Metal fashion is like the music that inspired it: aggressive, tough and slightly dangerous. You don't have to be a longtime metal fan to dress the part, (although it helps), and you don't have to be a guy, either. For girls who are just getting into the metal scene, or merely like the metal style, you can easily get the look.
Steps
Wearing Metal Clothing
-
Wear heavy metal band shirts. Having a band's name on your shirt is the easiest way to tell the world you are a "metalhead." Choose a small-sized men's shirt for a loose "roadie" look, or a women's fitted shirt, babydoll or crop top for a more "girly" fashion statement.
-
Buy a used leather biker jacket. You'll save money and get the coveted "worn out" look by shopping for jackets in a thrift store. An old army jacket is a good alternative if you're opposed to leather, or for warmer weather. Add pins and patches of metal bands.
-
Wear black skinny jeans. Regular blue jeans are the universally accepted uniform for every music genre, except classical. But for metal, black is your go-to color, and skinny is your go-to fit. Take them one step further by "destroying" them with holes and rips.
-
Have black boots or heels. Good choices are combat boots, Doc Martin's, biker boots, and heels that have an aggressive, "bad girl" look. You can also wear sneakers like Chucks or Vans when you're in the mood to straddle the line between metal and punk.
-
Invest in more leathers. On occasion, you'll want to wear something other than jeans and a leather jacket.
- Wear black mini-skirts. Finish the look with fishnets, tights or leggings.
- Buy a black leather vest. Vests can be worn over t-shirts and tank tops, or alone.
-
Wear actual metal. Accessorizing is vital to achieving the full metal look. Try studded or bullet belts, pins, studded wrist cuffs, chains and metal jewelry, especially anything heavy or Germanic like the Iron Cross.
Wearing Metal Hair and Makeup
-
Apply heavy, black eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner has a great look and doesn't smudge when dry.
-
Choose an eyeshadow from the grey or metallic blue family. Avoid pastels at all costs.
-
Wear dark lip color. Add a darker, complementing lip liner.
-
Use copious amounts of hair product. Whether your hair is long or short, it should have the wild, "piece-y" look of a headbanger. Check out pictures of female-fronted metal bands or old-school rocker such as Joan Jett for inspiration.
Video
Tips
- Become adept at distinguishing the subtle differences between metal, nu metal, punk, hard rock, glam and grunge. They each have their own unique style.
- Once you've acquired enough metal clothing and accessories, you can always use them as a last-minute Halloween costume.
Warnings
- If you're not a true metal fan, you might be called a poseur for dressing like one. Be prepared to defend your fashion.
- Stay far away from traditionally feminine colors like pink, and softer styles such as ballet flats.