The all-black clothing, plastered side-bang and the general mood of heartbreak — we all remember that emo look that made its debut during the early 2000s. What seemed like a fashion faux pas at the beginning ended up as one of the era’s most defining trends. Remember when almost everyone had the look for their MySpace or Friendster profile photos?
Emo fashion is a culture that might not be mainstream today, but it is forever embedded in our fashion books. So, if you plan on resurrecting your emo days or want to give the trend a try, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Emo Fashion?
Emo fashion is all about expressing yourself through your clothing. It can be a great way to show off your personality and style, and it can also be a way to connect with other emo-style lovers. The general look is usually dark and moody, with lots of black clothing and accessories.
Influences
It has influences from musicians like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Panic! at the Disco, who write emotional lyrics that resonate with many people. They often wear tight jeans, band t-shirts, hoodies, and Converse sneakers. Coincidentally, “emos” generally listen to the same type of music genre, such as hardcore punk, goth rock, and emo music, and share the same fashion sense.
Subcultures
There are also subcultures within the emo fashion scene, such as scene kids and hipsters. Scene is an emo subculture where an emo girl or boy is more into the party side of things, while hipsters are more laid-back and focus on vintage clothing. The emo community is full of creative people who love to express themselves through the way they dress.
What is the Difference Between Emo, Punk, and Goth?
The main difference is the music they listen to. An emo girl or boy usually listens to emotional hardcore or pop punk music, while goth kids might prefer industrial or darkwave music. Punk is more of a political and social movement than a music genre, but many punk bands overlap with the emo music and goth genres. They are all an artistic subculture of the underground music scene based on do-it-yourself ethics and anti-establishment views.
Goths also tend to dress in all black, while emos pair their dark clothes with dark red, violet, and blue hues. Punk fashion is all about DIY and self-expression, so you’ll see a lot of unique styles within the punk subculture. Emo and goth fashion is more trend-based, with many people following certain looks.
When Did Emo Fashion Become Trendy?
The emo aesthetic started to become popular in the early 2000s, thanks to punk, rock, and emo bands like My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy, especially its lead singer, Pete Wentz. It then entered the mainstream in the mid-2000s with celebrities like Avril Lavigne and Lindsey.
Many celebrities and fashion icons have also been associated with the emo style, including Avril Lavigne, Kristen Stewart, and Miley Cyrus. Since then, emo outfits have evolved and now include various styles, from grunge-inspired looks to preppy ensembles with a dark twist.
It also debuted in fashion magazines and runways in 2006, thanks to designers like Hedi Slimane and Marc Jacobs. The style has continued to be popular, even in big movies like Spiderman 3, where Toby Maguire started dressing in emo-inspired outfits after wearing the black suit. This spawned Bully Maguire, a popular internet meme of the character.
What are the Main Elements of Emo Fashion?
Black clothing
Black is the go-to color for emo outfits. It represents darkness and mystery, which are two critical elements of the style. You can find black clothes in almost any style, from dark skinny jeans to t-shirts. You can also accessorize with black jewelry, belts, and shoelaces. Many emo girls also dye their hair black to complete the look.
Band shirts
Band shirts are a great way to show your love for music and fashion at the same time. They come in various styles, from vintage tees to modern tank tops. You can usually find band shirts at concerts, online, or in specialty stores.
Some also play with the fit of a band t-shirt. Tight clothes that accentuate the body’s shape are often associated with the emo style, so you might see emo girls wearing band shirts that are a bit too small. This gives off a sexy and grungy look.
Layering
The emo look involves a lot of layering. It allows you to mix and match different pieces to create your own unique look. Common items to layer include t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets. Accessories like scarves and necklaces can also be layered for added effect. Silver and black are the most popular colors for layering.
Hoodies
Hoodies are a must-have for any emo outfit. They’re comfortable and practical and look great with just about anything. You can find hoodies in various colors, but black is the most popular choice.
Black eyeliner
Black eyeliner is another essential element of emo outfits. This eye makeup is usually worn thick and dramatic to create a gothic or mysterious look. It can be applied to the top and bottom lash line or just the top for a more subtle look. Emo makeup also usually includes dark eyeshadow, mascara, and eyebrow pencil.
