How to Look Emo for School

Teased hair is a school-appropriate hallmark of Emo style.

The term "Emo" originated to describe a genre of music that developed in the eastern United States in the early 1980s. Early Emo music was distinguished by a unique combination of passionate vocals, melodic songs and a depressive nature to the lyrics. Emo music has inspired a style of subculture fashion for youth. The definition of Emo fashion can vary significantly by geographic region, but proprietors are often distinguished by tight denim and T-shirts featuring bands. Other hallmarks include dyed or teased hair styles and dark eyeliner among both genders.

Instructions

1. Develop a thorough understanding of your school's dress policy or uniform code before incorporating the Emo style into daily wear. Cotton T-shirts advertising bands, tight denim and athletic shoes are critical components of Emo fashion that can fit most strict dress codes. If the school prohibits hair dyed in unusual colors or facial piercings, reach a compromise by sporting long bangs or teased volume at the crown of the head.

2. Compile a wardrobe full of Emo clothing options. Many appropriate clothing choices can be cheaply purchased at local secondhand stores. Emo clothing is often simple, but distinguished by a tight fit or frayed appearance. Build a collection of tight skinny jeans, band T-shirts and athletic shoes. Both girls and boys can incorporate retro elements, such as shrunken cardigans or vests.

3. Find a hair styling routine that will allow you to have Emo hair on every weekday. Many hairstyles unique to the Emo subculture require a high amount of styling product or daily maintenance to build sufficient volume through teasing. Consider a simpler hair cut that you can maintain daily without too much effort. Dyed black hair is a trademark of Emo style, as are overly long, droopy bangs on both genders.

4. Collect Emo accessories to express your style on a tight budget. You can often incorporate distinctively Emo accessories into even the strictest of school uniform policies. Plastic barrettes or inexpensive plastic band bracelets are inexpensive options. Scarves, glasses and black eyeliner are other trademarks of Emo style for both boys and girls. Band pins are a cheap and easy way of advertising favorite Emo bands to your schoolmates.

References

• Dobi: Emo for Boys
• Dobi: Emo for Girls

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish