Welcome to the second in our style series to help you define and refine your style for 2025. This week – the edgy outfitter.
Edgy Style
It’s a long time since the pernicious influence of rock and roll sent suburban parents into a panic but edgy dressing has had its place ever since. From mod to punk, to metal to grunge to grime, each era has produced its own style along with its soundtrack. Now there are almost too many subcultures to choose from and we’re still plundering the past too – witness the grungey plaid on the spring / summer catwalks and the Nirvana tees in every high street store. Whatever your inspo though, it’s really just about bringing a bit of attitude to getting dressed.
Of course, rebellion is relative, it all depends on time and place, but you can make an edgy style work for you, wherever you want to take it, whether it’s biker boots to a big event or just some subtle studding on a tailored ensemble.
Edgy Style Icons
Kate Moss
Kristen Stewart
Debbie Harry
Edgy Outfit Essentials
Style Personality: The Edgy Outfitter Collection
For style ideas
Distressed Denim
Anything but brand new – faded or distressed styles are best
Sarah straight leg jeans (washed black)
Faux leather
Leather always feels a little bit rebellious, whether it’s a classic biker jacket or a formal blazer. Don’t forget skirts, dresses, trousers, joggers too
Suri bio faux leather trousers
Biker boots
Moto boots are still a must-have this year for tough-girl style – look for snakeskin details for a 2025 update
Band T Shirts and Sweatshirts
Extra points if it’s an original or an exclusive design
Guitar sweatshirt vintage white
Leopard print
Give your outfit some teeth with animal print. If you’re going for a head-to-toe look, opt for a washed or slightly distressed fabric so the effect is more grungey, less glam.
Colours
Colours tend to be more earthy neutrals and of course, black, but red, neons and metallics can also work.
Edgy Outfits - Balance
The full bad bitch look is always an option but if you’re mixing it up with other styles, then selection is key. Too equal a balance between the two looks can create an outfit of two halves so try adding just one element, maybe a rocky tee to a suit or a biker to a smart dress. Or turn it on its head and mix a classic element into an edgy outfit, perhaps a blazer with washed black jeans and a vest.
See here for our Style Personality: The Edgy Outfitter Collection for more ideas.
Detailing
A single design detail can be enough to give an outfit an edge. Studs are an obvious option but it could be an exposed zip, buckles, lacing, chains, or a simple leather trim.
Accessories
Don’t forget the accessories when it comes to crafting a tougher look. Outfit rules apply – you can’t go wrong with animal prints, metalwork, snakeskin and leather. Jewellery-wise, velvet chokers are having something of a moment and will work for both grungey and gothic styles. For something a little more classic, go gold and bold. Think about make-up too – lashings of eyeliner is almost obligatory.
Edgy tulle skirt outift!
Even tough girls have their soft side, it’s just the dark kind of romance. Get into this year’s gothic trend with velvet, lace and tulle - as long as it’s black of course.
Evening wear
Metallics are a sure-fire way to rock an edgy evening outfit. It can be as simple as a sequin top with distressed jeans and heels; pair a band tee with some metallic-print trousers or throw a biker jacket over a chainmail dress.
Work wear
Designers are reinterpreting rock and grunge for workwear to give a new take on power dressing. Think tailored leather, sophisticated studding and plaid blazers. Adding a rocky tee to your favourite suit or pairing a shirt and tie with leather trousers and a blazer would be quick ways to tap into the trend. Don’t be afraid to throw some street style clothing into the mix too – maybe a bomber instead of a blazer or add a cool cap.