Dressing outside the norm is certainly a fun way to present yourself to the world, because it shows you’re not a conformist and aren’t afraid to look a little different to express yourself. However, in 2024 and soon to be 2025, it’s fair to say that alternative style is hardly unusual or not in the mainstream.
Head out in any major city or even most towns and you’ll spot at least one person with a different style who isn’t afraid to be themselves. That much is fantastic! While many bemoan the fact that most people don’t wear suits and formal dresses when out in public, we all still have that option, only people are freer to wear what they like now.
If you’re hoping to dip into alternative fashion for the first time (and don’t worry, you can do this at any age), you may wonder where to even begin. Perhaps it feels a little out of your comfort zone. Don’t worry, because in this post, we believe we can help!
Try A Garment Or Two
People tend to see alternative individuals wearing style as a completed look, when they’ve had time to experiment and come up with various outfits they like. You don’t have to do all that straight away. If you want to dip into small items you can. To be stereotypical about it (and sometimes that’s a fine place to start), you could just pick one piece that catches your eye – perhaps a leather jacket here, a band tee there, or some ripped jeans. You don’t need to go full-on punk or goth overnight. Just find something that feels a bit different from your usual wardrobe. Thrift stores are great for this.
Consider Accessories Or Body Art
Accessories can totally transform an outfit and are fun to play with, and they can help you dip in and out depending on your mood. A cool pair of boots, some interesting jewelry, or a unique belt can add an alternative slant to any look. Piercings or tattoos are another way to express yourself, but they’re not mandatory. You can always leave the cooler aspects until later if you enjoy that, such as a septum or nose bridge piercing depending on your taste. Some people love them, some don’t. The point is to express yourself in a way that feels comfortable, and you’re under no obligation to choose a specific item. Ironically, this can inspire you to try with even more energy.
Dyed Hair Always Counts
Yes it’s something of a cliche that alternative people all have dyed hair, but that’s because it looks great! You get to have fun with that even if that’s all you do. You don’t need to go full rainbow to make a statement either. Even a few streaks of color or an unexpected shade can totally change your look and help you feel more comfortable in a new style. You might go for blue tips, a purple streak, or platinum blonde, it’s down to you and what your hair can handle. Many hair dyes wash out, so you’re not making a lifetime commitment. Professional salons can help if you’re nervous about doing it yourself too, so you’re covered here.
With this advice, we hope you can feel more comfortable in exploring alternative style. But most importantly, have fun!
