00's Emo Trends That Deserve A Comeback in 2021

Welcome to 2021, there are no rules anymore. We’ve spent enough time in chaos that nothing is surprising, so I’m gonna go ahead and pitch the emo highlights that deserve a place in our modern times.

Even as a forever-emo-kid, there’s a lot of things that I’m glad we grew out of. Our hair didn’t do anything to deserve how we treated it, more than one studded belt feels excessive and we’re all gonna pretend we don’t know what ‘RAWR’ means, okay?

But emo fashion and music will always have a special place in my heart. Emo was how I first learnt to express myself, that it was okay to stand out and be different, and even though there were lots of questionable choices, I wouldn’t change a thing. So here is my pitch for the emo revival that we all need.

Being The Biggest Fan

When emo kids liked a band, they LOVED a band. From owning every piece of merch and learning every lyric, to setting their Myspace profile song and MSN name to that band’s most obscure song. Looking back, this might look obsessive, but can we stop thinking that is not cool to be a fan of something? There’s a lot to get down about in this world so if a band, artist, book, film, TV show etc. etc. brings you joy, then let it bring you joy. Be a fan, enjoy what you enjoy, support the people that made it happen and share your joy with the world.

Songs On Your Social Media Profiles

On that note, if we really are living in the future, why can’t I get Give ‘Em Hell Kid by My Chemical Romance to play when people visit my Instagram profile? You get bonus points if you learnt the bit of code that hid the music player so people couldn’t pause your songs.

Cutting Your Own Hair

When I was a teenager I wanted this haircut and no hairdresser would cut the layers short enough. In hindsight I do understand why, and that everyone who had it was probably cutting it themselves. BUT right now, hairdresser’s are shut, and there’s never been a better time to experiment with a new style. Also there are so many good tutorials on youtube so you don’t have to just hack at your hair with the kitchen scissors and hope for the best anymore.

Dramatic Eye Makeup

Sure, subtle make-up is fine, but nothing beats a dramatic smokey eye, I’m sorry. Eyeliner is for everyone at all times and I will die on this hill.

Exhibit A: This incredible Frank Iero inspired look by @nataliawragg on Instagram. Credit: www.instagram.com/nataliawragg

My Chemical Romance

Think of all the time they’re saving by not being able to do their reunion tour. Just release new music already. Please.

DIY Fashion

I remember going to Camden Market with no money, because it was a cool place to hang out and you could get great fashion inspiration without spending any money, and tonnes of photos to upload to your Myspace photo album. Customising your wardrobe is good for your bank balance and the environment. Not to mention is celebrates self-expression outside of any fashion rules or trends! Pinterest and Youtube are great for DIY fashion inspiration.

My 14th birthday, wearing the first shirt I customised myself

To Write Love on Her Arms

TWLOHA were massive on Myspace, they did loads with Warped Tour and every emo celebrity seemed to have worked with them. My TWLOHA t-shirt was one of the first things I bought from America and paid a hefty international shipping fee. With their merch range they became a staple emo trend in the early 00s, but they’re still going and raising awareness and help for mental health and suicide prevention. They are an American charity, but they have loads of resources on their website and social media pages. There are loads of amazing mental health charities doing incredible work and they might not have the cult following that TWLOHA created but they’re worth hyping up.

Let’s close with one final image of me at my emo peak - circa 2007 (ish).

Bonus emo points for posing outside the converse store - possibly lose points for the Disney Store bag

What do you think? What emo trends do you think should make a comeback? Also let me know what emo trends need to stay in 2006 because that list is next up!

Want to get a little bit more emo style in 2021? Head to the Sugar Storm Shop for some emo-inspired sustainable fashion and accessories.