If you’re looking for style that makes a statement, there’s no better place to find inspiration than punk rock fashion. From bold graphic t-shirts to studded leather jackets to rule-breaking tartan skirts, here are some stylish yet rebellious ways to wear women’s punk style today!

One of the ways punk rockers liked to make their statement during the 1970s and ‘80s was with a jaw-dropping graphic t-shirt. 

To make this style your own, choose a top with a bold design that shows off your personality! This could be a logo inspired by your favourite band or a slogan that speaks to you. You could even take a basic tee and get crafty with your own patches or hand-embroidery.

Style your top with black jeans or cargo trousers and a little bit of leather for that rough-around-the-edges aesthetic.

If there’s one thing that comes to mind when we think of women’s punk styling, it’s got to be those striking red and black checks. So, if you want an outfit that’s instantly recognisable as a tribute to ‘80s punk, a tartan dress or skirt is a must!

Go all-out by styling your checks with black leather, studded details, and combat boots.

Alternatively, if you’re going for a more subtle approach, tartan is a really great way to add a hint of punk into your everyday outfits. Swap the leather jacket for a cable knit cardigan and switch the combat boots for ballet flats.

It’s the unfortunate truth that we can’t always bring our full rock chic attire everywhere we go, but we can add a little bit of punk attitude to our style. Yes, even for the office!

To dress punk rock for the office, choose fitted or tailored pieces in typical punk colours, and look for bold details like lace trims or military-inspired buttons. For example, you could style a check maxi skirt with a tailored jacket in red. Then accessorise with silver jewellery and a studded leather belt.

You could also bring punk and feminine office styles together by wearing a floral maxi dress and rocking it up with a leather jacket.

A key part of rock and roll aesthetics is playing around with different fabrics to create a look that feels completely unique. 

From Sid Vicious to Debbie Harry, leather has been a cornerstone of the punk rock aesthetic since the beginning, bringing instant attitude to any ensemble.

But, in the 1980s, women began to embrace ‘dark romanticism’ and they elevated their punk styles with softer materials like velvet and lace. 

Bringing these styles together is such a fun way to pay tribute to punk rock fashion. Not only does it create a more captivating outfit, but these delicate materials contrast perfectly with tough leather fabrics.

This look is all about going against the status quo, which means mixing and matching different pieces and accessories to build looks that are entirely your own. 

Whether you’re dressed head to toe in punk or you’re just looking for a subtle way to incorporate it in your outfits, accessories are the key to mastering punk style for women.

Start by collecting different bracelets, bangles, and cuffs in different colours and fabrics. Men’s jewellery is a great place to look as you’ll find leather, silver chains, and skull imagery.

Safety pins might be a bit too ‘80s, but you can still add some edge your look with brooches and badges. This way, you can show off your personality without feeling outdated.

If you want to make a nod British vintage, top it all off with a baker boy hat!

• 1973: The Manhattan music club, CBGB’s, is considered the birthplace of punk rock, hosting legendary music acts like The Ramones, Patti Smith, and Blondie.

• 1974: It wasn’t until English fashion designer and band manager, Malcolm Maclaren, came across The New York Dolls that punk began to seep into the fashion world too. 

• Inspired by their eclectic style, he brought this influence back to Britain, where he and his girlfriend, Vivienne Westwood, blended ripped fabrics, safety pins, studs, tartan, and rebellious slogan t-shirts together to create the blueprint for punk rock fashion.

• 1976: Managed by Mclaren and styled by Westwood, the Sex Pistols took the world by storm and made punk a political movement.

• 1980: Punk rockers scrawled rebellious statements over their t-shirts in marker pen and styled their hair in colourful mohawks, whilst women flaunted leather jackets and fishnets.

• 1981: It didn’t take long for designers to take notice and bring punk rock onto the runway. Vivienne Westwood had her first runway show, officially launching the New Romantic fashion movement. She later became known as 'The Mother Of Punk'.

Punk rock was such a pivotal moment in fashion history, and it’s still influencing designers today – including us!

Our autumn collection has everything you need to get started on your rocker style journey. We can’t wait to see how you make it your own! 

If you enjoyed this article, head to our blog page where you’ll find even more style guides like this one.