Punk Rock Costumes

If children are dressing up like you for Halloween, chances are that your style has gone mainstream, no matter how out there you may think it is. When punk rock burst onto the underground scene in the '70s, followers of the movement dressed a specific way to make a social point. They felt outcast and disenchanted by the world and government around them and decided to emphasize the point by looking as different from the norm as they could.

Punk rock music is aggressive, loud and in your face. As common as a Mohawk may be today, 30 years ago it was quite shocking. Ripped pants held together by clothespins, women in Doc Marten boots, multiple piercings and brightly colored hair were all a way for punks to show their dissatisfaction with the establishment, while also creating as much shock and intimidation as they could. Nowadays, the punk style has been sucked into the mainstream and is no longer as visually offensive as people in the seventies perceived it to be.

Don't Call them Punk Rock Costumes

For real punks what they wear isn't a costume, it's who they are. Unfortunately, as with most things, once the style became popular, it was taken over by clothes manufacturers looking to make a profit on the growing movement. Today, almost every mall in the United States has a store that specializes in clothing made specifically for those that wish to look punk.

No matter the changes, punk still retains its appeal as a youth rebellion movement. Although not as shocking as it once was, having a son or daughter wearing a pair of fishnets and a bright red Mohawk is enough to get any parent noticing. Time may have not changed the punk style, but it sure has made it easier to embrace it.