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.

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.