Boots and sneakers
Boots and sneakers are essential for any emo outfit. They’re comfortable and practical and can be styled to suit any look. Combat boots, in particular, are a popular choice, but you can also find them in other styles like Doc Martens, aka the traditional heavy combat boots.
Denim jackets
Many emo kids love denim jackets because they’re comfortable and stylish. They can be worn over slim-fit jeans, hoodies, or dresses and can be styled in various ways. Denim jackets are usually dark wash and distressed. They are almost always paired with a silver studded belt and an all-black emo ensemble.
Tattoos and piercings
Tattoos and piercings are popular accessories among emo boys and girls. They’re a great way to express your individuality and add some edge to your look.
Many add tattoos and facial piercings as they age and their style evolves. Behind-the-ear tattoos are popular for girls, while boys often opt for neck or hand tattoos.
Bangs
Bangs are a popular choice for emos. They can be worn in various styles, from straight and blunt locks to asymmetrical and choppy layers. They are usually worn to frame the face but can also be styled to cover one eye as side-swept bangs. Of course, the hair underneath is usually in dark colors, but the top can come in various colors, from blonde and white to pink, blue, and red.
What are Some Tips for Styling Emo Fashion?
Start with the basics
A good place to start is with a black t-shirt, black skinny jeans, and a denim jacket. You can then add layers, like a hoodie or flannel shirt. Many emo kids also wear Converse sneakers or Doc Martens boots.
Accessorize with jewelry
Emo guys often accessorize with necklaces, piercings, and rings. Studded belts and bracelets are also popular. Emo girls usually accessorize with chokers, necklaces, rings, and earrings. They might also wear fishnet stockings or tights. A layered spike necklace is also a common choice.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Wearing emo outfits is all about expressing yourself. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and looks. Try layering different clothing items or accessorizing with jewelry and makeup.
Keep it simple
You don’t need to go overboard with your emo outfit. Sometimes, less is more. A simple black t-shirt, black jeans, and sneakers can be just as stylish as a more complicated outfit. You can also add a pop of color with your accessories, like a bright scarf or beanie. No matter what you wear, make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Be yourself
The most important thing is to be yourself. Emo outfits are all about self-expression, so wear what makes you feel good. If you’re comfortable and confident in your outfit, you’ll look great no matter what you’re wearing.
Are There Any Emo Clothing Brands?
Some popular emo clothing brands include Hot Topic, Tripp NYC, and Lip Service. These brands sell everything from band shirts to skinny jeans to chokers. You can usually find their clothing in stores or online. Many emo kids also like to shop at vintage or second-hand stores to find unique pieces.
But you don’t need to buy clothes from a specific brand to dress emo. You can wear whatever you want as long as it fits the aesthetic. You can even DIY your own emo clothes by shopping at thrift stores or altering your existing garments.
Did the Emo Style Fall Out of Fashion?
The emo style is constantly changing, but it’s definitely still around. In recent years, there was a resurgence in the popularity of 90s fashion, which included many elements of emo style. In the 2010s, brands like Hot Topic and Forever 21 started selling emo-inspired clothing again. And today, you can find emo fashion bloggers and Instagrammers all over the internet.
Who are Some Modern Fashion Icons Who Wear Emo Clothing?
Some modern fashion icons who wear emo clothing include Machine Gun Kelly, Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Lana Del Rey. They often experiment with layering different clothing items and accessorizing with jewelry and tattoos. While the emo style has changed over the years, they all embody the DIY, punk rock aesthetic.
Will the Emo Aesthetic Be Big in 2023?
There’s no way to predict the future, but the emo aesthetic has been popular for over two decades. It has seen a decline in popularity at certain points, but it always seems to make a comeback. So the emo style may not be as big in 2023 as in 2003, but likely, it will still be around.
Emo fashion is all about self-expression and being yourself. The most important thing is to be comfortable and confident in your own skin. Even if the emo style falls out of fashion, you can always experiment with different looks and find what works. So don’t be afraid to try something new! After all, fashion is all about having fun.
