Being emo goes way beyond just fashion, although clothing can help you express your unique personality and musical interests while feeling a sense of belonging. The beauty of the emo style is that you can change your way of dressing a little or a lot: you can get this look by adding just a few accessories or you can be more daring by dyeing your hair and renewing your wardrobe. This article will help you add an emo touch to any outfit, so read it to find out more!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose the Emo Accessories
Step 1. Layer your accessories
Putting on various bracelets, rings and necklaces is a great way to inject a touch of emo style into a simple outfit. You should aim to wear at least three different necklaces and stack as many bracelets and bands as you can on your wrists. Experiment with various styles and colors for a truly eclectic result.
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Go for jewelry and costume jewelery pieces featuring chains, studs, beads, and broken or bleeding hearts.
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Wrist bands with your favorite band's name on them are cool, and you can introduce a pop of color to a mostly black look with some shiny neon accessories.
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Step 2. Put on the studded belts
This accessory is one of the highlights of any emo wardrobe, as it can make any outfit look rock. Choose black, white or neon belts with metal studs. The belts should be super thin, so you can fit two or three into your trouser loops for an interesting layered look.
Remember that belts should not necessarily be used to hold pants up; they are, more than anything else, a style statement
Step 3. Attach pins to your jacket or backpack
This accessory is inexpensive and represents an easy way to make an outfit more interesting, expressing your personality. You can choose any type of brooch imaginable; those with the names of your favorite bands, those with brand logos, those with funny (and offensive) slogans and those featuring cartoon characters and works of art. A non-negligible advantage is that you can easily transfer them from one piece of clothing to another, instantly adding an emo touch to your outfit.
- The best places to attach brooches are jacket collars, shirt pockets, thin and striped ties, berets, hats, and backpacks pockets and belts.
- You can also exchange badges with your friends, so that your collection always changes and grows.
Step 4. Paint your nails black or neon colors
If you want, you can also try your hand at nail art. You should try to apply the nail polish on a Friday, so on Monday morning, when you have to go to school, it will be chipped, just like you wanted. If you like, you can add a pop of color by opting for bright neon shades like green or pink. This won't harm your way of being emo, really! Black is recommended, but some emos also choose red or pink, or don't paint them at all. Certain pop emo bands, like Panic! at the Disco, they dye them black.
- Nails are usually cut (or eaten!) Short, long nails are more goth than emo.
- Don't bother painting your toenails, emos hardly ever put on sandals or expose this body part.
Step 5. Always keep headphones on
No self-respecting music-loving emo would live without this accessory. It should become part of your morning routine as you get dressed - put your iPod or any other music device in your jeans pocket and let the headphones pop out of the t-shirt or sweatshirt through the collar. Thus, they will remain firm and safe throughout the day, without the fear of losing or breaking them. Try emo music, like Silverstein, Braid, Texas is the Reason, Senses Fail, Bright Eyes, and Saetia.
- Of course you will want to keep your headphones on all the time, but this is not possible, like at school or at the dinner table; maybe, leave only one headset in one ear, so you can still listen to your music and have one ear available to hear what they say and answer questions.
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When you're not listening to anything, you can dangle the headphones over your shoulders, almost like a necklace. That way, you'll always have them close at hand when you feel the urge to escape the world.
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Step 6. Consider a face piercing
This accessory is very emo and no one will doubt your commitment to achieve this look the moment you sport a piece of metal on your face to try it on. Lip piercings are popular, you can do one in the center, on one side or on both sides. Eyebrow piercings and nose rings are just as cool. If you're looking for a less visible accessory, consider tongue piercing, or load your ears with multiple piercings.
- If you decide to get a piercing, make sure you go to a reliable place for a good result and that you are willing to follow the cleaning routine necessary to maintain it. Really, it is not the case that the piercing, wherever you have done it, especially if on the face, becomes infected.
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If you are under 18, you should ask for permission before doing so. Some salons require the consent of a responsible adult before piercing a minor, so your parents may need to be persuaded.
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Step 7. Put on thick black-rimmed glasses
This accessory can also be used to express your emo being. Get a pair of huge, geek-style glasses with a black, double-rimmed frame that will cover a good portion of your face. Everyone can take advantage of this look, not just shortsighted people. If you have no vision problems, leave your prescribed lenses alone and use non-prescription ones.
