If you’re new to the emo subculture, popular emo bands include Rites of Spring, Moss Icon (American post-hardcore band), Sunny Day Real Estate, The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, Saves The Day, Taking Back Sunday, Armor For Sleep, Hollywood Undead, Fall Out Boy, Imagine Dragons and My Chemical Romance. You could combine the vintage and band look and buy shirts from early punk or new wave bands. You could, for example, wear a black and red plaid button-up with your favorite pair of jeans. Plaid shirts and sweaters are also good options. [3] X Expert Source Regina DunnGoth Subculture Enthusiast Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
While skinny jeans were once a staple of emo fashion, slim-fit jeans have become more popular in recent years. Also, jeans with holes are very popular in emo fashion. [5] X Expert Source Natalie TincherStyle Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview. 13 August 2020.
Pair black jeans, for example, with a Saves The Day T-shirt and Converse shoes. Boot-cut jeans are popular in Midwestern emo fashion. [8] X Expert Source Regina DunnGoth Subculture Enthusiast Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
Many emo kids decorate their canvas shoes with markers or paint to express their personal style. If you’re wearing a black band shirt with a plaid skirt, for example, pair the outfit with a pair of dark combat boots. Although heels are not traditionally “emo,” Emo people of any gender can always wear heels or flats, typically with a dark color scheme or sometimes models resembling of punk rock footwear. The most important part of your look is confidence! In summer or whenever you feel like it, you can wear leather sandals, preferably black or metallic “glam” glossy straps, with few straps or as many as a gladiator sandal. They pair greatly with light clothing, shorts, light cropped pants, skirts of whatever length worn with bare legs. Once you gain confidence, you can make non typically emo footwear such as loafers or superga work with your overall look.
You could, for example, pair a studded black belt with your favorite Fall Out Boy or My Chemical Romance T-shirt. [12] X Expert Source Natalie TincherStyle Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview. 13 August 2020. Piercings and tattoos are another common accessory in emo culture. If you’re a teen or young adult, always ask your parents before getting piercings or tattoos. [13] X Research source A carabiner keychain is a popular accessory in Midwestern emo fashion. [14] X Expert Source Regina DunnGoth Subculture Enthusiast Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
Try borrowing some ideas from the emo pop-punk style for your look! Flat-ironed, choppy, swoopy hair with bangs could work well. [16] X Expert Source Regina DunnGoth Subculture Enthusiast Expert Interview. 12 July 2021. Keep your hair short—not long, like a metalhead’s. [17] X Expert Source Regina DunnGoth Subculture Enthusiast Expert Interview. 12 July 2021.
If you’re not sure whether you want to commit to bangs, try sweeping your hair to the side and bobby pinning it up to mimic bangs. Let your bangs fall over or just above one eye for a traditionally emo look.
For better, long-lasting color, choose a high-quality hair dye with plenty of positive reviews online. If you’re not sure what color to choose, ask a hairstylist for advice. [20] X Research source You can also try clip-on hair extensions if you’re not ready to dye your hair permanently.
You could, for example, put a pink skull hair clip in your hair to complete your look. Although less common, emo men are also welcome to accessorize their hair however they want.
If you have dark circles or pimples, you can also apply concealer around your eyes and any blemishes.
You can apply the eyeliner to just your top lid instead for a softer look.
For a vibrant look, for example, try applying red eyeshadow with black eyeliner. If you want, you can finish off the look with a thin coat of mascara as well.
If you have smoky black eyeshadow on, pair it with a violet or red lipstick for a moody, eye-popping look. Anyone can wear lipstick if they want to embrace that part of the emo look.
If you applied black eyeshadow and violet lipstick, for example, you could alternate between black and violet nail polish on your fingernails.
