It is all about “emo” these days. No, not the cute, gangly, red puppet from Sesame St who speaks like a 3 year old on speed… E-M-O. It’s the look, the music and the feeling, that is defining a generation and confusing the hell out of us gen X-ers.

So, what is emo anyway? I’ve had several debates with friends, family and perfect strangers, regarding the emergence of this subculture of sorts. Basically, from what I can gather, Emo is the new Grunge. Only, the Emo kids spend longer doing their hair and less time meticulously cutting tiny holes in their cardigans to create the moth-eaten look.

Emo has its roots firmly planted in music, and yes, “emotion” is at its core. Think Dashboard Confessional and My Chemical Romance. However, what I’d like to focus on here, is the look. A look that is starting to edge its way into mainstream culture in the most spectacular fashion.

So how does one dress emo? Well, after doing a bit of research and having a good old fashioned gawk at kids out there, I’ve come to understand that there is more than one kind of emo. There’s the “indie emo”, the “nerdy emo”, and the “dressy emo”. Who knew?

INDIE EMO: To start with, dye your hair black and cut it short with bangs across the forehead. Then get as many piercings as the metal detector at Tullamarine will allow. Apply jewellery liberally, beads are best. Throw on a fitted, faded shirt, equip with a random slogan - it should look like you accidentally picked it up at the local oppy, but we all know you got it at Dangerfield. Slip into a dark blue or poo brown work jacket or 70’s style parka. Pick up your Messenger Bag* (add safety pins and badges for an edgier look). Squeeze into those skin tight jeans (preferable black) and don the black converse. Too easy.

NERDY EMO: Cut your hair short and give it a good tussle - we’re going for bed hair here - by all means apply wax but keep it subtle, we definitely don’t want “Westy” spikes. Slide on some thick black rimmed glasses and pick up a tight grey v-neck sweater from your grandpa’s wardrobe. If you want to lift your kudos, pop a band t-shirt underneath - don’t worry if you’re not into music, most fashion labels are producing them by the dozen. Whack on a pair of Dickies work pants, slip into the black converse and again, accessorise with said Messenger Bag*.   
 
DRESSY EMO: Guys should be sporting a dark brown or black mop top (an absolute must if your serious about your emo styling). Slip into the stovepipes, preferably black and the tighter the better - fastening them under the backside is a given. Wear a light wool knit black jumper with a dinner vest over the top. Or, for warmer nights, pop a faded shirt or band t-shirt underneath. Accessorise with a silver necklace and maybe a couple of fluro wrist bands . For footwear, clean up the connies or slip into a pair of Vintage Julius Marlows. For the more daring emo master, finish off the look with some Ray band sunglasses. 

Hair for girls should be longer and whispy, flipped out at the sides. Getup should include the following: a high waisted skirt teemed with vintage chiffon shirt and wool vest, top it off with a vintage knee length pea coat (preferably with high waisted belt), pull on some knee length socks and step into a pair of vintage heels, then finish off the look with a thick grey wool scarf. Once again pull out the trusty Messenger Bag (remove all badges and safety pins to class it up).

So there you have it - it’s not that hard to be emo. We can all be emo, in fact, I’m feeling a little emo right now. 

Watch "I am Emo" Video

*A messenger bag (also called a courier bag) is a type of sack, usually made out of some kind of cloth (natural or synthetic), that is worn over one shoulder with a strap that winds around the chest resting the bag on the lower back. Messenger bags are often used by bicycle messengers, though they have increasingly become an urban fashion icon.