For teenagers, punk fashion is an appealing aesthetic. And rightly so, it’s edgy and anti-norm and screams some of the most common feelings young people have. Namely, the lack of identity, anger and disappointment in authority, a rebellious streak and a desire to express themselves. Undoubtedly, there is no one who did not feel attracted to punk music or punk fashion in their youth. So, this article is for everyone. Whether you’re a teenager looking for alternative fashion tips or an older person looking to indulge in nostalgia for their youth. Here’s your short guide to 70s punk fashion.
What is punk? Brief history of punk and its subcultures
But first, let’s understand a little about the punk movement and aesthetics. Punk originally began as a genre of alternative music in the form of aggressive rock. However, it soon spread as an ideology and aesthetic of fashion.
Like everything else, it arose as a reaction to its predecessors. That is, where pastoral themes 1960s hippie movement, with their psychedelic rock music and messages of love, peace and unity for all, advocated the supremacy of nature and rural life, 70s punk celebrated urbanism and restored life to the city center. However, he was categorically against authoritarianism, consumerism and corporatism.
In fact, punk believes in the freedom of the individual. Therefore, most of the punk music was released by independent artists without any connection to any record label or giant company. They seriously believed in the possibility of doing something with their own hands. This is also reflected in their fashion choices, much of which are handmade (more on that later). In general, punk has had a great impact and punk subcultures have spread to various mediums such as fashion, political ideologies, literature, art, dance, cinema, etc.
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How to convey the aesthetics of 70s punk fashion? Follow these 10 tips!
The punk look is actually quite simple and economical. For this image, you do not need to buy expensive things. Follow these tips to get your punk fashion right!
1. Everything is done by hand
As stated earlier, 70s punk fashion relies heavily on DIY due to its anti-materialistic and anti-mainstream spirit. They will never support the big fashion companies that churn out standard clothes in the name of a trend and charge hundreds of dollars for it. Punk fashion is about self-expression and an accessible form. That’s why check out your nearest secondhand store for punk fashion. Buy used clothes that are inexpensive and give them a personal touch. It could be something as simple as buying a graphic tee and pairing it with edgy embellishments and leather belts. A checkered t-shirt with ripped jeans is a classic outfit for men’s 70s punk fashion. Similarly, plaid skirts with a cute black tee are perfect for women’s punk fashion.
2. Rip your jeans – no, not Gen Z style!
You must have seen Generation Z TikTok burning skinny jeans and favoring baggy jeans with wide hem and embroideries instead. The punk aesthetic is the exact opposite of that. Skinny and ripped jeans are a key element of your look. For the ultimate punk feel, it’s recommended to rip the jeans yourself with a razor blade.
3. Add some safety pins, razor blades and needles to make it look sharper.
Since most of the followers of this aesthetic were teenagers, they had no money. Then it is clear why they prefer homemade products and cheap clothes. Interestingly, the iconic safety pins and blades you see as part of the punk look started out as a cheap and quick way to mend torn clothes. However, it gradually evolved into a deliberate decoration and a symbol of the punk aesthetic. In addition, they are also seen as a form of solidarity with the self-harming tendencies that teenagers suffer from.
4. Incorporate more steel into your look with piercings.
Facial piercing are the key to punk fashion. Not only for women, but also for men. In particular, septum piercings, nose piercings, and lip piercings are popular. A prerequisite is multiple ear piercings, such as industrial, spiral, cartilage and tragus.
5. Provocation is not only for women. Bondage accessories are also one of the staples of men’s 70s punk fashion.
When you think of 70s punk fashion, the first thing that comes to mind is necklaces, piercings, leather and safety pins. Indeed, it would not be wrong to say that the punk aesthetic is provocative. It includes many provocative clothing such as fishnets, S&M and BDSM fabrics such as leather, rubber and PVC, as well as spiked leather chokers and even dog collars. Punk fashion is also gender neutral. Both men and women can use these accessories to complete their punk look.
6. Don’t Forget That Leather Jacket
The punk look is far from the usual streetwear aesthetic. Proof? Leather Jacket. The popularity of leather jackets spans many different genres and fashion looks, both mainstream and non-mainstream. However, no rock look is complete without the iconic leather jacket. In particular, leather jackets studded with metal and studs are a key element of the punk aesthetic.
7. Time to dye your hair neon green, red or blue.
Another thing that immediately comes to mind when it comes to the punk aesthetic is dyed hair. Punks intentionally dye their hair in unnatural bright colors. It shouldn’t be annoying. There are many vibrant hair colors that look absolutely amazing. Just be sure to go to a really good hairdresser so you don’t ruin your hair! You can also use temporary hair color sprays if you don’t want to bleach and permanently dye your hair.
8. Mohawk not your style? There are many other punk hairstyles
Mohawk is one of the most trendy haircuts for punk fans, however, not everyone likes it and it is difficult to pull off. No problem! There are many other options out there for you. Typically, punk hairstyles include glue-on spiked hair and long bangs that cover most of the face. Shaved or partially shaved heads are also a punk aesthetic.
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9. Comfortable shoes! Chunky boots and sneakers are the key to the girly punk fashion of the 70s.
Luckily for women, punk fashion doesn’t include painful heels. In fact, it supports comfortable sneakers, sneakers and combat boots. For maximum aesthetics, go for chunky platform boots with studded or studded embellishments.
10. Complete the look with black lipstick and bright eyeliner.
No look is complete without complimentary makeup. For the perfect punk makeup, use heavy eye makeup and especially black eyeliner. In addition, red shades are also popular. Black lipstick is a must too!
Final words
The punk aesthetic is a truly iconic image. Luckily, this is pretty easy to achieve. In its simplest form, it consists of a T-shirt, ripped jeans, and a leather jacket paired with edgy piercings, chokers, and black makeup. With the help of the above tips, we hope you can achieve this look flawlessly!
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