How to Be Emo

What Does It Mean to Be Emo?

Emo can be defined into 2 completely different ways – music and people in general. If you look at it from the music perspective, this term actually came from an Indie music style named Emotive Hardcore. This is basically a sub-genre of punk rock where the lyrics represent extreme emotional meanings. You must’ve seen some emo bands like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Jimmy Eat World, Atreyu, and so many more. Their basic style of dressing, portraying themselves in public, and the songs they write are all a tribute to being emo. Their attitude is nowhere near being rebellious, but that’s what certain people have in mind. So, when teens dress up in a goth-like manner, the perception of people around them automatically triggers – rebel, angry, or even, out of control.

That was about emo music. Now let’s see what it means to be emo for a group of people. Teens who consider themselves emo claim that this word is short for “emotional”. The influence comes from goth and punk but the representation is very much sensitive. The emo fashion and hairstyles leans more towards being non-threatening and being comfortable. Although, as you may have seen, tight-fitting jeans has somewhat become a trademark for emo fashion. The hair is perfectly angled and glossy.

How to Be Emo in School?

Now that you know what is emo, let’s take a closer look at how to be one. Learn how you can mix being emotional with a little bit of punk.

• If you want to know how to be emo in middle school, first you need to change your hairstyle and cut. Whether it’s for a boy or girl, the concentration should be on dark hair and light-colored streaks. So get the right emo hairstyle.
• To get emo hairstyles for boys, go with short, choppy hair and asymmetric bangs. But if you want long hairstyles, you can keep long bangs which can be swiped across your forehead and one eye.
• Now to get emo hairstyles for girls, there are many options. You can have long hair with layers or short emo hair with razor-cut bangs.
• When it comes to dressing yourself, I think everything in your closet at the moment might not be ideal. For boys and girls, tight-fitting jeans is in. But that doesn’t mean you wear only black. You can add some colors to your wardrobe but the concentration is on being an individual.
• When you want to learn how to dress emo, mix dark and bright colors together. You can wear accessories (boys as well) that can give a contrast to your clothes. But make sure, while wearing belts and shoes, stick with black.
• While carrying a backpack to school, keep the color black. You can add some pink badges, patches, pins, and labels. And if you want any embellishes, stick to skulls.
• Now comes the makeup part. Yes, even boys wear makeup. You have to wear thick, black eyeliner with mascara. This is your signature emo style. Also, you need to paint your nails black or silver.
• Are you into books? Well, emo loves to read books when lonely. Their books are always shabby and thick in size. They carry it anywhere and everywhere they go.
• Next step is to be one with your emotions. Since emo means emotional, what else can you expect? You can find this emotional approach from songs, poetry, or even emo art. You need to be empathic and in touch with your emotions. When something bad occurs in your life, for example, a death, divorce, or even a break-up, you should not feel shy or guilty for crying.
• Listen to the latest emo bands to get the feel of what this culture is all about. Plus, you will also get a sense about emo clothing and attitude.