Emo is an artistic and profound youth subculture - and a musical genre. It concerns, in particular, the individual expression of one's emotions - through poetry, art, music, clothing etc. While there's a lot more to being Emo than just a handful of clothes and a few hairstyles, this guide shows you how to get an Emo look.
Steps
Step 1. Change your hair style
Sometimes emo hairstyles are similar to scenester hairstyles, although while scenester hair is dyed in various colors, emo hairstyles tend to cover the face and eyes more. Whether they are backcombed or straightened, most emos have wavy hair and bangs that cover one of their eyes. If you want to dye your hair, some suitable colors are platinum blonde, black (streaked with red or purple), or dark brown. Alternatively, you can use colored extensions, but they are more common among scenesters than among emos.
Step 2. Put on several layers
The top of your outfit should include several layers. For example, you could wear a checkered garment over a monochrome one or a vest over a white T-shirt. The items to include are tank tops, t-shirts with ironic phrases or slogans - and sweatshirts. For a true emo effect make sure the shirts you wear are tight, but not too tight to be uncomfortable or shameless.
Step 3. Wear t-shirts from emo bands
Emo music (originally called Emotional Hardcore or Emocore) is a fundamental part of the subculture. It was born in the 80s, when some hardcore punk bands started writing more emotionally aware lyrics than in the past. Rites of Spring, Embrace (US), Moss Icon, Indian Summer (US), Twelve Hour Turn, Heroin, Cap'n Jazz, American Football, Drive Like Jehu, Sunny Day Real Estate, Senses Fail, and Texas Is The Reason, all are good examples of emo bands. If you are a fan of emo music, be sure to dress accordingly.
Step 4. Wear jeans preferably tight
Step 5. Accessories
Being emo means being emotional, so make sure you wear accessories that express your interests, feelings and tastes. Studded belts and bracelets, pins and patches, shoulder bags, necklaces with "emo-eschi" pendants, piercings and earrings are good starting points.
Step 6. Put on emo shoes
Complete the outfit with Vans, Converse, Hot Topic shoes (both low top and sneakers). Break your shoes to make them look worn; having shiny new shoes isn't exactly emo!
Step 7. Put your makeup on
To make your features more expressive, use strong shades: black eyeshadow around the eyes, dark mascara, black eyeliner and black nail polish. Accent darker tones with a lipstick. Emo guys often use eyeliner too.
Step 8. Be yourself
The emo subculture is based on being emotional and its fundamental point is to express who you really are. If you like the emo style and appreciate its music, great! Otherwise, trying to integrate into the emo subculture won't bring you any joy.
Advice
- Don't worry about what your friends think. No one who can consider themselves a true friend will stop talking to you just because you changed your way of dressing.
- Don't take offense too much to heart. Most people hurt each other to hide their insecurity.
- Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be self-harming to be an emo. So don't do it.
- If your friends criticize your decision to be emo, consider their reasons. Are they worried that you will leave them on the sidelines, or will you hurt yourself? Reassure them. If they have no reason other than hatred of the emo subculture, maybe it's time for your paths to part ways.
Warnings
- Don't go around saying to the four winds "I'm emo!". It is your actions that must speak for you or else you will be labeled as a poser.
- Don't show yourself depressed all the time, but only if you really are. Be calm and curious.
- Avoid being the center of attention at all costs. Rather than making you feel better, more important, more appreciated and respected - or whatever you are looking for - it will only make you feel more alone.
- When someone asks if you are emo, shrug your shoulders or say no. If they ask you if you are goth it can sometimes be offensive so answer: "In your opinion?".
- Cutting yourself is not necessary and by doing so you could KILL YOURSELF! If you cut yourself, seek support from friends, family, or a therapist.
- If you cut yourself, also keep in mind that the scars left behind could damage your skin forever and affect your chances of finding work in the future.
- Don't let your peers put pressure on you to try alcohol or drugs just because other emos do. Be yourself and be cautious.
