Thnks Fr The Mmrs
The early 2000s were dominated by the pop princess Y2K fashion, but that didn’t mean alternative people didn’t stop existing in the 90s. Thanks to the rise in pop punk, emo, and more modern music genres, the punks, goths, and otherwise alternative kids soon found that the next generation was bringing their fashion into the 21st century. If you were an emo back in the good old days, you probably owned or did everything on this list.
1. Skinny Jeans
Remember skinny jeans? These things were all the rage, to the point where emo guys would shop in the women’s pants section to achieve the tightest pants possible. Of course, they had to be black, and they were even cooler if they were ripped.
2. Checkered Vans
While Vans were often associated with the skaters, they did find their way into pop punk and emo scenes, which often merged with the skater culture. Fall Out Boy, Sum 41, and other alternative band members were seen wearing these shoes, so we also just had to have them.
3. Studded Accessories
Nothing completed a graphic tee/ripped skinny jean/converse combo like a thick studded belt with matching studded arm bands. Emos weren’t as intense about spikes as goths were, however, and these studs were more closely associated with the '70s and '80s punk rock scene.
balladphotoworkchanel koraag on Pexels
4. Chokers
Chokers were a popular necklace style in the 90s, and appeared again in the mid-2010s thanks to the Tumblr girl aesthetics. However, emos did make use of these necklaces as well, often adorning their chokers with studs, spikes, chains, or gothic-esque motifs.
5. Choppy Haircuts
If you didn’t have a multi-layered, heat-damaged, slightly spiky haircut in the early 2000s, what were you even doing? Choppy haircuts were common among scene and emo kids, as they allowed for maximum volume and creativity with their hairstyles.
6. Side-swept Bangs
As a culture, we seem to have shifted back to the middle part for our hair, but that doesn’t mean we can forget our roots. It was crucial that you had a side part so deep you couldn’t see out of one of your eyes in the early 2000s. Also, it needed to stay in place at all times, so you'd better have a couple of cans of hairspray at the ready.
7. Dark Eyeliner
If Pete Wentz were wearing eyeliner, then everyone should be as well. A smudged pencil liner dates back to the punk and goth scenes of the 80s and 90s, but became popular for everyone, regardless of gender, to sport in the early 2000s.
8. Racoon Stripes
This iconic scene's hair featured alternating colors, similar to that of a raccoon's tail (hence the name). Emos also participated in this fashion trend, usually mixing black into brightly colored hair, or black and blonde together, which was a hit style in other fashion groups as well.
Anel Rosas from Texas on Wikimedia
9. Graphic Tees
Nothing says emo quite like a good graphic tee. Something black, with a slightly-cutesy design, faux tattoo sleeves, printed-on chains, a gothic or Metallica-esque font, hearts, skeletons, barbed wire… You get the picture. If you weren’t wearing band merch, you were wearing a graphic tee.
10. Flannel
You can’t go out without your flannel! This comforting button-up was the outfit topper for many an alt kid in the early 2000s (and today). The key was finding just the right flannel. Red and black were the most essential, but a black and white or more muted color palette was also a good option.
11. Wallet Chain
A wallet chain provided style and comfort to any alternative kid. For one, you know that your wallet wouldn’t be stolen from you, and everyone around you knew you rocked hardcore. Truly the best of both worlds.
12. Dyed Hair
You didn’t have to have dyed hair to be emo, or scene, or pop punk, or anything—but most folks chose to anyway. Think manic panic, splat, and arctic fox in the brightest colors you can imagine, with a very brassy and poorly done bleach job underneath.
13. Fingerless Gloves
Striped or checkered gloves were an ideal accessory for any emo kid, as they added a bit of edge to any outfit. They were also functional, providing warmth but also allowing open use of tech.
14. Knee-High Socks
Big boots, knee-high socks over fishnets, and a miniskirt combo dominated the early 2010s, but early 2000s emos still engaged with this fashion as well. Layering was popular among different subgenres, and a funky, patterned sock really tied the outfit together.
15. Doc Martens
There’s a reason these boots have spent so much time in the limelight. Their longevity, comfort, and versatility have kept them as the alternative boot for several decades. If you couldn’t get away with wearing your favorite sneakers, a good doc would do exactly what you needed it to do.
16. Converse High-Tops
The pinnacle of early 2000s style was a converse shoe that went halfway up your calf, and boy, were these babies popular. Regular high-tops were also popular, either in black (of course) or in a bright color so you could show off all your favorite song lyrics.
17. Band Merch
You had to prove you weren’t a poser, so it was crucial to be showcasing what kind of music you listened to 95% of the time. If you weren’t actually able to attend shows, Hot Topic had a good selection of band tees that you could choose from.
18. Ties
Avril Lavigne was the pinnacle of emo/skater fashion in the early 2000s, so if she says to wear a loose-knit tie with a white tank top, you do it. Ties quickly became a popular fashion accessory in alternative subcultures, but not once were they actually worn properly.
19. Beanies
If you’re going to be emo in winter, you need to keep something close by that can keep your head warm. Luckily, beanies were all the rage in alt groups and came in a wide variety of colors. Bonus points if you could match the color of your beanie to your shoes.
20. Plaid Skirt
While a plaid skirt may be more popular among modern emos, that doesn’t mean early 2000s emos didn’t engage in a little dress-up. In fact, plaid was just a popular pattern generally, from the aforementioned flannels to skirts, dresses, pants, and on accessories.
