PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

If you love the idea of dressing in a simple alternative style, the first thing you need to do is decide what that term means to you. Wearing simple, alternative clothes can be fun and is good ways to express yourself. Some styles are complex and you might not feel they are for you. How you dress might be restricted by school or work policies, your parents, time limits and budget - a simple alternative look is very adaptable. This article will help you simplify down the alternative look, get started at step number one below.

3

Get some new clothing items that fit with your new style.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Make sure you have enough outfits for all seasons and occasions. An alternative style often includes long-sleeved, plaid flannel shirts, T-shirts of classic bands, black tights, dark or acid wash jeans or shorts, vintage button-down shirts, and cardigans. For shoes, you can opt for Converse, classic boots, combat boots, or any other footwear you like. Keep an eye out for studded clothing and accessories, and make sure to pick up a few dressy outfits for any formal events you may need to attend.
    EXPERT TIP
    Alena Le Blanc

    Alena Le Blanc

    Personal Stylist
    Alena Le Blanc is the Personal Stylist and the Founder of Le Blanc Label. Based in San Francisco, California, Le Blanc Label is the leading personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. Alena and her team specialize in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, styling for special events, travel, photoshoots, and general personal needs. Alena has been featured in podcasts including EMPOWERED BY WMN, I Am Fearless, and Mind Power Meets Mystic. Alena received her BFA in Fashion and Apparel Design from the Academy of Art University.
    Alena Le Blanc
    Alena Le Blanc
    Personal Stylist

    Audit your wardrobe to make it fit your desired image. Curate outfits that reflect the image you want to project to the world. Focus on elegant pieces over fleeting trends. Build a style that is uniquely you and boosts your confidence. Clothes are the way you introduce yourself visually to the world.

  2. Advertisement
4

Check out several stores to find pieces you like.

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are lots of places you can shop to find clothes that fit your style. You can check out mainstream stores such as Kohl's, Gap, JC Penney, and even Macy's to see if you can find anything that catches your eye. These are good places to get the basics. Next, try some stores that fit a more "alternative" type of aesthetic. Hot Topic, for example, is known for having good band tees and accessories, but be warned: many alternative people shop there, so you might not get a "one-of-a-kind" look unless it is very unpopular in your area. Zumiez, Journey's, and even Claire's all are good places to shop, as well.
    • Shop at thrift stores for old-fashioned, vintage, or cheaper clothing. Don't be afraid to shop in unusual places or places that don't look like they'd have any potential; it's easy to miss a needle in a haystack.
8

Try out different outfits to see if you like them.

PDF download Download Article

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can we be aesthetic in clothing being a teen? I am not allowed to wear makeup yet so any suggestions for clothing like we tie jacket on our waist for style?
    Winter Lilly Daniels
    Winter Lilly Daniels
    Community Answer
    It depends on the aesthetic. If you like alt/goth clothes you could probably shoot for dark/black colored clothes, but for a more preppy aesthetic, tans and light pinks look really good. You don't absolutely need makeup, so that is okay, and again. Depending on the aesthetic is how you would probably decide whether or not to have a jacket to tie around your waist. If it is an alt/goth aesthetic, that is pretty cute.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Add buttons and pins with logos of your favorite sayings or bands to hats, bags, shirts, skirts; almost anything.
  • Put thought into your outfit, but don't become too obsessive. Remember that there are thousands of other ways to express yourself.
  • Collect a lot of clothes, but make sure to go through and get rid of anything that doesn't work for you every now and then.
Show More Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

Warnings

Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fashion, check out our in-depth interview with Ira Lysa.


About This Article

Ira Lysa
Co-authored by:
Fashion Designer
This article was co-authored by Ira Lysa. Ira Lysa is a Fashion Designer based in Hoboken, New Jersey. With over 15 years of industry experience, Ira is the founder of Imperial Alterations, a tailoring business. She also started the fashion brand iralysa.com and Ira’s Bridal Studio, a boutique that specializes in bridal wear. She specializes in alterations for suits, dresses, outerwear, and luxury brands. This article has been viewed 120,210 times.
3 votes - 93%
Co-authors: 20
Updated: October 4, 2024
Views: 120,210
Categories: Fashion Styles
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 120,210 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement