Time Warp - The Emo 2000s Are Back!
Hey, Jonas Brothers! We’ve been to the year 2021 and not much has changed, but we don’t really live underwater… yet (cough cough, Florida). As an emo kid that never officially left their emo phase, I’ve noticed the recent uprise in early 2000s alt-inspired music. My Chemical Romance’s return to the world brought with it a rehashed version of the early 2000s alt/punk/pop-punk/emo genre and fashion trends we all know and love (in my case, adore). Black has always been in style as a fashion trend, but electric guitar and heavy drums were not always all the rage for the music industry.
With the revival of angsty music, skinny black jeans, graphic tees, flannels, and absolutely way too much eyeliner have somehow wormed their way back into popular fashion. My little emo heart is truly jumping for joy.
Sit back, grab your notebook, and get ready to be schooled on the big three of emo music and fashion past. And no, I’m not talking only about The Emo Holy Trinity (MCR, Panic!, and FOB).
Eyeliner and The “You Should Date Me Instead” Song
So obviously, I need to speak on early 2000s eyeliner, because as a victim of raccoon eyes during my middle school emo phase, I am happy this trend has evolved since then. TikTok is a great place to find eyeliner inspo these days with all the mini-tutorials creators post. Back in 2009, this trend was very much spread by two of history’s favorite alt artists, like Avril Lavigne and Brendon Urie of Panic! At the Disco.
We all know the classic line “Hey, hey you, you, I don’t like your girlfriend!” from Avril’s “Girlfriend,” and “Is it still me that makes you sweat?” from Panic!’s iconic “Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off.” How did this trend get translated in current music? I present to you songs like, “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo and “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” by Ariana Grande. The relationship tension is real.
Graphic Tees and Angsty Guitars
Break out your band tees ladies and gentlemen, because that old My Chemical Romance t-shirt is now officially back in style and here to stay! With Urban Outfitters having a whole t-shirt section, graphic band tees have become the trendy girl’s go-to for a casual day out. The previously only “alt exclusive” trend is now widespread due to fast fashion, so feel free to go hit up your local Hot Topic!
Even with the return of our favorite emo bands helping things along, the trend of angsty instruments really got its start with TikTok, because to be honest, almost every trend today starts with TikTok. Musician Tobee Paik, AKA that TikTok guy who “ruins” songs with electric guitar, started a mass trend of adding the alternative instrument to pop songs. This rejuvenated the love for loud guitars in music and gave artists like Mother Mother and Sir Chloe a whole new fan base.
Black Skinny Jeans, Big Belts, and A Little Bit of Rasp
Gaudy belts are back and better than ever. While we don’t have to deal with the tacky spike belts of the past, layered belts paired with a pair of black skinnies seems to be on the rise in trends again. The trend was popularized by iconic emo artists like Escape the Fate and All Time Low, the kings of raspy emo vocals. Songs like “Not Good Enough For Truth In Cliche’” by Escape the Fate are full of the raspy vocals that characterized that era.
Currently, alt artists like YungBlud and Machine Gun Kelly are popularizing angsty songs with super raspy vocals again; their songs “waiting on the weekend” and “Bloody Valentine” are perfect examples. The trend has even bled into pop music as shown in songs like “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak.
Clearly, music has an immense influence on fashion. While these trends may not last forever, I’m definitely enjoying the throwback to my middle school years, before I had to worry about adult life things. If you want to participate in the trend, put on that old angsty Spotify playlist and maybe smear some eyeliner on, your choice.