Fashion: How to Go Emo

Going emo isn't as simple as you might think! Constantly wearing black clothing and frowning a lot doesn't cut it - you don't want to be mistaken for a goth or an aspiring vampire or "Twihard". The emo look is one that is carefully cultivated with just the right t-shirt, hoodie and carefully worn in Converse sneakers. Wear the wrong t-shirt at your own risk. There is nothing worse than being shunned by a group of emos, believe us we know!

Emo fashion

Lace print skirt from Hot Topic, $20

Panda t-shirt from Modcloth, $27

Super skinny jeans from Garage Clothing, $15

Converse from Little Burgundy Shoes, $55

Robot socks from Topshop, $5

Ramones t-shirt from Sugarbullets.co.uk, $40

Circle scarf from Modcloth.com, $23

Skull necklace from Lazyoaf.co.uk, $20

Square Head brooch from Lazyoaf.co.uk, $10

Honky Tonk t-shirt from Lazyoaf.co.uk, $30

Loafers tote bag from Lazyoaf.co.uk, $10

Nollie Veronica keyhold tank top from Pacsun, $20

Fox altered v-neck t-shirt from Pacsun, $20

Mini basic backpack from LeSportSac, $60

Iron Fist Pink Robot Skeleton Hoodie from Hot Topic, $38

Hell Bunny Mushroom Short Sleeve hoodie from Hot Topic, $34

Underground Dreaming Cat leather pumps from Sohos.co.uk, $14.99

Black twinkly flats from Hot Topic, $18.99

Schoolgirl reader glasses from Urban Outfitters, $16

Mods badges from Sohos.co.uk, $2

Hello Kitty socks from Hot Topic, $8

What is Emo?

Emo is short for "emotional" and originates from the mid-1980s punk rock music movement in Washington, DC. In the 1990s music labelled "Emo" was characterized by more melancholic rock melodies and became popular in the mainstream in the early 2000s. Bands like Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional and My Chemical Romance attracted a large fan base among teenagers which of course evolved into an Emo fashion moment!

Fashion: How to Go Emo

Emo Style Tips

One thing you'll never see in emo fashion is baggy clothing. Jeans are meant to be worn TIGHT and black eyeliner is of course meant to be encouraged. Black rimmed glasses are optional but add a nice touch to your overall look! Accessories that go with the emo look are studded belts, backpacks, messenger bags, printed socks and fishnet tights. Fittted hoodies are perfect for keeping warm and even better if there are some patterns on it like stars or skulls. Vintage band tshirts and plaid shirts are perfect to wear with tight jeans and if you want to add a scarf, a long thin one with stripes is the perfect addition to the emo look! Flat shoes are essential - no self-respecting emo would ever be seen in high heels! Flat shots or boots or sneakers like Converse or Vans are a must! If you want to add a bit of personality to your hair, colour some strips of it in bright colours using temporary hair dye! Finish off your look with some black (chipped) nailpolish (navy blue, burgundy or any dark colour is fine!) and you've successfully gone emo! Cue the sad music and check out our top emo fashion picks!