How to wear the punk trend: 8 Style Panel tips for revamping the notoriously rebellious look this fall
While youthful rebellion may be something we all experienced in our earlier years, this season’s punk trend is feeling oh so modern. Riding the high of the Met’s Costume Institute summer exhibit, Punk: Chaos to Couture, the Fall 2013 runway shows continued our re-introduction to punk under the guise of rips and studs on luxurious leathers and feminine lace under the signature red and black plaid shirt, not to mention Versace’s commingling of studded leather, fur and embellishment.
Our favourite go-to street style buffs gave us the first taste of inspiration from the Spring 2014 shows. Christine Centenera induced closet envy in a plaid Celine top and skirt and a Balmain blazer. Miroslava Duma braved a windy London Fashion Week day in a midi plaid skirt and a cropped top.
Our Style Panel has seamlessly pulled off punk’s main egos, grungy grifters and biker babes with looks inspired by this season’s trends, plaid and riot girl. Barbara Ann’s Style Blog’s Barbara Ann shares her grown up approach to plaid for an office appropriate look. Velvet and Vino’s Becky Kung channeled her inner Carrie Bradshaw by adding a little glam. The Pretty Secret’s Sandy Joe Karpetz opts for a red leather jacket that effortlessly hangs on her shoulders over a plaid dress and knee high socks.
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Whether you are all the way punk or are adamant about maintaining your glam, we’ve got 8 ways to show you how to modernize punk.
Question 71: Punk is big this season, yet clearly not for everyone. How do you modernize the look? Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: ALEXANDRA GRANT, VANCOUVER | ALEXANDRA NIKOLAJEV, TORONTO | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | JACQUELYN SON, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KASSANDRA CAMPONI, EDMONTON | MELANIE MORAIS, EDSON | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON |
Alexandra Nikolajev, 27
Toronto | I’m A Little
I’m a little sucker for the punk trend. There’s something so appealing about being able to roll out of bed and not have to worry about every detail looking polished. A lot of modernizing the punk trend is about comfort, getting back to basics and not worrying too much about the “perfect” look. I love how an effortless layering of this black cotton shirt and denim button down (loosely tied around the waste…hello Johnny Depp) can offset a bold pair of plaid jeans. And what’s more punk than a black beanie and little leather wristband? These small details add pops of punk to a rather simple outfit. For me, this look takes the trend from runway to real world and let’s the punk in you shine without seeming overdone.
Alexandra’s wearing: Plaid denim and black booties, Zara. Black cotton shirt , Joe Fresh. Black beanie, American Apparel. Denim button down , Tommy Hilfiger. Accessories – La Mer Collections, J.Crew, Henri Bendel, CC Skye Vintage. Bag, Fendi.
Melanie Morais, 25
Edson, AB | BornLippy
I’ve always admired those that can really pull off the punk/grunge look effortlessly. In my opinion, it’s possible to try to attempt the trend without looking like you’re trying too hard. The key to tackling the trend is to look comfortable yet kinda bad ass. This means wear your favourite jeans (the older the better), a comfy tee, and some plaid as a base. The bad ass part can come from a leather jacket and some killer boots. Voila! you got yourself a punk/grunge look that is modern yet effortlessly cool!
Melanie’s wearing: Jacket, Oak + Fort. Tee, J.Crew Factory. Plaid Shirt, Urban Outfitters. Jeans, Citizens of Humanity. Boots, Jeffrey Campbell.
Alexandra Grant, 25
Vancouver | To Vogue Or Bust
I’d best describe this look as “punk lite.” As someone who spent their high school years in more of a full-on rendition of this look and then spent years completely avoiding anything slightly resembling punk, it’s refreshing to now channel a more moderate version of both sides! Studded boots, a day-friendly smokey eye, moto detailing and all-black on top makes for a neo-punk, everyday look that’s comfortable yet still a bit edgy!
Alexandra’s wearing: Booties, Matisse. Coat and sweater, Loft 82. Skinnies, James Jeans. Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target.
Sandy Joe Karpetz, 25
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets
Plaid will forever be a punk staple but rather than a pair of bondage pants I opted for a graphic dress. Combine that mini with a bright red suede motorcycle jacket and classic Doc Marten boots which will make a subtle mix of the subculture’s elements without looking like I fell straight out of the Bowery in 1970s NYC.
