Dress Emo in the Summer

Breezy summer ensembles are not generally associated with Emo style. Dark clothing, flannel, and hoodies are pretty much the opposite of beach-wear. However, with a little creativity and flexibility, many elements of Emo fashion can translate into warm-weather looks. Besides selecting the right clothing, accessories, body art, and hairstyles can go a long way towards expressing your personal style. If you're into Emo fashion but can't figure out how to carry it off when the temperature rises, then sweat no more…

Steps

Adapting Emo Fashion Staples for the Summer

1. Make your skinny jeans work. You might be able to get away with tight, dark jeans for much of the summer, but when it gets too hot, it’s time to adapt. Get a pair of jean cut-offs or slim, dark denim shorts with a rolled cuff.
   • Instead of buying a pair of shorts, you could make your own by cutting off a pair of old jeans. Simply measure the length you want and mark a line on the inside of the fabric with a ruler. Cut along those lines on the legs with heavy shears, wash your new shorts, and you’re done.
   • You can also wear skinny pants that are more breathable while still being stylish if you get some razor-slashed jeans.
2. Wear your favorite band's T-shirts. T-shirts are perfectly compatible with any summer wardrobe, and what better way to express Emo culture than repping your favorite bands?
   • To make the strongest statement, track down band T’s at a concert, or make your own.
3. Go vintage. Retro is always in season when it comes to Emo style. Shop thrift stores, browse vintage shops, or raid your parents’ closets for summer-appropriate vintage apparel, like mini-dresses and short-sleeved or sleeveless tops.
   • Remember to keep your vintage summer looks slim and tight.
   • Emo style tends to be androgynous, so don’t be afraid to sport both men’s and women’s retro clothing.
   • Western shirts are a popular Emo vintage item that translate well to summer months.
4. Sport polos and v-necks. These simple Emo staples are great tops for hot weather. Stick to a light-weight cotton fabric or blend for maximum comfort.
   • The plainer, the better. Avoid brands, like American Eagle or Ralph Lauren, that advertise themselves with logos on their shirts. American Apparel or vintage polos and v-necks are better options.
5. Consider lighter colors and fabrics. Traditional Emo fashion is generally associated with dark colors. However, heavy and dark clothing absorbs more sun, making you feel hotter in the summer. Hence, even if you stick to the same types of clothing, it’s best to opt for lighter shades and fabrics during the summer.
   • Try embracing the contemporary Emo trend towards brighter colors, like pink and white.
   • Even if you wear dark clothes, stick to lighter, breathable materials like cotton or rayon.
   • If you don’t want to go completely bright or light, try stripes. Chunky, horizontal stripes--especially with a black accent--are always in style.

Embracing New Trends for the Summer

1. Add dresses to your wardrobe. Graphic jersey tunic dresses and short, print A-lines are new Emo staples that are a must for the warmer months. Opt for dark colors with statement-making designs, like a music promo or a checkerboard or skull print.
2. Adapt your shirts into tanks and belly shirts. If you love your flannel or plaid, try cutting off the sleeves and/or knotting the front across your belly to make it the length that you want. You can do the same with your favorite T’s or vintage shirts.
   • You can, of course, always buy new tanks and belly shirts, too. Go for ones with graphics, prints, or quotes that have something to say about who you are.
3. Get retro-cut swimwear. If you’d like a two-piece, try a halter top with a full-coverage bottom with low-cut legs. One-pieces with ruching and low-cut legs are also tres chic.
   • Black, red, or pink are generally your best bets, color-wise.
   • If you’d like a pattern, go for horizontal stripes or polka dots. You could also opt for a statement-making graphic.
   • One-piece cut-out suits with slashes across the front or holes on each side are also new Emo trends.
   • For a masculine swimsuit, consider shorts that combine black with bright graphics.
4. Switch up your hat. Beanies or black bowlers are probably not the best option for summer since they’re hot and don’t provide much sun protection. Opt for a straw boater hat to keep the simple, retro feel with a cooler fit and a wider brim. Alternatively, try a floppy sun hat in black or bold pink.
5. Protect your eyes with oversized sunglasses. Thick-rimmed wayfarers are classic Emo. However, any oversized shades will do the trick. Try black rims with a bold pop of color on the arms.

