Fashion: Punk It Up

Donna Green

28/08/08

Think late-70s throwback - minus the disco - for autumn

Forget about dirty Camdenites with ripped fishnets and pseudo-mowhawks – to rock a punk look, you have to approach it in a grown up way. That might sounds like a contradiction in terms, but who said kids have to have all the fun?

Ripped jeans are always a bit of a risky business – not to mention a drafty one – so we recommend molesting a pair of your old Primarni skinnies and getting some carefully placed slashes going on. Failing that, buy new ones like these from Uniqlo for £24.99 here in a range of five colours, and turn up the bottoms for a rockabilly twist.

I think we’re all sick of mutated Queen Elizabeth iconography, so update the punk look with this slogan tee featuring the Mona Lisa as Amy Winehouse for £28 from Urban Outfitters here. Be careful not to overdo the rest of your outfit while wearing this top though – keep it subtle, or risk the fashion victim curse – not a strong look.

When it comes to shoes, spiky, shiny and high is best. Wedged heeled brogues, you say? Don’t mind if I do! These are £60 here from Office.

A leather jacket is an essential part of the punk look, and adds a bit of edge to any outfit. Invest in this classic black one from Caine, £85 here, that can be dressed up or down.

Accessories are where this look can work best – think shiny S&M style fabrics, patent plastics and leopard prints, This belt, £8 from ASOS.com here, will last you way beyond autumn and is a great wardrobe staple as well as a strong ‘punk’ look.

Finish the look by getting some dark nails and eye make up going on, and think ‘birds nest chic’ with your hair, and it’ll be like 1982 never happened.