Being an 80s punk is great, but you have to be realistic. Take it one step at a time, get punk slowly. First of all, start listening to punk music; then think about the clothes and finally the hair. Once you are comfortable with your transformation, you can claim to be an 80s punk.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part 1: The Appearance
Step 1. Get the Clothes
It's not that hard to look like a punk. Make sure you have punk band T-shirts, jeans and a battered leather jacket.
- Don't spend too much money on anything. Leather jackets can be expensive, buy a used one.
- Get some amphibians. Better if they are black and tall.
- Get a chain for your wallet.
Step 2. Think about what to tattoo
The most classic punk tattoo is the 4-stripe Black Flag symbol on the forearm. If you have one, it is difficult for them to call you a poser. But wait until you get a tattoo: as we said before, don't become a punk overnight.
Step 3. Punk haircuts are simple
It doesn't have to be a crest. Starting with a crest, by the way, is not a good idea as it is difficult to take it off. A simpler choice is to shave to zero.
You can also get yourself a faux-hawk crest or a devilock cut, a la Misfits
Step 4. Punk girls can be very cool with white t-shirts and very short cropped hair
Step 5. Don't smile too much
Remember, you have to look pissed and tough.
Step 6. A good way to get more ideas about the punk look is to watch videos of 80s punk concerts on YouTube
Badges with group names or slogans are very punk.
Method 2 of 3: Part 2: The Attitude
Step 1. You must have the right attitude
Always remember, you are angry! You don't like authority, police, parents, bosses, whatever.
- Do what you want. Punk concerts in the 1980s were famous for their anger. Remember, an 80s punk concert is a situation where you can throw a bottle of beer in the air and not care where it falls.
- Go out with people like you. There is nothing more punk than going out and drinking some beers on the street corner with your punk friends.
Step 2. Fight against stereotypes
In the 1980s, punks had a reputation for being a bit stupid or uneducated, especially because they were young.
- You, on the other hand, are more cunning and awake and know how to get by around the world.
- The 2000s are a less innocent time. Fight the stereotype of stupid punk and read anarchist literature, quote Alan Watts and surprise everyone. It is true that you must be full of hate, but that does not mean that you have to embrace the stereotype of stupid punk.
Step 3. Don't avoid the friends you had before you were punk
It may be that you decide not to stay punk forever, so it's best to keep them friends!
Method 3 of 3: Part 3: the Lifestyle
Step 1. Listen to Punk Music
Hear 80s punk, and most of all the four most famous hardcore punk bands: Dead Kennedys, Charged GBH, Bad Brains and Black Flag. There are many others. Listen to the ones you want. There is a lot of good music and don't be afraid to listen to the latest punk as well.
Step 2. Ambition
You probably don't want to have any. It is better to get the money from family or friends.
- A good career is that of music.
- If you are an intellectual, you may want to become a philosopher, an economist or something like that. If this is your way, you will still have to be extreme and against all authority in order to remain a punk at the same time.
- You can also work in a creative field, for example design.
Step 3. Try to live in an area full of punks
Berlin and London are fine. Sure, life isn't too cheap in these cities, but you can think of cheaper accommodation, for example living in a squat. Other European cities that might do well are Barcelona and Prague.
Step 4. Go to concerts
It's a great way to learn the lifestyle better and make new punk friends.
Advice
- There are loads of different punk haircuts, experiment!
- If in doubt, do it yourself. With a little bleach and safety pins, you can turn any kind of garment into punk.
- Don't make it too obvious that you're trying to be punk, nobody likes being posed.
- Other great bands to listen to are: Crass, Gang of Four, Fugazi, Buzzcocks, The Clash, Bad Religion, The Germs, Chron Gen, The Sex Pistols, Motorhead, The Cramps and of course The Misfits. There are a lot of other bands… and remember, wearing their t-shirts is always a great idea!
- Try wearing accessories such as studs and a chain or two.
- Be yourself, express yourself! Don't copy the stereotype 100%.
- Try making friends who already listen to punk music and dress up as punk, they might be nice people too and you can study how they behave.
Warnings
- Don't force yourself to like something just because it's "punk".
- Make sure you like the punk style. If you only stay punk for a month, you will be considered a poser.
- Remember not to avoid your old friends.
- People might think you're weird, but who cares if you like it?
- Being punk and being a bum are not the same thing.
- 80s punk fashion is specific. Don't confuse it with goth, emo or even that of modern punk, which is even more extreme.
- And please don't buy only in conventional and expensive stores. Try to find markets in the punk areas where you live, where you can find clothes - even second-hand ones.