Amping Up Your Accessories

1. Sport thick-rimmed glasses. Even when you have to adapt your typical apparel choices, accessories can make a statement and maintain your sense of personal style. Thick- and horn-rimmed glasses are always in season. They’re also the perfect finishing touch to any Emo ensemble.
2. Wear jewelry to highlight your piercings. If you have facial or other body piercings, make sure they’re visible with silver rings or barbells. Simple jewelry adds flare without adding any extra weight to your wardrobe.
3. Add bandanas. Set off your summer-wear with simple, square cotton bandanas. Any accent color will do - from the traditional red to black to yellow. They’re an affordable Emo accessory that can be worn multiple ways.
   • Tie a bandana around your neck. Besides giving you an old-school Western vibe, it’ll also offer sun protection for an area that’s susceptible to sunburn.
   • Use a bandana as a headband. Roll it into a band, and knot it at the base of your neck to keep your shag away from your face.
   • Tuck a bandana in your back pocket for when you sweat.
4. Get a signature Make a Cool Belt. Even in the summer, belts are a stylish way to accent your bottoms (not to mention, hold them in place). For a classic Emo look, try a white leather or studded belt.
   • Alternately, scout out a vintage belt or make a new one more distinctive by adding a unique buckle.
5. Stick to sneakers. Unless you’re headed to the beach, there’s not much call to deviate from classic sneakers in the summer. Whether you favor Vans or Converse or Saucony, they go just as well with cut-offs and vintage dresses as they do with skinny jeans.
   • Consider wearing ankle or footie socks to keep your feet cooler.
6. Carry a signature bag. Bags are practical in all seasons. They can be especially useful statement-makers in the summer. When you go out in the heat, tote along a bag that expresses your personal style.
   • Try decorating a simple canvas bag with patches and buttons to make it unique to you.

Highlighting Hair, Cosmetics, and Body Art

1. Apply eyeliner. Everyone looks more Emo with bold eyeliner, applied thickly around the entire rim of your eye. Charcoal is traditional, but it’s alright to experiment with green or blue in the summer. Get an eyeliner that’s long-lasting, all-day, or waterproof to make sure it stays in place through summer showers, swimming, and sweat.
2. Keep your hair short. Short shag and bobs are well within the Emo style-book. Fortunately, short ’dos also keep you cool in the summer.
3. Get bangs. If you want your hair to say Emo regardless of what you’re wearing, try clipping some bangs. The most appropriate styles are blunt or shaggy bangs that graze your eyebrows or baby bangs for a short, blunt fringe.
4. Dye your hair. If you haven’t already, give this Emo look for your tresses a go. Jet black is the most traditional color, but contemporary Emo kids are expanding the style palate with bleached and rainbow-colored looks.
   • You don’t have to necessarily dye your entire mane. If you have light hair, try dark lowlights for an emo accent. If you have dark hair, accent it with bleached chunks or a two-toned look.
   • Add drama with bold-colored streaks in pink, purple, or blue.
5. Show off your tattoos. The virtue of summer clothing is that it’s a great excuse to display any skin art you may have. Take advantage of the heat to exhibit the inked armband that would otherwise be hidden by long sleeves.
   • If you have a tattoos on your calves, wear some shorts. If you have one on your chest, wear a v-neck.

Tips

• Remember to apply sunscreen, especially if you like looking pale and don't want to end up with a sun-kissed look. Even if you don't mind a natural tan, the skin damage isn't worth it.
• If you're finding maintaining your personal look during the hot months difficult, give more attention to your hair, makeup, and accessories to compensate.
• Don't waste your whole summer trying to look Emo. Keep in mind that your friends and family know who you really are and although your presentation is important, it shouldn't mean endless frustrating hours in front of the mirror.
• Don't let your fashion keep you back from swimming at the pool or beach, spending time in the sun, and letting your hair down. Remember that although fashion is part of the Emo subculture, it was all generated originally from music and goes more than skin deep.

Warnings

• Wearing tight, dark clothing that overheats your body can lead to heat rashes, other skin conditions and problems in extreme summer conditions. If you feel too hot or uncomfortable, be sensible and change.

Related Articles

• Do Emo Makeup
• Dress Emo (for Girls)
• Look Emo
• Be Emo in Middle School
• Stop Laughing at Your Classmates Joke

Sources and Citations

See also

• Dress Emo (for Girls)
• Be Emo
• Make Any Outfit Look Emo
• Be an Emo Girl in Middle School
• Write an Emo Poem
• Be Emo in Middle School
• Know the Difference Between Emo and Scene
• Look Emo
• Dance Emo
• Be a Darker Toned Emo Girl

Read more ...

What links here

• Get Your Parents to Let You Wear Girls Clothes
• Take Good Scene Pictures
• Turn Emo Without Anyone Noticing
• Dress Emo (for Girls)