How to Be a Punk Girl

Punk is not just a music genre, it is an alternative way of life. In their effort to discover their authentic self, punk girls forge their own paths and develop their own unique sense of style. Punk girls are unapologetically independent, bold, and self-assured. They listen to stellar music and question society. They wear whatever expresses their personal aesthetic. To become a punk girl, you must be confident in your identity.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Adopting a Punk Lifestyle and Attitude

1
Listen to punk music. Music is an essential component of the punk lifestyle. In addition to listening to the music at home or about town, you should also pay homage to the roots of the movement by making an effort to experience punk music live.^{[1]XResearch source} Consider listening to or seeing live the following artists and bands:^{[2]XResearch source}
- The Sex Pistols
- The Ramones
- Bikini Kill
- Debbie Harry,
- Tacocat
2
Make your own ‘zine. Since the advent of the punk movement in the 1970s, punk rockers have expressed themselves through self-made magazines, or ‘zines.^{[3]XResearch source} In the 1990s, punk girls used zines to create a space for their voice within the punk movement. Collaborate with your female punk friends to develop a ‘zine that expresses your collective views and interests.
- Make your zines by deconstructing mainstream magazines and repurposing the pieces.
- There are no set rules or limitations when it comes to the content of ‘zines. They're meant to look DIY. You can self-publish any material you wish.
- If you are looking for inspiration, check out Sniffin' Glue and Riot Grrl.^{[4]XResearch source}
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3
Embrace your punk self. If you identify as a punk girl, don’t buckle under the pressure to conform to society’s standards of appropriate female behavior. Instead of oppressing your identity, proudly present the truest version of yourself to the world. Don’t apologize for who you are or what you believe.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Don't be afraid if you struggle to embrace yourself; these sorts of things don't always happen overnight. Just keep trying each day, and eventually you'll get there.
4
Don’t do what you should do; do what you want to do. Enjoy life and to do what feels good in the moment. Set your own goals and establish your own standards. Your personal standards inform how you treat others and how you expect others to treat you.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Ask yourself, what standards currently inform your actions, and did you set these standards for yourself?
- Allow your punk attitude to inform the evolution of your goals and expectations: what standards will you continue to accept; what standards contradict your beliefs
- Forge your own path in life. Develop your own timeline.
5
Challenge social conventions. Punk rockers refuse to blindly accept social norms. As a punk girl, constantly question the conventions that dictate society for yourself.^{[7]XResearch source} It is in your self-interest to examine capitalism, evaluate the government, analyze religion, explore patriotism, and study globalism.^{[8]XResearch source} As you reach your own conclusions, let your discoveries shape your agenda and share your opinions freely.^{[9]XResearch source}
- You can learn about these topics in classes focusing on women's and gender studies, especially ones that value intersectionality and multi-disciplinary approaches.
- You may also oversee your own education on these topics. Ask friends, teachers, and mentors for suggested readings and documentaries on a variety of topics.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding Your Punk Style

1
Gather an eclectic wardrobe. Punk clothing defies categorization. This difficult to define eclectic style look is characterized by DIY pieces, grunge elements, and edgy items bordering on goth. Mix and match a variety of pieces until you discover your signature punk look.
- Make your own clothes or modify existing garments. For example, you could add studs to an old jean jacket or spikes to your shirt collars.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Experiment with grunge. To add elements of grunge to your wardrobe, try layering loose articles of clothing and wrapping a flannel shirt around your waist.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Add some edgy and goth items into your style, such as leather or faux-leather skirts, pants, and jackets.^{[12]XResearch source}
- For a classic punk look, considering mixing plaid with rocker inspired clothing, like old band tees.^{[13]XResearch source}
2
Experiment with different punk styles. Since the 1970s, punk fashion has continued to evolve. As a result, punk fashion varies widely. At its roots, punk fashion is always edgy and anti-materialistic. Sub-genres include glam and pop punk:
- Glam punk, maintains the foundations of punk fashion, while incorporating bright colors, spandex, leather, the occasional leopard print.
- Pop punk also is rooted in traditional punk values, but is characterized by skinny jeans, leather jackets, and band tees.
3
Wear classic punk shoes. Shoes can make or break a punk outfit. Invest in the following classic and stylish punk shoes:
- Dr Martens^{[14]XResearch source}
- Combat Boots^{[15]XResearch source}
- Black ankle boots^{[16]XResearch source}
- Converse (high or low tops)
4
Accessorize your punk look. Punk accessories can range from outrageously edgy and dangerous-looking to simple and rocker-chic. Acquire spiked accessories, such as jewelry, headbands, and purses.^{[17]XResearch source} Purchase simple pieces of jewelry, such as chain necklaces, cuffs, and, stud earrings, that you can layer and mix in a variety of ways.Common accessories include:^{[18]XResearch source}
- Skull rings, earrings, and necklaces
- Spike earrings
- Choker and collar necklaces^{[19]XResearch source}
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Experimenting with Punk Hair and Makeup

1
Try a daring new hair color. Punk girls can rock bold hair colors. There are several ways for you to add color to your locks:
- Dye your entire head of hair a fiery red, outrageous orange, or lovely lavender color.
- Add streaks and pops of color to your locks. Try a hot pink streak or cheetah spots.^{[20]XResearch source}
2
Test out different edgy dos. Punk girls define their own style. They don’t follow fashion trends and they don’t copy other punk girls. As a result, there is not a universal punk hairstyle. For example, you can:^{[21]XResearch source}
- Wear your hair in a mohawk.
- Shave one side of your head.
- Cut your hair into piecey, disconnected layers.
- Rock a blunt bob or dreads.
3
Apply bold and colorful makeup. Punk girls complete their looks with vibrant eye makeup and colorful lipstick.
- Always wear eyeliner. You can choose to apply the traditional black liner or a bright color, like blue, green, or purple.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Apply eyeshadow. Draw attention to your eyes with a generous amount of colorful or black eyeshadow.^{[23]XResearch source}
- Wear bold lipstick. Punk girls don’t shy away from non-traditional makeup. Dare to wear black, green, violet, or blue lipstick.^{[24]XResearch source}
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Tips

Everything on this list is optional. Being punk is really just about being yourself and expressing yourself, and if that you and that persona is "punk," you're a punk! Don't feel obligated to do anything that isn't you - not being true to yourself is the least punk thing you can do!
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Warnings

If you are going to wear band shirts, be sure you know who the band is.
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Some people don't like punks, but don't worry about them. Just be yourself.
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Don't go on the internet and brag "I'm Punk!” You will be labeled a poser.
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