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Step 1
Wear very tight pants.
The skinny jeans out now come pretty close to the cut of pants an 80s punk would wear. In the 80s there was a good chance that you'd have to sew up your jeans tight yourself, so if you don't have tight jeans, get out the sewing machine, and take in the seams on the inside of the legs. -
Step 2
Shred some dark nylons while they are on your legs.
The more rips and runs, the better. Once you shred them it will be hard to put them on again. This is mostly a female look worn with boots and a mini skirt. -
Step 3
Wear heavy boots.
Army surplus style works. Other styles of shoes will work including faded all stars. Just don't wear any slip on shoes. They come off in the mosh pit. -
Step 4
Wear a shirt that's a little faded, or torn. You have some flexibility depending on where you imagine you're from, and what part of the 80s you're living in. Shirts with the sleeves cut off work for the guys, and especially in the early 80s punks guys wore t-shirts tight. Try painting an anarchy symbol on a plain shirt if you don't have anything that looks right.
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Step 5
Find a 50s style motorcycle jacket, or a denim jean jacket. The motorcycle jackets were easier to find used in the 80s, so you're probably stuck with the jean jacket. You want to customize the jacket by painting on the back, or putting lots of safety pins on it.
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Step 6
Accessorize. Don't go looking for a punk gear store. Do like the 80s punks did and go to the hardware store. Chain, padlocks, safety pins, dog collars, key chains and handcuffs are all usable as jewelry. If you see any other hardware that looks good go for it.
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Step 7
Do your hair.
The hair is key to the look. The original spiked look was achieved with jello in the 70s. Be aware that the colored jello will dye your hair. Don't worry, you don't have to use jello. Styling gel was available in the 80s.
