How to Dress Punk at Work

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: March 9, 2022 References

Well known for ripped jeans, leather jackets and brightly coloured Mohawk’s, 70’s punk fashion began through the music scene – when dressing punk was about freedom, rebelling against the establishment and expressing individual creativity. Today anyone, regardless of their body shape or budget, can dress in a punk style. Even at work! You just have to get the balance right.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Punk Pants and Dresses Appropriate for Work

1
Wear a pair of bondage pants. Women in the punk scene regularly wore pants as well as men.^{[1]
X
Research source} Bondage pants are trousers that have chains, zippers, straps and buckles attached to them. When selecting a pair of bondage pants appropriate for the workplace, pick ones with minimal attachments.
2
Slide into some skinny jeans. Jean styles have slimmed down over the years so you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for a pair of skinny jeans for work. Pick a pair of dark blue denim, or black jeans with exposed zips on the pockets or the ankles. Wear them with a soft blouse or tailored blazer.^{[2]
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- Avoid distressed or ripped jeans, unless you work in a creative field.
- Shiny, coated denim is best kept for after hours.
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3
Try on a pair of leather pants. Leather and pleather (faux leather) pants are great punk options for workwear. Pair with a dress jacket and heels for a new take on the ‘power suit’. When selecting a pair for work, think about the fit and how they’ll feel (and look) after sitting at a desk for a few hours.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.}
4
Dress up a vintage, rockabilly dress. In general female punks rebelled against stereotypical images of what was considered delicate or pretty, and tended to avoid wearing dresses. If you want to dress punk and prefer to wear dresses in the office, match a vintage swing dress^{[4]
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5
Put on a leather pencil skirt. Match a shiny, black leather or pleather pencil skirt^{[5]
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Research source} with a silk blouse. The soft, flowing lines of the silk blouse will soften what might otherwise be a tough, punk look. Aim for a skirt length that sits on or just above your knee, and wear it with black wedge boots.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Selecting Punk Appropriate Work Tops and Jackets

1
Zip up a leather jacket. A silver studded, black leather jacket^{[6]
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Research source} is as punk as it gets! Shift dresses^{[7]
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Research source} look fabulous under these. Try wearing a leather jacket to work with tailored trousers, capri pants or layered over a long, flowing top.
2
Put on a preppy, flannel shirt. A flannel shirt tied around the waist is a look many people associate with the punk movement. Rather than wearing one around your waist, wear a fitted, flannel or gingham shirt layered under a jacket or vest,^{[8]
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Research source} buttoned up to the top, or with a pair of cigarette trousers^{[9]
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Research source
www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/trousers/cigarette-trousers-/c/uk-womens-clothing-trousers-cigarette} or pleather pants.
3
Wear a white or graphic t-shirt. Deliberately offensive t-shirts were extremely popular in the early punk scene. Wear a graphic one to work underneath a dress jacket for a hint of rebellion or go for a plain white tee. Pair t-shirts with a dark jeans, capri pants, dress pants, and loafers.^{[10]
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4
Wrap up in a tartan trench coat. Punk up a boring black and white suit with a bright red and black, or yellow and black, tartan trench. Try and find a double breasted trench coat^{[11]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Punk Inspired Accessories

1
Put on a black pencil tie. A cousin of the wider, traditional work tie, pencil ties look great on both men and women. The thinner the tie, the more punk it will look. Wear pencil ties with a white shirt and fitted black suit or skirt and blouse.
2
Invest in a pair of quality heels. High heels and pumps are an office fashion staple. Look for Vivienne Westwood^{[12]
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Research source} inspired ones that have silver and gold metal stud embellishments. Wear them with bondage pants, skirts and skinny jeans.
3
Buckle on a studded leather belt. Studs are a must have accessory for any punk fashionista. Wear a studded belt with dress slacks or capri pants, or add an embellished belt to a conservative wrap dress for a touch of punk style.^{[13]
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fashiontasty.com/how-to-wear-a-belt-to-the-office/} Be sure to choose a black belt rather than a brown one.
4
Add skull or spike inspired jewellery to your outfit. Small spike or skull earrings, rings and pendants are a subtle way to introduce a punk vibe to your outfit. Select gold, silver or bronze jewellery items that will add interest and give a new dimension to your clothing.
5
Wear silver cufflinks or bracelets. Adorn your arms with a selection of shiny, silver bracelets over a long sleeved, black work shirt or alternatively wear a heavier, single chain bracelet. Add punk themed cufflinks to a classic office shirt and chino pants combo.
6
Substitute combat boots with black wedges or dress boots. Black combat boots and Doc Martens^{[14]
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Research source} are the footwear of choice for any punk. An aggressive style statement, they not only looked tough but were hard wearing. For the office, replace them with slimmer, boot styles more appropriate for the workplace.
7
Choose a punk appropriate hairstyle to complete your look. Vital to any punk outfit is edgy hair.^{[15]
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Research source} While a brightly coloured Mohawk might not sit well with your boss, colouring your hair a shade of red, bright blonde or black may.
- Cut hair super short for an androgynous look.^{[16]
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  http:www.fashionbeans.com/article/mens-short-hairstyles-haircuts/}
- Get a layered bob with highlights and lowlights.
- Straighten long hair or pull it back into a sleek, high ponytail.
8
Add a dash of red lippy or black eyeliner. For work keep punk makeup minimalist with either a splash of red lipstick or dark eyeliner. Not both. If wearing red lipstick, be sure to slip it into your handbag or pocket so you can reapply it later.

Expert Q&A

Question

How should a professional dress edgy?

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.

Elle Monus

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

The key to bringing the edgy style into the work setting is doing it in small portions. A hint of edge in specific pieces will do the trick. For instance, add a necklace that looks dainty from afar, but shows a more studded side up close.
Question

How do I dress alternative to work?

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.

Elle Monus

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Monochromatic black looks are always a little edgy and alternative, but can look super professional and posh. Make sure to keep the overall look tailored and body skimming, but not hugging.

Warnings

Go easy on the punk accessories. Less really is more.

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Wear too much black at work and you might look unapproachable and more ‘goth’ than ‘punk’.

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