While most so labeled punks don't actually go to prom, maybe you don't want to give in to that stereotype and you are going to go anyway or maybe you are holding your own version of prom for you and your friends. However, in either case, you don't want to risk your style and basic frame of mind by going. While the image to the right may or may not be your thing, it isn't hard to pull off a punk look for prom.
Steps
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Are you feeling extreme? Consider making your own dress or tuxedo. However, this will require sewing skills and a sewing machine, plus a pattern unless you can make one without it. While this is the hardest route to go, if you do it right, it will guarantee that you get what you want, it will fit perfectly, and you won't be lining the pockets of some morally questionable corporation.
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If you are not making your own, you will have to acquire a dress or tuxedo, and you probably can't rent one either. Thrift stores and consignment shops can be used to find great deals so you won't feel guilty about modifying a couple hundred dollar piece. Colour and size aren't really important right now, but if you can't tailor it yourself, it will have to fit, and if it is made out a material that will be tricky to dye, it will have to be the right colour.
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Collect your materials. You'll need your article of clothing, scissors, a seam ripper, a cheese grater, a razor blade, safety pins, paint, fabric, dye, buckles, studs, zippers, chains, mini stuffed animals, hair bows, and whatever other stuff you want to decorate it with or need to help you do so. A sewing machine/needle and thread can be helpful too as can a grommet puncher. Lay all of your supplies out on a large table covered with newspaper. Go to the bathroom, grab a snack, and get ready to begin.
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Go crazy. Take out the seams and reattach it with safety pins or lace it with ribbon, string, shoe laces, or caution tape. Cut off the hems, shred the fabric and rip holes in tulle. Punch a line of grommets along the bottom of a dress so it looks like a Converse shoe and lace it. Dye your fabric using the directions on the back of the dye container. Throw on some paint artistically or randomly. Cut of buttons and replace them with mismatching ones that show some off your style. Write on it with markers or fabric paint. Pull it apart, make a statement, and really show your personality. After all, that is what your life is about, isn't it? Leave the above suggestions behind and do whatever you want to do or think is right. Any mistakes can easily be fixed with safety pins and duct tape.
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Finish off your look with a great hairstyle, some makeup, your favorite accessories, and your best shoes. When you like what you see and you feel great, you're all done. If you get to prom and they don't let you in, hit the nearest concert with your friends. If there isn't one immediately available, go hang out in one of your basements or try bowling. It's amusing to see how people look at you when you show up to bowl in your outfit.
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Nothing you can do to your outfit is comparable to your attitude. Keep your punk spirit about you and you'll have fun, no matter what you are wearing.
Tips
- A how-to guide can only provide inspiration or help get you started. The finished product has to come from you, and you alone.
- If you wear combat boots with your tuxedo or jeans under your dress, it is perfectly acceptable. Remember: anything goes!
- Bring your confidence. Who knows what people will say about you, but if you like what you are wearing and don't care what they say, the whole night will be a lot better for everyone.
- Don't be afraid to break some rules. Guys can try wearing a kilt and girls can try wearing pants. If they don't let you in, then you can either try to convince them otherwise or head somewhere else. Prom is really quite overrated anyway.
- Just have fun!
Warnings
- You may not be permitted inside or kicked out afterwards. Pick yourself up and carry on. There are better things to do.
- People may not appreciate your style. Unfortunately punks have a stereotype of causing trouble. You may be the one accused of spiking the punch when really the athletes are responsible.
- If you are not a punk by nature, don't try this. It isn't a fashion. It's a way of life. If you don't live that life, you're just a poser and your efforts won't be appreciated.
- Are you just as punk for wearing a dress covered in girly bows, glitter, and ribbon as someone plastered with studs, pins, and zippers? Yes, yes you are. Don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.