Emo Outfits: How to Get the Look Today
Emo outfits never really left, they just went to hide in the back of the closet for a while. Now the look is everywhere again, from emo nights to festival crowds to your feed. Here's how to get it right in a way that feels fun now and not like a costume.
A quick bit of history
Emo started as a punk offshoot in the mid-1980s Washington, D.C. scene, but the fashion most people picture comes from the 2000s. That's when bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, Panic! at the Disco and Paramore were all over MTV, and the look spread through Warped Tour, Hot Topic and MySpace profiles. Want the full story? Read what is emo.
The core emo pieces
Most emo outfits are built from the same list:
- Skinny jeans: black is classic, but dark wash, red or plaid all work.
- Band tees: the more you actually like the band, the better.
- Striped long sleeves: black and white, black and red, black and pink.
- Zip-up hoodies: fitted, often with band art.
- Studded belts: one-row, two-row or the famous pyramid stud belt.
- Converse or Vans: worn in, ideally a bit beat up. Doodles on the side are a bonus.
- Wristbands and bracelets: sweatbands, studded cuffs, rubber bracelets.
- Fingerless gloves and arm warmers: very 2000s, very fun.
- Black eyeliner: smudged, for every gender.
Emo then vs emo now
The 2000s version was tight and skinny from top to toe. Today a lot of people keep the spirit and loosen the fit:
| Then | Now |
|---|---|
| Super-skinny jeans | Skinny or wide-leg black jeans |
| Tiny fitted band tee | Oversized band tee |
| Low-rise everything | High-waisted pieces |
| Converse only | Converse, Vans or chunky boots |
| Straightened side fringe | Shaggy fringe, wolf cuts, curtain bangs |
Both versions are good. Wear the one that makes you happy.
7 emo outfits to try
1. The classic
Black skinny jeans, a band tee, a studded belt, black Converse and smudged eyeliner. You could wear this to any show from 2004 to forever.
2. Striped layers
A tight black and red striped long sleeve under a short-sleeve band tee, black jeans, checkerboard Vans and a pile of wristbands.
3. Hoodie season
A fitted black zip hoodie over a band tee, gray or black skinny jeans, fingerless gloves and high-top sneakers. Perfect for colder emo nights.
4. Plaid and chains
A plaid mini skirt or plaid trousers, fishnets or black tights, a band tee, wallet chain and chunky boots. A good mix of emo and pop punk, and a great choice for a summer show.
5. Soft emo
An oversized cardigan, a pastel or black tee, black jeans, platform sneakers and a little heart or star eyeliner detail.
6. The modern fit
A baggy black band tee, wide-leg black jeans, a studded belt worn low, chunky boots and a silver chain or two. Very now, still clearly emo.
7. Going out
Black jeans or a black skirt, a mesh top under a cropped band tee, arm warmers, and a bold dark lip. Great for an emo night or a date.
The emo accessories checklist
Accessories are where emo outfits really come alive. Pick a few:
- A pyramid stud belt, worn a little crooked
- Rubber and studded wristbands, stacked up the arm
- Band pins on your bag, jacket or hoodie strings
- A wallet chain
- Fingerless gloves or arm warmers
- Thin black or silver chains
- Black nail polish, slightly chipped
- A messenger bag covered in pins and patches
Dressing for an emo night
Emo nights are basically a party where everyone screams along to 2000s classics, so dress for dancing. Go with breathable layers, a band tee you don't mind getting sweaty, black jeans or a skirt with shorts under it, and shoes you can jump in. Leave the giant hoodie at home unless the room is cold. If you want to find one near you, our emo night near me guide can help.
Hair and makeup
Hair is half the emo look. The side fringe is iconic, but layered shags, wolf cuts and black hair with a bright streak all fit right in. We've got a full list of emo hairstyles if you want ideas.
For makeup, think black eyeliner smudged on the top and bottom lid, maybe a little silver or black glitter, and a pale pink or dark lip. Simple is fine. Emo was always more about messy than perfect.
Emo vs scene outfits
These two get mixed up a lot. Emo outfits are mostly black and dark with band merch. Scene took the same skinny-jeans base and added neon colors, cartoon prints, teased hair and lots of accessories. If brighter is your thing, check out our look back at 2000s scene kids.
Where to find emo clothes
- The merch table: the best band tees come from shows.
- Thrift stores and secondhand apps: search "studded belt", "band tee" or "striped long sleeve".
- Hot Topic: still the easy place for band shirts and basics in the US.
- DIY: draw on your Converse, add pins to a hoodie, cut thumbholes into old long sleeves.
Wearing it with confidence
There's no age limit and no gatekeeping here. Plenty of people who wore emo outfits in high school are wearing them again in their thirties and loving it. Plenty of others are discovering the look for the first time. Both are welcome at the show.
The emo revival has made it a great time to dress this way. And if you want people to talk music and outfits with, Alt Chat has live chat rooms where you can hang out with other emo kids, plus a profile song so everyone hears your favorite track the second they open your page.
FAQ
What do emos wear?
Classic emo outfits are skinny jeans, band tees, striped long sleeves, hoodies, studded belts and Converse or Vans. Add heavy eyeliner and a side fringe and you've got the look.
Is emo fashion coming back?
Yes. Emo nights, reunion tours and festivals like When We Were Young brought the style back, and a lot of people now mix it with baggier, more modern fits.
What's the difference between emo and scene outfits?
Emo outfits are mostly black with dark colors and band merch. Scene takes the same base and adds bright neon colors, cartoon prints and big teased hair.
Where can I buy emo clothes?
Band merch tables, Hot Topic, thrift stores and secondhand apps are the easiest places. Studded belts, striped sleeves and skinny jeans are cheap and easy to find.
