Punk Fashion Through The Ages

Although punk rock was born in the 60's, it didn't gain international notoriety until the 70's. During this time the style really started to take on a life of its own. Over the years punk fashion has adapted into a number of different subcultures, each with their own distinct look. This post explains how punk fashion has changed and adapted throughout the last four decades.

1970's

Punk clothing was initially handmade, often stitched together from scrap denim and leather. After the rise of bands such as the New York Dolls and the Ramones, punk clothing started getting mass produced for sale in record shops, speciality clothing stores and even fashion magazines.

Early punk fashion was deliberately anti-materialistic and usually unkempt. In the UK, the vast majority of the designs stemmed from famed designers Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren. In fact, McLaren is often credited as birthing the style on a commercial level.

Typical items in the 70's punk scene included offensive slogan t-shirts, leather jackets, custom blazers and patches with band logos. Towards the latter half of the 70's the scene started to incorporate BDSM styling, such as fishnet stockings and spiked bands.

1980's

During the 80's, what's generally considered “typical punk fashion” emerged and the scene was exemplified by the hardcore bands Black Flag, Minor Threat and Fear. While punk fashion sprouted an array of subgenres during this era, many of the original 70's features remained the same.

While both the British and American punk scenes fused together, certain aspects of the American fashion style never quite made it over the Atlantic. For example, punks from the DC scene often adorned flannel shirts, ripped jeans and long hair. This style was especially popular in Seattle and paved the way for what would later become grunge.

One of the most prominent changes in 80's punk fashion was the footwear. No outfit was complete without Dr. Martins, motorcycle boots or combat boots. Hairstyles also got more extreme. Tall mohawks in vibrant colours and Misfits' style devilocks were very popular, and even to this day, form the basis of the horror punk genre.

1990's

During the 90's everything changed. With punk and hardcore music no longer popular on a mainstream level the traditional punk style started to fade. The emergence of the skate punk bands of the mid 90's such as Green Day and Blink 182 caused the fashion style to take a more toned down approach.

Typical skate punk features include suede footwear, baggy t-shirts, jeans and workman’s trousers. The colouring also took on a whole new vibrant approach, virtually abandoning the darker undertones of previous decades.

2000's – present

Since the early 00's punk fashion has fused with many other genres and styles, creating a vast array of subcultures. Some of these styles have even mixed with more mainstream musical genres such as dance and pop, creating a more varied movement that's distanced itself from the original political ideologies.

At Soho's punk clothing suitable for every subgenre. Whether you prefer the dark features of the 70's and 80's or the more contemporary approach, we have something for you.

How To Dress Like A Rockabilly Pinup Girl

 Rockabilly fashion is most notable for its combination of bold colours and vintage style. While it's not overly common to see people walking the streets in a rockabilly getup, the genre has made quite a comeback in recent years. If you want to start dressing like a rockabilly pinup girl, these tips will help you get started.

Tops

One of the primary benefits of dressing in rockabilly clothing is that there are no barriers when it comes to colours and patterns. Start with a tank top, halter top or blouse in a bold colour. Polka dots and strips are the most common forms of patterning; however, feel free to experiment with feminine florals and other interesting shapes.

Dresses

Dresses are without a doubt a fundamental aspect of the rockabilly pinup style and are almost always vibrant and loud. Choose a dress that snugly fits around the contours of your body and stops just below the knee. Red, white or black with polka dot patterning is a classic combination. If you're not a dress person, you can always use a skirt instead, providing you have the right top to complement it.

Shoes

When it comes to footwear there's only one way to go – 3 to 4 inch heels! Don't shy away from vibrant colours if the rest of your outfit is red, white or black. If heels really aren't your thing, use 50's style saddle shoes instead. Although these aren't “typical” of the rockabilly style, they're an ideal compromise.

Hair and Makeup

Jet black hair is the chosen colour for most rockabilly pinup girls. Styles usually centre on curled or pinned-up hair with the addition of flower or bow accessories. Keep your makeup bright and bold. Use a thick helping of deep red lipstick, a little eyeliner and foundation to give a flawless look. Top it all off with some blush to give your cheeks some colour.

Tattoos

The modern rockabilly style often incorporates tattoos, especially the punk and Gothic subcultures; however, they are by no means essential. If you go down the tattoo route, classic examples include cards, cherries, roses and sailor themed motifs.

Similar Styles

It's not uncommon for rockabilly fashion to fuse with other, more alternative styles. Psychobilly, trashabilly gothabilly and punkabilly all take inspiration from the classic 50's and 60's retro look and simply add that element of darkness. These unique styles are often reflected through musical taste.

Now you know how to dress like a rockabilly pinup beauty, feel free to visit Soho's clothing. We have a vast collection of rockabilly clothing styles to choose from.

