Amidst the glitz n’ glam and hippie dreams of the 1970s, fashion designers Viviene Westwood and Malcom McLaren’s went against the grain by using their insight into the youth’s turmoil and frustration to further market the punk movement. Their boutique in London, SEX, became a hub where the influential punk band, The Sex Pistols, were regulars. SEX soon became a beacon in the rising punk culture selling fashions of latex, bondage trousers, and spiked heels. Overtime, punk has evolved into many subcultures such as pop punk, death rock, and skate punk. Music continues to influence fashion trends, especially with the rise of today’s pop stars wearing pop punk fashion. Therefore, the rise of young adults on social media following these trends has punk fashion creeping its way back into the scene.
Secondhand Staples
Solidifying a foundation of key punk items will help create a variety of looks. When visiting your local thrift shop, first begin with keeping in mind a colour palette of purple, red, and black. Head to the men’s section and snag a slogan tee and a tartan or plaid shirt soft with wear. Of course, a black leather jacket is essential and should have silver hardware for its zippers or buckles. Moving down to the shoes, the go-to for punk rockers are a pair of lace up black leather boots. Purchasing these items secondhand is not only good for the environment, as it helps create less waste entering landfills, but it also means these items will be broken in, comfortable, and have a worn look. This best compliments the deconstructed, messy punk style.
Studs and Spikes and Everything Nice
Elevate your outfit with accessories, the right hair and makeup, and standout pieces. Safety pins are infamously a punk accessory, so gather enough safety pins to create patterns on clothes or to pin over signs of wear, such as small holes or tears. Personalize your clothes with decorative pins and be creative and hand paint designs directly onto clothing or on scrap fabric to hand sew onto your clothes. Standout wardrobe pieces should clash with the tartan, such as cheetah print, or clothing with interesting textures such as mesh and knit to layer under or over slogan tees. For hair, there are endless hair dye options from bright yellow, to deep red, and obsidian black. Spike the ends of your hair with gel or simply add texturizing spray to ‘zhush’ hair for a messy style. Lastly, outline eyes with a dark colored liner and smudge messily with your finger.
Attitude, Guts, and Glory
Your overall look will be tied together by the attitude and confidence you bring. Punk originally described a defiance towards cultural norms and many punk musicians came from not having formal music lessons, which led them to make their own way and have a sense of freedom. Punk is about embracing the chaotic and messy things in our lives and in ourselves despite society’s standards and recognizing that these things are what make us unique. To fully embody the punk attitude, listen to bands such as Blink 182, The Sex Pistols, The Dead Kennedy’s, and Minor Threat.
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