What it Means to Be Emo
At Attitude Clothing, we love everything about alternative culture. From goth and grunge to emo and everything in between. Today, we’re looking at emo culture and what it means to be an emo. Let’s explore everything emo, from its early origins to clothing and cosmetics!
TLDR: Emo is a subgenre of Goth culture encompassing a music style, fashion, and personality type. Emos are individuals who are openly in touch with their strong emotions (not just sadness). Musically, it originated in the 1980s hardcore punk scene and is characterised by introspective, emotionally-focused lyrics. The fashion often includes skinny jeans, dark colours, studded accessories, and volume-heavy, coloured hair, though modern emo styles are now more eclectic.
Contents
Is goth and emo the same thing?
What does it mean to be emo?
The term “emo” refers to a few things: a music genre, a style and a personality type. There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding emos, and it’s probably one of the most misunderstood gothic subgenres.
An emo person is someone who is in touch with their feelings. Contrary to popular belief, they are not constantly sad. Emos are strongly connected to their emotions but enjoy laughing and joking around like any other gothic culture.
Punk rock heavily influences emo music, with introspective, emotionally fraught lyrics and themes.
The genre can be traced back to Washington D.C.’s 1980s hardcore punk scene, specifically the band Rites of Spring. While musically similar to the heavy riffs of post-hardcore, their personal lyricism sees them widely regarded as the first emo band. However, the band famously don’t appreciate this accolade – perhaps foreshadowing the scorn the genre would go on to receive.
The 90s saw further genre development in bands like The Get Up Kids and American Football before the turn of the century brought an explosion of emo greatness. Pop-punk and emo intertwined in bands like Jimmy Eats World, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Paramore and Panic! At The Disco.
What is emo fashion?
Emo fashion, often associated with skinny jeans, hoodies, studded belts, and dyed hair, has evolved into something more eclectic and modern. Many individuals now combine classic emo pieces with other alternative styles, creating a unique and personal aesthetic that embodies the spirit of gothic culture – being your unique self.
How to dress emo
Whether you’re a lifelong, committed emo or want to dabble in an edgier look, here are some solid tips to get you started.
Classic footwear
Shoes are an important thing to get right when dressing emo. While classic styles like Doc Martens and Vans still hold up as the timeless emo choice, there is now much more to choose from. Platform boots are essential to any gothic wardrobe, with a statement look and extra cushioning for long hours standing at gigs.
Another iconic silhouette is the creeper. Perfect for everyday styling, creepers slot into a corporate emo look as easily as a full alternative get-up.
The preppier emo will delight in a pair of Mary Janes. Choose a pair with clunky gothic features like big buckles and platforms for the perfect edgy look.
Staple Tees
An oversized T-shirt will always see you right when dressing emo. These versatile heroes can be styled endlessly with everything from jeans to skirts, dresses and shorts. From gigs and festivals to comfortable work-from-home attire, an emo T-shirt is the perfect choice.
Accessories, accessories, accessories
Like many styles and aesthetics, accessories are the key to a great emo look. From the perfect bag to bold, studded jewellery, accessories bring an extra dimension to your look, making it more interesting. Add chains and studs to achieve a classic emo vibe, or choose stylish sunglasses for a modern take.
Is goth and emo the same thing?
In short, emo is a subgenre of Gothic culture. However, there are features of emo that make it stand out from traditional goth.
One key difference lies within the musical genres.
Traditional goth music targets themes of melancholy and nihilism in response to outer influences like world events. In contrast, emo music relies on introspection from the songwriter and vocalists, focusing on feelings and personal experiences with a matching musical tone.
We dove deeper into the differences between the two in our blog: Are Goth and Emo the Same Thing?
How to style emo hair
The first step to getting a great emo ‘do is to get the right haircut. Ask your hairdresser for lots of choppy layers with face-framing pieces for the perfect base.
Whether you’ve committed to an emo haircut or just want to experiment, the driving force behind many iconic emo hairstyles is volume, volume and more volume!
That being said, the backcombing days are gone. Try using a volumising spray at the roots for a more modern edge. Even a dry shampoo will work well for this.
Modern emo hairstyles don’t all require you to reach for the straighteners. You’ll often see emos embracing their natural hair texture- beautiful ringlet curls or relaxed waves – your hair will thank you for giving it a break!
If you need help in the texture department, why not opt for a 90s grunge vibe with a crimped look?
Embrace colour
Some things never change, and one of those is emos having coloured hair. Whether it’s a full-on rainbow look or a pretty pastel shade, colouring your hair is a great way to express yourself.
How to do emo makeup
Alternative makeup looks have come a long way from white foundation and huge eyeliner. While these iconic styles still have their place, emo makeup has become much more versatile, with softer options alongside the classic bold, dramatic looks.
Embrace emo culture at Attitude Clothing
Attitude Clothing is the home of all things alternative. From clothing and accessories to home and lifestyle, we have everything you need to create the emo wardrobe of your dreams. Find further inspiration on our blog, where we dive into gothic culture, style and history!
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