Alternative fashions

[Empusa]

I've always been into Goth/Punk fashion, but over the last few years health problems, financial problems, weight gain and pregnancy have found me wearing really middle of the road clothing. And I just don't feel like me anymore.

So I'm determined to get my look back again. It's going to have to be on a budget, but I've been looking up ideas for steampunk-esque outfits and think it is manageable.

How many of you have an "alternative" style? Have you toned it down much as you've got older/had kids? Do you miss it if you have? And do you find you need more money to dress differently?

I'm very much alternative and haven't toned it down at all really since I've become a parent. I had bright pink dreads when I gave birth!

I can't afford to buy the things I want so have to make do with random ebay find. I'd definitely recommend ebay! Customising is always good and can make for a good hobby if you have time (which I rarely do, but I'm sure I'll get there).

My style has adapted I suppose - I no longer wear my pvc corset or crimp my hair, and I do occasionally wear bootleg jeans! I don't like to look completely mainstream though.

Steampunk is more about Victoriana though. Maybe if you're on a budget you could get one or two key items secondhand, then accessorise and customise - lots of stuff available on ebay - clock parts to make jewellery, things to sew onto clothes etc.

I find music helps me feel more like myself even when I'm wearing a fleece I can put some Fields of the Neph on the stereo and it's 1991 again!!!

I'd say I'm an anime punk, it doesn't take much just some T-shirts with anime characters on a pair of black jeans, trainers and tonnes of leather spikey bracelets.

I've not really changed anything since having kids only thing thats changed is I don't wear long coats anymore not since the Matrix came out.

I don't think money really comes into it, you make anything look how you like with a few safety pins and stuff, people pay a fortune for Camden kickers and the like but I'd much prefer to be an individual, buy some cheap boots and jazz em up yourself with some cheapo belts and chains etc from Primark if you want something like that. Punk is all about make do and mend.

I agree Ryoko...when I was younger (say 13 or 14) you couldn't buy alt clothes anywhere outside of London really so I used to buy kid's t-shirts with characters on them and hack them to bits, ripped up tights etc. Obviously I've matured since then, but the principle is the same. You can take mainstream pieces and use them in an alternative way.

I used to be dressed like a metalhead. Now you would have no idea I'm into death metal at all

In fact I would say sometimes I can look scarily mainstream and pretty

Throw on a good band though and get me head banging and I feel at peace...

Well I've all ways been more into comfort then anything else hence the reason I live in trainers and jeans, I tried high heels once, fell over and ruined both the shoes and my tights and blooded my knee.

I've never much cared about what people think when they look at me or if they can tell what music I listen to, all ways seemed odd to me to dress according to music taste.

I like indie, heavy metal, Jpop, Jrock and classical, don't recall seeing classical fans out in their dinner jackets and bow ties to show the fact.

Ryoko -I wasn't being overly serious. I like the way I dress now and feel good in heels. By 'dressed like a metalhead' I meant I was in Jeans, trainers and band t-shirts. Band t-shirts obviously to support the band. I meant the schock face only because it used to be very obvious and now it isn't and it's just such a difference.

:o To classical dressers. I like classical music too. I have learned that many metalheads do too.

I regularly wear baggy jeans and DCs now though. Lost all my band t-shirts though.

"Steampunk is more about Victoriana though. Maybe if you're on a budget you could get one or two key items secondhand, then accessorise and customise - lots of stuff available on ebay - clock parts to make jewellery, things to sew onto clothes etc."

I'm starting a dressmaking course soon, so that should help.

I think one of the reasons goth fashion doesn't appeal to me anymore is because the focus appears to have shifted from DIY to shop bought, whereas Steampunk still seems to be more DIY.

"I find music helps me feel more like myself"

Definitely, though not Fields of the Neph for me, I'm more a Specimen girl

I don't dress as 'way out' as I used to but even if I tried I just can't dress like a mum! I find it impossible. So I always look a bit offbeat.

I don't tie myself to a trend though, whether it be goth, rivethead, steampunk or whatnot but find it easiest day to day in some voluminous cords and layered tshirts.

Do what makes you happy.