THE EMOS
Understanding the Emo (emotional) look means looking beyond the stereotype of
“drugs and self-harm”. Emo has become kids that simply listen to certain
music and dress a certain way, just like the rest of us. A typical outfit
would be red or black skinny jeans, black top, studded belt, badges, perhaps
a band hoodie and classic Vans. Hair is very styled and full of products,
the signature look being a straight fringe over one of their dramatically
made-up eyes (“the emo fringe”). Hang outs include Camden Lock, Camden
shops, oh, and did we mention Camden? Music varies from commercial bands
(such as My Chemical Romance, Panic At The Disco and Fall Out Boy) to more
hardcore bands. An Emo once said “I spend more money on my hair than I do my
clothes”, capturing the true essence of the look. It’s not just a style, but
an attitude – grasping emotions and taking them to the extreme.
T-shirt, £6, by Gap (0800 427789); hoodie, £29.50, by Gap; necklace, £30, by
Glitter and Twisted (glitter-and-twisted.com);
jeans (with belt), £36.99, by River Island (020-8991 4759); plimsoles,
£29.99, by Vans at Office (0845 0580777)
THE INDIES
Indie culture is expanding rapidly. It is no longer just music but a way of
life. Fashion plays a huge role for today’s Indie kid. Look out for
colourful skinnies, bright dresses, graphic T-shirts, high-tops, luminous
hats and neon jewellery (though let’s not get too nu-rave here). Indie means
individual. They put their own twist on all clothing, from children’s
jewellery to Nike trainers. As Indies are teens with a passion for music,
they have created, not only their own style, but their own music culture.
This has led to the birth of bands such as Cajun Dance Party, Pull In
Emergency and The More Assured, underage gigs and festivals. This has come
to show that age is not relevant in music anymore. Indie songs are a
combination of catchy riffs, guitar solos and lyrics. London markets are
hotspot as they provide quirky clothes at affordable prices. High street
stores are also providing the Indie twist. The leading brands are shops such
as Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. It’s clear that Indie culture
doesn’t look like it is going to die away any time soon. So we say, embrace
it.
Jacket, £45 by Urban Outfitters (urbanoutfitters.co.uk);
hoodie, £34.99, by River Island (020-8991 4759); jeans, £40, by Topshop
(0845 1214519); trainers, £80, by Etnies (0870 7503100)
THE CHAVS
A sweep of gel, a coat of foundation, a chunky ring, a bit of Burberry and a
smidgin of Nike, and there you go! You have your Chav. Outfits include Nike
tracksuit bottoms, Nike trainers, bling and a tight vest that creates that
slightly intimidating look. Are we right to succumb to these stereotypes?
Chavs demonstrate their feelings through their music. Rap and R&B are
major contenders, sending out a strong message. Music, and therefore
musicians, influence the way Chavs dress in a big way. The face is made-up
with foundation, eyeshadow, mascara and lipgloss.
Hair involves use of products – slicked back in a quiff or high ponytail, or
down and straight, or “crispy curls”. Popular shopping venues include: Nike
Town, JJB Sports, retail parks, markets selling impression designer items
and, for a more girly look, River Island. Many would argue that Chav culture
is the most widespread of all the teen cultures.
Vest, £10, by Gap (0800 427789); tracksuit bottoms, £30, by Nike (0800
0561640); trainers,£80, by Nike (0800 0561640); earrings, £8, by Freedom at
Topshop (01277 844476); bracelet, £8, by Freedom at Topshop (01277 844476)
THE TEEN WAGS
When you think of Wags, Victoria Beckham and Coleen McLoughlin spring to mind.
Teen wags, on the other hand, do not necessarily want to marry a footballer
but aspire to look like the women who do. They are seduced by the glamour of
it. Fashion plays a major role. D&G and Chanel are hot favourites for
serious contenders. Iconic items include bug-eyed sunnies, oversized bags,
tight jeans, a handful of sequins and, of course, let’s not forget the Ugg
boots.
Shopping venues for the less minted include River Island, Jane Norman, ASOS,
and Primark. To complete the look, bronzer and lip gloss are a must. Teen
wags do not have their own musical genre, they tend to listen to whatever is
topping the charts. They enjoy listening to popular dance music, such as
Cascada. However, music does not play such a large part in Wag culture.
London is not such a Wag area, although if you go into Newcastle town centre,
you are a sure to find a lot more. Don’t try to tell teen Wags to lay off
the glamour – it’s a game they like to play and nine out of ten times they
win.
Sequin top, £30, by ASOS (ASOS.com);
skinny jeans, £40, by Topshop (0845 1214519); sheepskin boots, £170, by Ugg
at Kate Kuba (020-8920 0777); bag, £19.99, by H&M (020-7323 2211)
THE CLASSICISTS
Classicists are not such a defined group. Sophisticated and mature. Stylish,
yet individual. The look includes simple dresses to skinny jeans. Tights to
T-bars. Belts to berets. Make-up includes nudes and simple colours, with
emphasis on the lips. (You can never go wrong with red.) An understated yet
elegant haircut, such as a simple straight bob. Shopping includes Topshop
and Urban Outfitters, vintage market stalls and retro stores. For the
dressier look, a Classicist might go for a simple black dress, vintage
jewellery and heels. Or for the more casual look, some pale-wash skinny
jeans, a simple top underneath a tailored waistcoat, on the feet some
classic pumps (Classicists love French Sole). Complete the look with a
classic red or black beret. Style icons include Marilyn Monroe and Audrey
Hepburn. Classicists do not have one single music genre; they are open to
different styles. Even though Classicists aren’t such a distinct group, they
still have their own style and many people incorporate the Classicist look
into their own wardrobes.
Dress, £99, by Saltwater (saltwater.net);
belt ,£15, by Urban Outfitters (urbanoutfitters.co.uk);
tights, £20, by Falke at mytights.com;
shoes, £55, by Oasis (01865 881986); gloves, £15, by Marks and Spencer (0845
3021234)
