Emo. It's not just a fashion statement, it's a state of mind. Ironically, despite the emo faction consisting of very fake looking counterparts it's not actually as easy to fake as it seems. Without being in the right mindset you can't quite achieve the desired vacant expression, way before you've even squeezed into the skinny fit jeans.

To the untrained eye an emo, much like a goth, is a non sexually dimorphic being (undistinguishable sex). The clothing and the hair styles span both sexes, often resulting in a confusion of sexual preference, and although this is just a theory I strongly believe this is the reason why a lot of them appear to be bisexual.

Cynicism aside, all the makings of such a fraternity takes time to develop and become an actual 'fashion'. Starting with the hair, which has changed slightly over the years, it has become the iconic symbol of emo-ism. Typically it is dyed black, short at the back, often razor-cut, and then grown out at the front to create a long fringe effect. This is then combed over to one side, usually covering one eye, thus creating a low-hung, drowsy and contemplative demeanour.

As I touched on before, the look of both sexes is very merged, and the males often wear eyeliner and nail polish amongst other accoutrements that are typically associated with women.

Tight clothing is the key and the norm for any emo. Skinny fit, or drainpipe jeans in a variety of colours, accompanied by your favourite band t-shirt, or brightly coloured shirt from the latest street label. Although the trousers are painfully tight, it's a must to wear them low enough for your studded belt to peep out from beneath your t-shirt.

Girls are basically the same, except they often appear more masculine than the men, and are usually adorned with several more piercings and horn rimmed glasses, as well as tiny slip-on shoes, all of the above covered in skulls and hearts.

They are the target of a lot of sensationalised press, and I've even heard reports of self harm and a penchant for suicide. Although they look miserable, this is just due to the contemplative and poetic nature of the music they listen to, so please don't be alarmed, as they are not to be confused with other, more sinister and dangerous cultures.

It is in the formative years of adolescence that emos tend to form, when emotions are in need of something cohesive and tangible in order to make sense of it all. Poetry, lyrics about love and loss, and thoughtful online blogging is the result of such a lifestyle, hence the symbolisation of bleeding hearts, and such.

Add to the mix some melodic rock, often with the word "core" on the end, so you know it's at least a little bit heavy and they can retain some respect at least, and you have the full package.

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