- Be aware that you run the risk of being labeled a poser if you wear glasses despite your 10/10 vision.
- Another option is to wear sunglasses with cat-eye frames (especially for girls), large round glasses or heart-shaped glasses. Even indoors. Hey, you're an artist, aren't you?
Step 8. Carry a musical instrument in its case or a poetry book
Being emo is about being in touch with your emotions and having a passion for creative outlets, which allow you to express them. You probably already play an instrument (guitar is a common choice) or keep a notebook full of drafts of song lyrics, poetry excerpts and dark and intricate drawings.
- If so, why not acknowledge your work and show the world what you do? You'll demonstrate your emo skills to everyone, plus you'll have the necessary materials and tools at your fingertips as soon as creative inspiration strikes!
- You can also cover instrument cases or notebooks with band stickers or graffiti, making them look heavily used. Give your friends some permanent markers and ask them to make creations on these objects: what will come of it?
Step 9. Buy shirts dedicated to emo bands or create your own with bands like Hawthorne Heights or Jawbox
Method 2 of 3: Perfecting Emo Hair and Makeup
Step 1. Create a layered fringe
Having the right haircut is arguably the most important part of perfecting the emo look. In fact, if you have the right hair, you can basically try anything you want and still make it look emo. The number one priority in terms of emo hairstyle is the realization of the scaled tuft, which falls on the face, practically covering one eye. For both boys and girls, the forelock should be long, reaching up to the ear.
- Although you can cut the tuft yourself, or ask a friend for help, for best results, you should go to a hairdresser. Find images on the internet that can give the hair stylist the right inspiration.
- Once the tuft is created, you should practice pulling your hair back by shaking your head, so you will push the tuft away from your eyes for a minute or two before it falls back into place. Very emo.
Step 2. Dye your hair black or platinum blonde
Another essential trait of the emo hair style is color. Of course changing your hair color is a little more extreme than cutting, but if you're really determined to get the emo look, this is a step you should be willing to take. Darker black is perhaps the most popular option, for both boys and girls, but platinum blonde is just as cool.
- You can alter the look slightly by adding different colored strands to your layered hair. For example, many emos dye their hair black, but have sections of platinum blonde scattered across their hair at the front. Alternatively, you can change your look and dye your hair blonde with black strands.
- You can also add some strands of bright colors for a whimsical touch. Red, pink, green, blue and purple are all great options with both black and platinum blonde hair. If you don't feel like dyeing your hair in neon shades, you can buy extensions with clips, which will allow you to achieve the same effect.
- As stated with regards to cutting, this dye job is difficult to perform and maintain at home, so it's best to go to a salon and have it done by a professional.
Step 3. Keep your hair straight
Smooth hair is perfect for bringing out the emo look, so make sure you have a decent straightener if your hair is naturally frizzy or curly. Flattening them might be a nuisance, but the results will be worth it!
- Be sure to apply a heat protection spray before straightening your hair, as high temperatures can cause it to dry out, especially if it has already been dyed or lightened.
- Another thing you can do is use the curling iron to wave the bangs for a cool, alternative effect.
Step 4. Lift the hair with the gel if it is short or backcombed
After you have colored, cut and smoothed your hair, you can style it in several ways. Of course, the side tuft should always be left as it is, covering half of the face. The back of the hair, on the other hand, can be freely changed to your liking.
- If you have short hair on the back, use gel or wax to lift it off the head or style it into some sort of mohawk cut.
- If you have long hair, try backcombing it to produce a disheveled and voluminous look that will give you the look of someone who never brushes their hair.
Step 5. Apply a foundation one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone
While emos don't aim to be particularly pale, like goths, this factor is still an important requirement. You should basically have the look of a person who spends all his time indoors, at least during the day. If you look like this naturally, perfect! Otherwise, get a liquid or powder foundation that is a couple of shades lighter than your complexion. However, if you want to tan from time to time, you can.
- Apply foundation every day using a sponge or powder brush. There is no need to exaggerate, a light and uniform veil will suffice.