Gothic Fashion Styles

Understanding what's considered “Gothic style” requires knowledge of the different subcultures within Gothic culture. Each style differs greatly from one another depending on which materials, colours, influences and themes are used to create the look.

 

Romantic

Romantic Gothic clothing is the most elegant of all. It mainly takes inspiration from the Medieval and Renaissance eras and uses fabrics such as velvet, silk, chiffon and lace. Tight corsets and chokers are typical of the style, along with religious themed jewellery, smoky eyes and dark lips.

Industrial

The fashion style of the future and inspired by post-apocalyptic movies such as Mad Max, The Matrix and Blade Runner; and electronic bands Filter and Nine Inch Nails. The industrial style typically consists of fluorescent colours fused with silver, black and white. Synthetic materials and survival accessories such as rubber masks are commonly used.

High Fashion

Contrary to popular belief, Gothic styles are regularly featured on the catwalk. World renowned fashion designers, Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior and Yohji Yamamoto have all used Gothic inspired designs in their collections.

 Lolita

Gothic lolita fashion is characterized by the baby-doll look. This style first appeared in 80's Japan, and even to this day is a very popular fashion choice in the country. Imagine a vampire or zombie trapped inside a child's body and you'll begin to understand the look. Gothic lolita often consists of frilled skirts, headdresses and platform shoes. Japanese fashion designer and Malice Mizer guitarist, Mana is often considered a pioneer of this fashion movement.

 Gothabilly

Like rockabilly, gothabilly is inspired by 1950's country music. It's the fusion of rock and roll with the characteristics of old-school Spaghetti Westerns. Cowboy hats, boots and tight fitting leather are common in gothabilly style. Most men have long hair, wear eye-liner and have Western inspired tattoos. Gothabilly also has a more colourful side and often incorporates animal prints and polka dot clothing.

Neo-Victorian

The Neo-Victorian movement, also known as steampunk, is one of the most recent fashion movements to take influences from Gothic clothing. It is inspired by both the Victorian and Edwardian eras, but integrates the use of modern technology. Corsets, gowns, petticoats, suits and vests are typical of the style. Common accessories include period time pieces and goggles mixed with modern electronics, such as mobile phones and tablets.

Goth Punk

Modern Goth music was born in the 70's by bands such as Joy Division. At the same time the punk genre was in full swing. Goths borrowed many aspects of the punk look, such as mohawks, big hair, band t-shirts and studded chokers, and gave it a darker undertones.

 Start exploring other Gothic subcultures and create your own unique “look.” At Soho's we have a vast collection of gothic clothing in stock suitable for any Gothic style.

 

The Steampunk Style Guide

During the past few years interest in steampunk fashion has significantly increased. Although there are no specific rules when it comes to style, learning about the characteristics of this form of alternative fashion will help you feel more comfortable in your new attire. These tips are designed to give you a better idea of how to build your new wardrobe.

Consult History

Steampunk style is fundamentally stolen from different eras of history, most notably the Victorian and Edwardian periods. If you're ever in doubt, simply dress in either of these styles – the more “old-world” you look the better.

Entertain Yourself

Wearing alternative clothing is built around one concept – entertainment. It is all about transforming yourself to another time and place. It's a form of role play used to engage your senses. Enjoy every moment of your new persona. If you're stressing out about your “look” too much, then something is seriously wrong.

Everything is Objective

Remember, everything in alternative fashion is objective, there's no right or wrong. You don't have to wear goggles or carry around a ray gun just because they are staple symbols of steampunk culture. If they don't work with your outfit, simply get rid of them.

There's No Steampunk Colour

Don't place too much emphasis on colour. While steampunk fashion often uses brown, black and white, these are by no means the “right” colour. Steampunk is an alternative representation of history fused with modern technology. While bright vibrant colours are uncommon in this fashion, don't faze them out completely.

Accessorize

One of the most unique and beautiful features of the steampunk image is the fusion of modern technology with the Victorian and Edwardian image. Machinery plays a big part in steampunk film and literature, so welcome technology with open arms.

Expand and Explore

Feel free to fuse steampunk with other styles of alternative clothing. The steampunk community is a congregation of creative people with a unique sense of style. Don't shy away from other genres you enjoy purely because they don't fit the mould. People will understand and appreciate what you're trying to achieve.

Engage With the Community

The popularity of this culture is rapidly increasing. Virtually every city in the world has a community who meet up, dress up, and live the life of their alternative persona. Socialise with these people and ask them for tips and advice on how to piece together your first outfit.

Ignore the Rules!

The steampunk community would have never evolved in the first place if people stuck to “normal” fashion conventions. Always stick to your guns; don't feel like you have to follow everyone else; and most importantly, never ask yourself “am I steampunk enough?”

Start building your steampunk wardrobe and living the life you've always dreamed of!  At Soho's we have a vast array of alternative clothing suitable for any punk style.