Sandy Joe’s wearing: Plaid dress, jacket and belt, Vintage. Thigh highs, Club Monaco.Boots, Doc Martens. Bracelet, my mom’s. Rings, my dad’s. Sunglasses, Nordstrom’s.
Kassandra Camponi, 26
Edmonton | Kastles
The punk look and the 90’s grunge that is making a comeback is not for everyone. You can ease into the trend by trying one piece at a time. I couldn’t help myself and went all out. Knit beanie, leather vest, boots with buckles, I just couldn’t stop. I tried to tone down the look a bit by picking a more subtle plaid print.
Here are a few pieces you could try:
-anything leather
-plaid
-spike bracelets
-knit beanies
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
My favourite trend of the seasons is punk. Different than in season’s past, for fall/winter 2013, it feels more grown up. The youthful nature of punk can be seen with the notorious tartans, ironic florals and slouchiness, but this year it’s with lush detailing, tailoring and materials like leather and knits.
This adult rebellion is perfectly suited for an office environment if dressed up by keeping the look neat and by using edgy accessories to add that extra bit of attitude.
Barbara Ann’s wearing: Blazer, Sandro. Sweater, tube skirt and shoes, Topshop. Ear-cuff, Urban Outfitters.
Jacquelyn Son, 21
Toronto | Style Worthwhile
Sometimes I like to dress a little more hardcore than usual. When those days come, I opt for leather, black and spikes. This leather vest is so versatile; you can throw it over any outfit just to add some intensity. Also, no one wants to make me angry when I’m wearing these spiked loafers. They’re a great style statement and defence mechanism as well
Jacquelyn’s wearing: Leather vest, Mackage. Top, Wilfred. Skirt, Zara. Spiked Loafers, Sheinside.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
It’s a little crazy to think that I’m old enough see this trend come back around, but since I rocked these trends at a little upper elementary tot I kind of feel nostalgic about it. I’m loving the resurgence of plaid shirts, leather accents, and the unkempt look that our beloved Kurt Cobain so famously trademarked. This time around though grunge has upped the ante by replacing the “heroin chic” look popularized in the 1990s for a more polished slightly more put together one. Some have even gone so far as dubbing it “glamour grunge” suggesting more accessories, improved makeup, and better fitting shapes and silhouettes. This look might not be for everyone, and I certainly couldn’t wear this outfit at the office, but there’s something to be said about unleashing your inner riot girl (even if it’s just with a tube of berry lipstick).
Kayla’s wearing: Faux Leather Jacket, Winners. Gray T-Shirt, American Apparel (mens). Plaid Shirt, Thrifted, but similar at Old Navy. Necklace, Khols. Boots, Vince Camuto. Socks, Roots. Lips, Relvon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Blackberry” #640.
Nicole Wilson, 29
Toronto | Dainty Girl
The punk trend may be hot right now, but it’s not exactly in tune with my “Dainty Girl” style. That said, you don’t have to go full-on punk to be on-trend. I’ve noticed that today’s take on punk includes another hot trend of the season – plaid.
Instead of studs, spikes and punk rock patches, I opted for a pair of subtle plaid leggings and a fierce leopard print blouse. Mixing prints is another hot trend of the moment and it’s definitely a little bold on the fashion front. I love the way this look touches on the punk trend in a more elegant and less in your face way. I added a pair of chunky heeled ankle boots and a metallic bag to finish off the look.
Nicole’s Wearing: Leggings, Jacob. Blouse, Jacob. Boots, Ann Taylor. Handbag, Rebecca Minkoff from eLUXE
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
Punk is such a dynamic trend and we are seeing it everywhere. Some of the many ways to play up this rebellious look includes pairing leather on leather, edgy studs, buckles and spikes on clothing and accessories, black military boots styled with skirts, plaid prints and color clashing.
For a more glam take on the punk trend, I opted for an elegant tulle skirt and paired it with the boyish black and white plaid top. My tip for fitting this trend into your style is decide on which end of the scale you fit into between grunge to glam, and then from that point embrace punk into your style through the prints and fabrics that offer you just the right punk touch!
Becky’s wearing: Tulle Skirt, Ruby Ellen Designs (exclusively designed with Velvet & Vino), Plaid Top, Nuco
