Pretty Vacant - A Guide To Punk With A Softer Edge!

You may not think that your look has anything to do with the punk scene, but I am here to share a few ways that you may be contributing that you may have not known before. Did you know, that the scene came about in the mid-1970s and was dominated by white guys with colorful mohawks?! 

However, while most of the original punks ended up cutting their hair and getting desk jobs, the aesthetic or at least elements of it remain relevant to the fashion industry. You may see glimpses of the aesthetic as you scroll through Instagram, and the Punk category isn’t an all in one thing! There are several sub sections to choose from, like Afropunk!! 

The good news is that you don't have to shave off all your hair, get a mohawk, or even wear leather trousers to pull off this look. Don’t get me wrong… if that’s your thing, then go right ahead and do that. There is a much softer way to wear the punk style - check out some ways that you can incorporate the aesthetic in to your personal style below.

Leather jackets 

Number one on your shopping list should be a leather (or pleather) jacket of some kind. This style of jacket can provide a much-needed edge to just about any outfit whether it is a pretty floral sundress, or some smart black cigarette pants and white shirt for the office! 

Of course, there are thousands of leather jackets to choose from, and picking the right one is an essential part of the look. With that in mind, you can immediately discount anything longer than waist length. Similarly, anything in the middle of the spectrum of oversized and skin-tight should be out too. That means if it fits with a little room to spare, it probably is not the best choice!

Decorations on the jacket you choose is vital as well!! A few spikes or studs can give you that little bit of edge that you need.

Piercings 

Traditionally piercings have been a big part of the punk scene, usually DIY ones that were done at home with safety pins and some ice cubes! (EECK!) Of course the safety and hygiene of this method is not something that is acceptable these days. Instead, we have folks that are professional piercers and that specialize in helping us adorn all part of our bodies with bars, studs and rings. 

Now, at this point, you probably wonder what type of piercing you should go for? For a softer punk look, it is probably best to choose a more modern type and one that you can wear ‘pretty’ jewelry in as well as just plain bars, studs or rings. 

One option that is hugely popular at the moment is the septum ring. That is where the skin in between the nostrils is pierced. Indeed, this option is hugely popular right now. Although the good news is that there are false septum piercing available if you don't fancy going the whole hog. 

Alternatively, why not choose an industrial piercing, a type you can learn more here about, instead? These are when the ear is pierced twice and a long bar is run from one to the other. The bar is placed in front of the ear, and with a rose gold bar with a stone, you create that perfect balance between punk and pretty. 

Makeup 

If you are looking to rock a pretty punk look you’ll need to master the makeup. The good news is that a look that is influenced by punk allows you to use all the colors in your makeup kit and get really creative. 

That means you are free to use neon green, pinks and blues on your face. Just be sure to match them with heavy black eyeliner and black lipstick to finish. On the flip side, you can get a look that is just as powerful with some deeper warmer tones like deep purples, oranges, and magentas that can be a lot of fun to wear.

Boots 

Finally, no punk, even the softer ones, is ever complete without some big clunky boots. Yep, that’s right any type of chunky boots will do. Gumboots, or Dr Martens are known and are the perfect footwear option for a punk inspired look. 

The great thing about these types of boots is that they are very practical, a lot of them are flat, comfortable, and waterproof. Pair them with a pretty summer dress and a leather jacket for instant soft punk success!

Consider these ideas when thinking about wanting to try out a different look or style.

Photo by Marlon Schmeiski from Pexels