- You can buy special white powders in stores that specialize in accessories and emo clothing, produced specifically to achieve a gothic, punk or emo look. However, all brands of foundation have lighter tones.
Step 6. Use plenty of eyeliner
No emo can do without a thick line of black eyeliner, so learning how to apply it correctly is essential. Liquid eyeliner can be difficult to handle (but it produces very precise lines), so it would be best to start with a pencil. You should apply it around the whole eye, i.e. along the mobile eyelid, in the inner rim and under the lower lashes. Don't worry about doing it with extreme accuracy, as smudged eyeliner still creates a good look.
- The main eyeliner in your makeup bag should be black, but you can apply one in another color from time to time, such as purple, blue, or green.
- Applying a pink or red pencil to the inner rim of the eye might make it look like you've been crying, and it's a look you might experiment with.
- While eyeliner is an essential element, you can also try something extra by adding black or gray eyeshadow and a swipe or two of black mascara.
Method 3 of 3: Emo Dress Up
Step 1. Always wear band t-shirts
This garment should be a highlight of your wardrobe and make up a considerable part of it. After all, being emo is almost entirely about music and showing your support for bands you like. Buy shirts on tours, when you go to see concerts, but you can also buy them in stores or online. They should be as snug as possible (but still look good on you) and girls can tie the bottom to expose a few inches of skin if they like.
Among the t-shirts of the emo bands that would contribute the most to your wardrobe and accentuate this style (as long as you actually listen to music), those of The Promise Ring, The Get Up Kids, Sunny Day Real Estate, Texas is the Reason, Rites of Spring, Braid, Alkaline Trio, Thursday and Cursive
Step 2. Invest in some skinny jeans
Skinny jeans are a key piece to complete the emo look. If you are thin, skinny jeans are recommended. However, some emos (especially guys) get made fun of for this garment. Who cares if they look good on you? Leave the haters alone and wear the skinnies with pride! Choose them black or blue, and if they're ripped or punctured, even better. Although skinny jeans (which are tight all the way down the leg) are probably the most common, cigarette jeans can also be fine.
- As much as you want your jeans to be tight, they should still fit you perfectly. Those that are too tight will be uncomfortable and will make you hot and therefore it will not be a pleasure to wear them. As if that weren't enough, the pants that fit you will obviously look better.
- If they prefer, girls can replace skinny jeans with skirts and stockings. Skirts should generally be short and black, although tutu-style ones can sometimes be opted for. The socks can be black, colored or with patterns. Feel free to experiment!
Step 3. Choose the right shoes
What you wear matters as much as what you wear, so take some time to consider footwear. The classic choice is represented by the high Converse, which should possibly be dirty and lived in. If you don't look good in the All Stars, skater shoes, like the Vans, Etnies and Circa, are popular alternatives.
- While brand new, the shoes should be used for mud jumping or dyed with a permanent marker; you can also use the white-out to draw on all the available space.
- Adding colorful designs or laces is another way to add a creative touch to your shoes, allowing them to reflect your personality.
Step 4. Wear camouflage jackets or black band hoodies
Emos suffer from the cold too, so if you need to cover up, opt for worn-out camouflage jackets and sweatshirts printed with the names of your favorite bands. You can create great outfits by layering these pieces on band shirts and t-shirts, but either way, they can be paired with everything, so you'll have an excellent return on investment.
- Authentic combat jackets can be found in thrift stores or on the web and look great when paired with pins and iron-on patches.
- Black sweatshirts with band names print are easy to find and give you the opportunity to profess your love for a certain group. They should be snug and worn with a hood too, for a "brooding" look.
Advice
- Don't try to be emo at all costs, or they might call you preppy, goth, or even worse, poser. Be yourself.
- Be creative with your style. The more unique you are, the less stereotypical your look will appear. Uniqueness lies at the opposite end of being a poser.
- Draw on objects. Buy permanent markers, textile paint or pens and write messages and draw on white t-shirts or your old Converse. You can create whatever you like: hearts, skulls, phrases about your way of being. You could even write all your favorite bands and excerpts of songs or get all your friends to sign them. Go for a style that is disorganized, eccentric and capable of expressing yourself. You can also use spray paint and stencils for even more fun!
