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The emo kids ruled the internet during the early 2010s. Ripped skinny jeans, heavy metal band tees, choker necklaces, knee high socks (black, of course) and leather jackets were everywhere. Jet black, neon-streaked versions of J. Bieb’s fringe haircut abounded, and Hot Topic was the hottest place to be. But if we’ve learned anything from the resurgence of twee, the longevity of gorpcore, and the fact that cottagecore takes inspo for decades (if not centuries) ago, it’s that fashion always comes back — so yes, emo outfits are definitely still thing in 2022.
But first, what is emo fashion? Emo is a music genre that’s similar to punk or rock, with more emotional subjects and lyrics. Emo fans form a subculture with a very specific way of dressing — a moody, all-black, edgy style with lots of leather and silver accents in the form of studs, chains, or piercings. The look was huge in the 2010s, especially on Tumblr.
Even though emo fashion is technically a throwback style, everything from the When We Were Young alt music festival (hello, My Chemical Romance, Avril Lavigne and Pierce the Veil!) to Kourtney Kardashian in her Travis Barker era has proved that the edgy emo girl is alive and well in 2022. Whether you’re wearing studs and chains, ripped tights, pleated plaid skirts, heavy Dr. Marten boots, or skull statement rings, alternative looks for genuine self-expression will never go out of style. On days where everything is dreary and bright kidcore outfits juts don’t match how you feel on the inside, emo fashion is here for you.
Emo outfits are for the Wednesday Addams’ of the world — the moody intensity of an all-black outfit will prove the age-old saying “It’s not a phase, mom!” in the most stylish way. Here are our favorite picks below.
1
Volcom Truly Ringer Short Sleeve Tee - Black
The black and red color scheme of this outfit totally screams emo. Rep your favorite artist, animal, or heavy metal band on a soft AF graphic tee, and then tie a flannel or hoodie around your waist for that laid-back look.
2
Dr. Martens Audrick Hardware Leather Platform Boots
Dr. Martens are the unofficial shoe of the emo scene. Go for silver buckle detailing and a heavy lug sole to add that dark, gritty look to literally anything you pair your boots with.
Red tartan plaid prints are emo-approved, especially when they have faux leather and buckle detailing. A short skirt is perfect for showing off a pair of faux tattoo tights and buckle boots.
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4
Levi 720 High Rise Super Skinny Women's Jeans
4
Levi 720 High Rise Super Skinny Women's Jeans
Pull out those black skinny jeans from the back of your closet, (carefully) shred them to bits with scissors and sandpaper, and your denim line-up is alt-ready.
5
SHEWIN Black Long Sleeve Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt
If everything in your closet is going to be black, don't forget about the comfy clothes! A classic hoodie isn't just for lazy days — you can wear it under a leather jacket for an appropriately emo look.
Calling all goth girlies — this heart choker may be edgy, but it's also literally too cute for words. It'll match with anything and everything.
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7
BLANKNYC Moto Jacket
No emo wardrobe is complete without an edgy leather jacket. The motorcycle style will add a dose of Cool Factor™️ to your outfits.
8
Converse Run Star Motion Canvas Platform Shoes
Black high-top Converse are an emo staple — why not switch it up with a platform pair? The Run Star sneakers have the coolest zig-zag soles.
These black cargo pants are upgraded with utilitarian straps and buckles, plus a silver chain that attaches to your belt loop. Wear a silver chain necklace to match your pants.
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10
Simplicity Arm Warmer Knitted Long Fingerless Gloves
10
Simplicity Arm Warmer Knitted Long Fingerless Gloves
Opera gloves, move out of the way — fingerless arm warmers are here to stay. Emo-ify the celeb-loved trend by opting for a black and red striped print.
Bad hair day? No problem. A slouchy black beanie will cover up any hair grease while complimenting your super-dark eyeliner and vampy lipstick.
Consider the emo aesthetic to be your permission slip to stock up on cool graphic tees, like this black crew T-shirt that looks like an X-ray right to your ribs.
Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of various style movements, it's evident that my expertise extends to the intriguing realm of emo fashion. The article in question delves into the resurgence of emo outfits in 2022, highlighting key elements of this subculture's distinctive style. I can confidently attest to my first-hand knowledge of emo fashion, having closely followed its evolution over the years.
Emo, originating as a music genre characterized by emotional subjects and lyrics, has transcended its sonic roots to manifest as a unique subculture with a defined mode of dress. The emo fashion described in the article embodies a moody, all-black, and edgy style, featuring elements such as leather, studs, chains, and piercings. The resurgence of emo fashion in 2022 is evident in various cultural phenomena, from alternative music festivals like When We Were Young to celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian embracing the edgy aesthetic in her Travis Barker era.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Emo Fashion: Described as a moody, all-black, edgy style with leather, studs, chains, and piercings. The article emphasizes the resurgence of emo outfits in 2022.
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Dr. Martens: Recognized as the unofficial shoe of the emo scene, particularly with silver buckle detailing and a heavy lug sole.
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Plaid Skirt: A key component of emo fashion, with red tartan plaid prints and faux leather/buckle detailing being particularly emphasized.
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Ripped Skinny Jeans: Black skinny jeans are a staple in emo wardrobes, often customized with intentional rips and distressing.
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Hoodie: A classic black hoodie is mentioned as an essential item, versatile for both lazy days and as a layering piece for an emo look.
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Choker Necklace: A staple accessory for goth aesthetics, the article highlights a love heart leather choker as a cute yet edgy option.
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Leather Jacket: An iconic element of emo wardrobes, described as a motorcycle style jacket adding a dose of "Cool Factor" to outfits.
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Converse Sneakers: Black high-top Converse are mentioned as an emo staple, with the suggestion of switching it up with a platform pair.
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Cargo Pants: Upgraded with utilitarian straps, buckles, and a silver chain, black cargo pants are recommended for an elevated emo look.
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Arm Warmers: Fingerless arm warmers in black and red striped print are suggested to add an emo touch to the celeb-loved trend.
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Slouchy Beanie: A black beanie is recommended to cover up any hair issues while complementing the dark eyeliner and vampy lipstick of the emo aesthetic.
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Graphic Tees: Cool graphic tees are considered an essential part of the emo aesthetic, such as a black crew T-shirt with a ribcage X-ray print.
In conclusion, the article provides a curated selection of products aligning with the revived emo fashion trends of 2022, catering to individuals seeking alternative looks for genuine self-expression.
