The Best Emo Clothes
Though it began as a musical movement in the early '80s, emo has grown to encompass an entire culture. The genre's trademark style of visceral, confessional lyrics champions a wave of raging self-expression that often takes the form of dark clothing and of neon accents. But it takes more than a pair of black jeans to put together a true emo outfit. Instead of focusing on one specific item of clothing, we chose to collect a list of both centerpieces and accessories. Since personal expression is at the heart of emo culture, we wanted to leave as much room for stylization as possible. Urban CoCo's versatile mini skirt is a great example of something plain you'll want in your closet if only to make your graphic T-shirt pop more. But if you're looking for a little more color, the arm warmers from Bienvenu offer plenty of options to spice up an outfit while adding to the emo aesthetic. Whatever your wardrobe needs, read on to find something that warms your emo heart.
Urban CoCo Flared Mini Skirt
Add some flare to your outfit
This just in: mini skirts are back from the cheerleader graveyard. Though some patterns look a little preppier than others, plenty of styles ooze emo, too. If you need proof, just look at Urban CoCo’s flared mini skirt. It comes in a huge range of colors, so you can strut your stuff in solids, polka dots, plaid, or gingham. It’s also made of a polyester-spandex blend that provides just enough stretch to accommodate comfortable movement and everyday wear.
Pros:
- We love the thickness and texture of the material. It helps the skirt keep its classic flared appearance while you’re wearing it.
- Even though there’s a slight stretch to the fabric, it’s still very true to size.
Cons:
- The sizing seems more accurate for petite frames. Folks with wider hips might need to look elsewhere for a skirt that won’t show off more than they want.
Bienvenu Arm Warmer Fingerless Gloves
Show your stripes
Arm warmers have a complicated past. They were weird when your grandma tried to show you hers from the ’50s, but now, your outfit just doesn’t feel complete without them. If stripes are your style, check out these arm warmers from Bienvenu. They come in everything from black and white to rainbow, so nothing is off the table. Made of soft, stretchy acrylic, these fingerless gloves are the ultimate arm accessory. Stay counter-culture, not uncomfortable.
Pros:
- Unlike some thumbholes that have frayed or ripped seams, these arm warmers have more durable holes that are stitched.
- We appreciate that even when the fabric stretches to hug the arm, it won’t create holes or gaps in the material.
Cons:
- Because these arm warmers are snug enough to keep from falling down, they may be too tight to wear for longer periods of time.
TSMNZMU Mini Lace Sleeveless Black Dress
When a skirt just won’t cut it, reach for this sleeveless black dress from TSMNZMU. With lace detailing, a scalloped neckline, and a ribbon halter, it wraps all your favorite textures into one little number. The blend of polyester and spandex creates an ultra-wearable fabric that has a slightly velvety finish on the bodice. And if halter tops aren’t your thing, TSMNZMU offers this dress in a range of different styles.
Pros:
- While some faux velvet materials can feel itchy on the inside, we love that this dress is soft and comfortable for everyday wear.
- The metal cross in the middle of the ruching adds a subtle but eye-catching detail to the dress.
Cons:
- This dress is fairly short, even when sized properly. Be prepared to throw a pair of spandex or stockings underneath if you’re planning on doing anything active.
SANSTHS Double Grommet Leather Belt
Even though studded belts sound and look amazing, it’s not always practical to have sharp points sticking out from your body. With the double grommet belt from SANSTHS, you get the added flair of extra metal detailing without any extra bulk. And since the holes run all the way down the belt, there’s plenty of room to adjust the tightness. The polyurethane (PU) leather has a nice amount of sheen, and it’s well-equipped to weather everyday wear.
Pros:
- Though it’s marketed primarily toward women, we love that guys can rock this belt equally well — especially because of how adjustable it is.
- We like how securely the grommets are fastened to the belt, making it feel extra durable.
Cons:
- We’d love to see a metal accent on the belt-tip. In addition to bringing a little more shine, it would also lend it a sturdier construction.
Leg Avenue Fishnet Tights
Fine in fishnets
Just like your favorite choker, these fishnet tights from Leg Avenue are something you’ll want to wear every day. Pull them on underneath a mini skirt, a pair of black denim shorts, or your favorite leather dress to complete your emo aesthetic. They’re made entirely of spandex, which helps them stay form-fitting without being overly constricting. Of course, we love the black, but Leg Avenue offers them in a few colors if you’re looking to make your legs pop.
Pros:
- Even though the spandex construction feels lightweight and soft, it’s surprisingly durable.
- Because of the extra stretch, you have the option to wear these tights as either high or low-waisted.
Cons:
- The size of the holes may be larger than expected, especially when stretched out. If you’re looking for a stiffer, more solid fishnet look, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does emo clothing have to be black?
The beauty of emo fashion is that it doesn’t have to be anything. Though black is often the preferred color to reflect the culture’s intense focus on sadness, the whole movement began as a counterculture. That means that defying norms is built into the fabric of emo fashion.
What’s the difference between emo and goth?
Emo and goth cultures stem from distinct musical genres, each with its own set of artistic influences and figureheads. While emo music was pioneered in America as a form of deep emotional expression, goth fell under the umbrella of the United Kingdom punk scene that romanticized darkness. Because they rose to popularity during the ’80s and ’90s and share an affinity for black clothing, they’re often grouped together.
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