Facts on Emo Clothing

The emo clothing style is a mix of hardcore punk and pop that originated from the music of the same name. Popular primarily in the mid-1990s, it eventually became part of the indie movement and was adopted by stars who wanted to make a statement of their uniqueness.

Features

Emo style is known for combining items of clothing that wouldn't normally go together, such as faded or vintage shirts with leg warmers, or skinny, dark jeans with tops festooned with polka dots or stripes.

Identification

The most common accessories used to complement emo clothing are oversized belts, skinny ties, Hello Kitty jewelry, thick-rimmed glasses, skating shoes and dark makeup.

Famous Ties

Many pop stars of today dress in emo clothing, including Hayley Williams (Paramore), Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee (Evanescence).

Types

Hairstyle is considered part of emo "clothing," to the point that an ensemble is not considered complete without dark (usually black) short hair with bangs to the side. Piercings are also commonly associated with the emo style, although tattoos are less prominent.

Expert Insight

One of the main differences between emo and Goth styles is the former's use of color: Emo favors black but often uses bright accessories, mainly in shades such as fuchsia, to accentuate details.