How to Dress Emo With Skinny Jeans
The modern emo movement has its origins in the hardcore punk movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Emotive hardcore, dubbed "emocore," developed as a subset of the movement in the mid-1980s. By the early 2000s, emo had entered the mainstream. The look blends elements of dark, gothic sensibilities with the clean-cut look of 1950s teddy boys. Today's emo look borrows heavily from the "geek chic" movement that came with the dot com boom of the 1990s. Skinny jeans are extremely common in all variations of the emo look.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Think beyond plain jeans. Skinny jeans exist in a range of fashion colors, from pastels to brighter tones. Androgyny is an important component of the look, so both men and women wear jeans of every description. Look for details, such as studs or patterns, to enhance the look. Some emo guys prefer women's jeans, which are generally more tightly fitted.
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Have fun with shirts. Tight, short-sleeved T-shirts, similar to those worn by greasers in the 1950s, are popular. Band T-shirts and those with funny, slightly geeky sayings also are common. Consider wearing a button-down shirt and sweater vest for a dressier look. Many emo boys, and some girls, wear skinny ties.
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Consider changing your hairstyle. The typical emo hair, for both men and women, is short in the back and long in the front. Straight hair cut in choppy layers is the most common. Consider an asymmetrical cut that is longer on one side. Black is the most popular hair color, but many emo kids dye their hair other punk colors, such as blue or green.
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Think about your outerwear. Sweaters and black blazers are common emo looks. Hooded sweatshirts and denim or military-style jackets are also popular. Choose fitted pieces that are well-tailored rather than oversized pieces.
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Choose sturdy shoes that wear well. Converse high-tops, either traditional black and white or custom colors, are common. Consider Doc Martens or combat boots for a sharper, slightly harder-edged look.
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Put your own personal stamp on your look. Individual expression characterizes the emo look, like the hardcore punk look from which it developed. Listen to emo bands, visit coffeehouses and clubs and allow yourself to find your own inspirations. With time and exposure to the entire subculture, you will naturally gravitate toward certain looks. Trust your instincts, and put together the look that works for you.
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