geronimo and Annie Monroe — aren’t afraid to drum in dresses. It’s probably what attracted downtown cool ambassador Mark Ronson to produce their new album, ‘‘Release Me,’’ out today.
The band, which appears in this month’s Vogue, generally wears vintage — save for a piece or two from Urban Outfitters. They like to keep their retro look simple, gravitating toward Peter Pan collars, military accoutrements, knee socks with saddle shoes and ankle boots. Oh, and lots of leg. They cite London, LA and Portland, Ore., as their favorite places to shop, and they’ve got a full-on obsession with all things Beatles-related.
“I think our look is sort of mod, a little dolly bird, and we all like very short dresses,” says self-appointed band stylist and drummer Tennessee, whose father was the drummer for Elvis Costello.
For Z, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, finding the shortest dress often means shopping in the kiddie section. “At this point I only wear children’s clothes,” says Z — who is a dead ringer for Twiggy.
“I just go to the children’s section of any vintage shop and there’s always dresses for 8-year-olds, which is right up my street.”
Laena Geronimo, 23, bass (in orange romper)
Style Influences: Brigitte Bardot, Cleopatra and Mick Jagger
The look: Michon Schur romper from Rellik Vintage in London (relliklondon.co.uk).
She says: “[My style is about] being a confident woman and looking really beautiful, but also kind of like you can kick someone’s ass in a second.”
Tennessee Thomas, 25, drums (and former Ronson girlfriend) (in black and white stripes)
Style influences: Pattie Boyd and other Beatles groupies
The look: Vintage striped mod dress gifted to her by Maximilla, the stylist who worked on their video
She says: “When we walk in place and we’re all dressed, we feel like a gang. We do look different from everybody else. It’s a pulp-fiction thing — almost where, like, all those girls on those covers look ridiculously sexy but they’re also about to kill somebody.”
Annie Monroe, 23, keyboards (in pink military dress)
Style influences: James Bond and Emma Peel
The look: Band jacket from Ragg Mopp Vintage in LA. Tennessee bought the jacket “for the band” from another girl band rocker whose mother hand-made all her costumes.
She says: “I do like to cover up everything I’m wearing with a nice trench. I tend to wear the trench up until the moment we go onstage,” she says. “I like leather and I really like hats. I like navy, sailor-themes and military . . . anything involving war. I try to stay away from color. I consider blue a neutral.”
Z Berg, 23, vocals and guitar (in yellow baby doll)
Style influences: Twiggy, Edie Sedgwick and Debbie Harry
The look: Yellow silk minidress from Wasteland Clothing (wastelandclothing.com)
She says: “I like to be uncomfortable in my clothes because I like to be reminded of what I’m wearing. It keeps you present, I think. I like to be reminded of where I am. Also my brain just completely doesn’t work, so I think I need some clues to remind me I’m still alive.”