Knowing how to dress emo begins with knowing about the emo subculture. Emo is a musical style that sprang from the roots of punk rock. While punk rock was, and still is, loud and angry, emo quickly stood out as being more melodic and emotional – hence the name. Like most pop music, emo has had its share of influence on the fashion industry, which means that there are now certain things you can do to obtain an “emo” look.

Not only did emo musically borrow from punk rock, it also borrowed some of its fashion. For example, Converse’s Chuck Taylor All-Stars canvas sneakers are a popular choice for punk rockers and emo types alike. Most skate shoes, especially Vans or Sketchers, also work with the emo style of dress. Other popular trends borrowed from punk are leather jackets, studded belts and tight fitting jeans – all great choices in dressing emo. However, you don’t want to go to the extremes that punk rockers might with these choices. For example, shredded jeans is more of a hardcore punk look than an emo look.

To cover your torso, most emos wear tight fitting shirts. Often they have band names or are ironic throwbacks to products of the 70s or 80s, such as Atari. Some compliment the emo t-shirt look with button-down vests.

Tight sweaters are another popular choice, especially those that look plain or even perhaps ugly by other standards. Remember that emo is part of a counter-culture, one that often strays from the standard norms of dressing, so dressing well the emo way, might not be the same as dressing well conventionally.

You can accessorize the look with studded wristbands or the plain solid colored wristbands associated with various benefit organizations. It terms of color choices for the clothes, you should aim toward the darker end of the spectrum. Lots of blacks and grays work well. Remember you’re really going for that brooding loner kind of look.