How to Be Known As a Rebel in Your School

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 24, 2023 References

Being known as a rebel can be a way to stand out at school. It's about more than looking cool, it's a way of thinking and acting that go against authority and conformity. Being a rebel all about learning who you really are and learning to think for yourself.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Thinking Like a Rebel

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Expand your horizons. Learning new things is the first big step in becoming a rebel.^{[1]
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Research source} Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and have new experiences.
- Try listening to different styles of music than you usually do. Thrash or Death metal is a great way to go. Or try reading a book by an author that you have never read. Reading is a great way to expose yourself to new ideas.
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Question the rules. Don't just accept the rules or practices at your school without thinking about them. Contemplate them and decide if they make sense or not before deciding whether you to obey them.
- Use the 5 Whys interrogation technique. Ask the question "why?" until you understand the root of cause or problem with a rule. For example, if your teacher asks you not to chew gum in class, ask "why?" Likely, she will respond that is the rule. Ask "why?" Your teacher will then explain the reason if there is one.
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Form your own opinions. Being rebellious is a sign of normal brain development and helps develop analytical thinking as an adult.^{[2]
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Research source} Learn not to accept what others think is right, and find out what is right for yourself. Having your own opinions will not only make you more of a rebel, but it will make you more interesting to have a conversation with as well. You might even sway others to begin seeing the world as you do.
- Ignore public opinions. Be yourself. Some people may not like your attitude or the image you project, but part of being a rebel is learning that everyone has an opinion.
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Use your freedom of expression. Say what you think, even if it isn't popular or appropriate. Don't say what others expect you to say just to live up to their expectations.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cultivating a Rebel Style

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Learn from style rebels. Cultivating a rebellious style today is not the same as it used to be. Style rebels like Johnny Depp, Pharrell Williams, Rebel Wilson, Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Ke$ha, Taylor Momsen, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Andre 3000 have become new icons for rebelling from fashion trends.
- You might not think your Batman or Bart Simpson shirt is rebellious, but if you look at fashion styles by designers like Jeremy Scott you can see how easily it can be. He designs styles for celebrities that are style rebels, like Katy Perry, and many of his designs can be easily mimicked without spending too much money.
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Be creative. Dressing rebelliously is more than just ripping your jeans or getting a piercing. To cultivate a rebellious style notice what everyone else in school wears. Then be brave enough to wear something different. When people can tell you are dressing differently intentionally, it will make you seem more accomplished and improve your perceived status.
- Consider getting a permanent or temporary piercing if your school doesn't allow them.
- Fake a tattoo.
- Wear your hair messy.^{[3]
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  Research source} Instead of ripping your jeans to fit in with the style of a certain group of kids, wear some sneakers with dress slacks. Creativity in your style is the key to being a rebel.
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Be bold. You don't need to go over the top, but you want a bold element to your style to make your look pop. No matter what crowd you gravitate toward, you can still keep the same social circles while dressing like you want.
- For example, Young Thug is a well-known hip-hop artist and fashion rebel. His style of puffy blouses with preppy blazers goes against everything you thought hip-hop style is about.^{[4]
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4
Buy some new sneakers, then draw on them. Take a page out of Pharrell William's style book and use some neon paint to write and draw on your sneakers.^{[5]
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Research source} Purchase sneakers that are one shade to have your writing stand out. You can even write something that your support of a cause.
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Get a leather jacket. Leather jackets have always been a staple of a rebellious look. Guys can wear it over a dress shirt or sweater, and girls can drape it over dresses to add a rebellious look without trying to look like James Dean throwback.
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Wear edgy makeup. It is not permanent like piercings or tattoos, but edgy makeup can help stand out and go against the trends. Try some metallic glitter or black nail polish.^{[6]
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Accessorize rebelliously. Having a couple of perfect accessories can help to polish your rebel style without spending too much on entirely new wardrobe.
- Wear your sunglasses indoors. No matter what your style, a cool pair of sunglasses worn indoors is the sure sign of a rebel.
- Find a unique hat. You can pick a traditional fedora, a top hat, or a baseball cap with studs or gold bling all over it. A really good hat can be like a trademark for your style and can show your individuality.
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Alter your school uniform. If your school has a uniform, you alter it or add an accessory to declare your individuality without getting in trouble. You can cut off some holes in the elbows of a school jacket and add patches, or add some buttons. Depending on what the school dress code is, you can figure out a way to get around them and express your inner rebel.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Behaving Rebelliously

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Do your own thing. At school, many kids will stick to their different cliques or groups of friends. Skateboarders hang out together, cheerleaders hang out with other cheerleaders, athletes will hang out with their teammates. Don't restrict yourself to one group of friends. Make friends with anyone who you enjoy being around.
2
Break the rules. Chew gum in class. Interrupt the teacher and challenge their lesson if you don't think it makes sense or see the point. You can even prank or joke around, just be aware of the consequences if you get caught pushing your freedoms too far.
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Demand change. If you don't agree with a rule, argue it at a school meeting or see the principal. You can also start a petition and turn your rebellion into a movement.
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Maintain your personal interests. Most people think that being a rebel means that you have to misbehave or get into trouble. This can lead to behavior that is harmful to yourself or others. Being a rebel is about challenging the status quo, not fighting against the system. Act in a way that still benefits you and allows you to learn, without accepting whatever they tell you without question.^{[7]
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- Don't think you need to quit a team sport to be a rebel. If you like baseball, you can still play and be a rebel, too. Think about Charlie Sheen's character in the movie "Major League." He played baseball with a mohawk and geeky glasses and stood out from everyone else on the team.
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Take a stand. Stand up and help others that go against expectations. Don't tolerate or support bullying. Do not let any other students push you around. Usually, bullying is just a way that people reject someone for being different from the norm, which is what being a rebel is all about too.