These Edgy Outfits Are Here to Heal the Inner Hot Topic Middle Schooler In All of Us

It’s hard being edgy in a corporate world—every day is a battle between the desire to express yourself sartorially and the desire to remain willfully employed. (I’m joking!) Much like my high school years, my present-day wardrobe centers heavily around black leather, zebra print, and silver studs (AKA, the holy trinity of edgy dressing). Even though I’m now a grown adult with a job, you’ll have to pry my platform Docs from my cold dead hands.

I suggest reading onward if you feel this on a deep, personal level. I’m sharing my favorite edgy outfits—almost all of which are appropriate for an office setting—illustrated by some of the most stylish people on the internet. Ahead, ten edgy-cool outfits that will break necks, no matter the environment.

Pop-Punk Princess Plaid

Chopova Lowena, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen are all in on the same fashion secret: a good plaid skirt can make literally any outfit feel edgy-cool. Style it with a simple button-down for the office or with another punky print (I recommend leopard) for going-out vibes.

Shop the Plaid Look:

Simon Miller Loch Button Up

Cider Mid Waist Patched Check Buckle Maxi Skirt

JW PEI Helena Pierced Mules – Black

Anything Zebra Print

You couldn’t walk into a Hot Topic in the year 2008 without seeing a wall of zebra print. Nearly two decades later, it’s still an emo-kid staple.

Shop the Zebra Print Look:

Bluzat Zebra Printed Straight Overcoat

Now 30% Off

Aqua Women’s Gabbi Studded Flats

Now 30% Off

Leather Jackets, Forever

Leather jackets have been an edgy staple for decades—one that spans gender and aesthetics. Pop on an oversized style with virtually anything (I especially love creepers or chunky loafers, as shown below) and BOOM: you immediately look like Rihanna.

Shop the Leather Jacket Look:

Jaded London Daytona Zip Off Sleeve Moto Jacket

Michael Kors Colby Leather Loafer

Punky Platforms

My favorite platform boots have the unfailing ability to make even the daintiest, sweetest, most cottagecore-looking pieces feel hardcore. Invest in a good pair and you’ll look like a pop-punk princess for years to come.

Shop the Platform Boots Look:

Abercrombie Mid Rise Pleated Maxi Skirt

Fluevog Vintage-Style Boots With Buckles

Michael Kors Leather and Chain-Link Belt

Leopard and Red

I literally cannot shut up about my Damson Madder Leopard Cargo Pants and, trust me, you won’t be able to either. I’ve worn them with jerseys, rugby shirts, button-ups, sweatshirts, and flirty blouses too—all of which felt delightfully punk rock in their presence.

Shop the Leopard Pants Look:

Damson Madder Cargo Jeans Leopard

Ciriaco Ashley Minimalist Baguette Full Face TPU

CHNGE X Samirah Raheem UO Exclusive Ribbed Tank Top

Now 29% Off

Professional, Yet Slay

Like I said: it’s hard being edgy in a corporate world—but it can be done. An oversized blazer and a few well-placed accessories are all you need.

Marc Fisher Slouchy Leather Stiletto Knee Boots

Free People x REVOLVE Make You Mine Slip Skirt

Break Out Your Band Tee

My best advice for putting together the perfect edgy outfit? Just go to your favorite vintage shop and pillage the T-shirt section. Or better yet, reprise your Fall Out Boy tee from 2008.

Kurt Geiger Mayfair Mule Kitten Heel Pump

Now 45% Off

Justine Clenquet Holly Pierced Choker Necklace in Palladium

Urban Outfitters Rolling Stones Skeleton Graphic T-Shirt Dress

Now 26% Off

Pastel-Goth Energy

I’m going to let you in on a fashion secret that took me over 30 years to learn: you can, in fact, look edgy while wearing color. (Yes, even in powder pink tweed.) All it takes is a little black leather and a lot of confidence—a dark lip doesn’t hurt either.

Maje Villoxia Metallic Tweed Jacket

Charles & Keith Bow Pointed Cap-Toe Pumps

& Other Stories Long Leather Gloves

Leather-on-Leather

When you’re feeling uninspired, just throw on a sh*tload of leather. It literally works every time.

Manière de Voir Leather Biker Trench Coat

Camila Coelho Zuri Mini Skirt in Black

Tony Bianco Fantasy Heeled Boot

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Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!

Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.