How to pull off rocker chic

[2000lightyearsaway123]

Hi guys,

I'm a bit of a style disaster but I want to change that. I've always found it really hard to pinpoint a look I like but I've realise that I haven't really moved on from the emo/rocker look of my teens. I stopped dressing like that somewhere in my early 20s because it wasn't "cool" but I think that's the look I love but I just can't figure out how to do it a bit more grown up and chic. I don't really care so much about being in trend or anything like that.

Any advice on how to pull off a bit of a rocky vibe without looking like my angsty teen self?

For reference I'm later 20s and overweight but working on it. Currently a bit of a pear shape. I work from home so I'm talking about more every day outfits and out and about socialising rather than work.

What sort of look do you like? What sort of outfits? Might be worth finding some instagram accounts you like to follow. (Hopefully someone can recommend some!)

Have you looked at brands like All Saints? They do a more grown up, sophisticated version of this well IMO. I think focussing on good quality materials, good fit etc is one way of doing this look and not looking like a teen.

I love the look on others, but it’s not what I wear, so hopefully someone else will come along with some more suggestions!

How about Joe browns ? Or funky tights with boots. Cropped leather jacket with a dark floaty dress. Good luck.

Look at Helen Anders on Instagram

I think this look is pretty easy to carry off at the moment, coated jeans or leather leggings, band T-shirts., leather jackets, min skirts, big boots- it's all in the shops atm. I bought a really nice wool bomber jacket from COS yesterday.
Agree with Tufty All Saints is really good for this sort of thing.

Or do you mean you're trying to move away from that look?

Right I've read your Op again.
Mint Velvet might be good too.
I'm a bit of an ageing rock chic, always had rock chick hair which I've had to cut shorter because I was looking like an overweight middle aged woman with messy hair! ☹️ but you are young and can definitely embrace it!

I would say at this age you might want to go a bit more Parisian rock chic/embrace your individuality. So I'm thinking borrow the main tropes but elevate them. So, make-up Heavy eye make up but in dark Grey's and browns (even dark greens and blues or purples depending on your colouring) and with eyeshadows, not only eyeliner and mascara; minimal everything else, perhaps just a tinted lip balm. Hair, grungy and unkempt - layers if possible, side bangs and texture but keep your natural/preferred colour. Like you've just come from a gig but still smell good! Clothing: echo a PPs suggestion of All Saints, brands like COS. A faux leather or suede jacket, black skinnys or good quality jeggings, some high-quality leopard print, loads of basics you can mix and match. Converse or biker boots, even simple Toms for something less obvious Jewellery can definitely play a part: stacking rings, simple chains, spiky stud earrings.

For inspiration I see Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kate Moss, Alison Mossheart from The Kills, Shirley Manson (Garbage) and at an extreme end, Brody Dalle from the Distillers. She's really kept her rocker look but pared it down as she's got more mature. It's all about individuality and not giving a flying fig what anyone else thinks!

I'm a bit like this (though was never emo). I'm early 50s (but look younger). I wear a lot of black, have my long hair dyed dark black/brown and then use make-up and jewellery; dark eyes, dark lipsticks, dark painted finger nails and 'rocker' earrings and rings. That's how I try to express my 'rock chick' in a subtle and age appropriate way.