12 Best Emo Outfits — How to Dress and Shop Emo Fashion in 2022

The emo kids ruled the internet during the early 2010s. Ripped skinny jeans, heavy metal band tees, choker necklaces, knee high socks (black, of course) and leather jackets were everywhere. Jet black, neon-streaked versions of J. Bieb’s fringe haircut abounded, and Hot Topic was the hottest place to be. But if we’ve learned anything from the resurgence of twee, the longevity of gorpcore, and the fact that cottagecore takes inspo for decades (if not centuries) ago, it’s that fashion always comes back — so yes, emo outfits are definitely still thing in 2022.

But first, what is emo fashion? Emo is a music genre that’s similar to punk or rock, with more emotional subjects and lyrics. Emo fans form a subculture with a very specific way of dressing — a moody, all-black, edgy style with lots of leather and silver accents in the form of studs, chains, or piercings. The look was huge in the 2010s, especially on Tumblr.

Even though emo fashion is technically a throwback style, everything from the When We Were Young alt music festival (hello, My Chemical Romance, Avril Lavigne and Pierce the Veil!) to Kourtney Kardashian in her Travis Barker era has proved that the edgy emo girl is alive and well in 2022. Whether you’re wearing studs and chains, ripped tights, pleated plaid skirts, heavy Dr. Marten boots, or skull statement rings, alternative looks for genuine self-expression will never go out of style. On days where everything is dreary and bright kidcore outfits juts don’t match how you feel on the inside, emo fashion is here for you.

Emo outfits are for the Wednesday Addams’ of the world — the moody intensity of an all-black outfit will prove the age-old saying “It’s not a phase, mom!” in the most stylish way. Here are our favorite picks below.