Get the perfect edgy style with your classic wardrobe, at any age
When Are You Too Old To Wear An Edgy Style?
“Do you think I’m too old to wear destroyed jeans? Because I love them, but I’m 40 now, and I don’t want to look ridiculous, like I’m trying too hard to be young.” This question came from a friend of mine, and it’s one I hear a lot. It’s also one I’ve considered a lot because I love Edgy Classic style.
Most of my life I went from one extreme to the other with my outfits. I was either super Minimal Classic, like right out of a Ralph Lauren catalog, or I looked like I was ready for a night out in Vegas.
For me it was pearls and cable knit sweaters, or red vinyl snake skin pants (oh yes, I had a pair in college) and platforms. At both ends of the extreme I felt uncomfortable because I was too prim and proper like Molly Ringwald or too early-morning-detention-regular like Ali Sheedy in The Breakfast Club.
I finally realized I’m a mix of both Edgy and Classic styles, and over the last few years I’ve worked to find that balance of what feels good to me. What is MY perfect ratio of edgy to classic?Â
How to dress classic without looking dated was the first post of this series. Each post investigates various Style Twists to show you how to incorporate other elements and styles into your classic wardrobe to customize your look. Take the Style Twist Quiz to learn about your Twist(s).
What My Edgy Classic Style Says About Me
My typical ratio is 80 percent classic and 20 percent edgy. Sometimes even more like 70/30 or 90/10, depending on the day and my mood. Occasionally I get 60/40, but not often. I love the edgy side of sophisticated.
As a Southern lady, I’m classy, but I can definitely hold my own. I don’t back down from a fight, even if you are twice my size. I stand my ground, but I don’t go looking for trouble, and I’m not afraid of anyone, even if I should be. It takes a lot to set me off, but heaven help you if you do.
I laughed out loud when I read Danny Zoucha’s description of his wife, because it sums me up so well.Â
Who she is as a person is the flesh and blood equivalent to a box cutter. Fluorescent orange, razor sharp, and dangerous as hell to imbeciles and the unskilled.
The question to ask yourself about your edgy style is this: do you want to whisper, speak, or shout? I’m more of a whisper to loud whisper kind of girl when it comes to my edgy side.
Edgy vs. Edgy Classic
I love moto jackets, but I prefer the mandarin collar single breasted jackets, as they are more sophisticated edgy. The leather and zippers are edgy without being too Rebel Without A Cause. I personally can’t wear the wide collar double-breasted moto jackets because I don’t like the extra bulk, and they are too overtly edgy for my style. But they may be perfect for yours. It all depends on what feels right for you.
Let’s compare my outfit with Jessica Jones’ outfit. Pop quiz before class: what makes our outfits different?Â
Photo credit Jessica Jones
Jessica’s jacket is edgier with the wide flaps and the more destroyed leather, her jeans are destroyed, (and possibly haven’t been washed this year), and her moto boots are more destroyed and showing on the outside of her rumpled jeans. Her character (from the Marvel comics) is an alcoholic, and from the neck down she looks like she’s been on a bender.
My moto jacket is shinier, sleeker, and has the mandarin collar, eliminating the extra bulk. The very classic dark wash jeans, a classic white button up, and black crew neck sweater I’m wearing are all in pristine condition and have been steamed, and would be an appropriate classic outfit any Junior Leaguer would be proud to wear. My boots are inside my jeans and have a high shine, polished finish.
Edgy Classic Details in Your Clothes
Zippers
The zippers could be in the front neckline, along the shoulder, the lower side seams of a sweater, pants pockets, ankle seams, etc. When zippers replace buttons, like on Michelle Williams’ dress below, it takes a classic item to the Edgy Classic side. On a jacket the zippers could be all over the place, from the main zipper to pockets to sleeves to side vents.
Leather Trim
Leather trim could be as subtle as piping on a neckline, along a pocket, or outlining a zipper. It can be as overt as the entire front of a t-shirt, large panels on your pants, or fully leather pants. My super classic Burberry trench has leather sleeves and collar, and zippered pockets, and I plan to be buried in it.Â
Large doses of leather create instant edgy style, like in pants and skirts.
Studs
Studs don’t have to look like a Vegas show girl costume. They can be small and subtle trim on a neckline or pocket line, or large and noticeable on the front of a jacket. Quantity and scale determine how flashy they are. Grommets are similar, but not as edgy because they are usually round. Circles aren’t edgy.
Photo credit Queen Letizia
Angles
V-necklines, triangles, asymmetry, and angular patterns are all pointy. Anything sharp, angular, irregular, or that could definitely put an eye out is a shape I want in my outfit, whether it’s a pattern in my shirt or created by my clothes. I like to create Vs in my clothes and shoes with details like pointy toes and v neck tops, or buttoning the middle button of a boyfriend cardigan creates two Vs.
Texture
Texture, destroyed fabric, and cut outs all suggest that maybe you’ve been in a fight, and this detail definitely isn’t for everyone. Destroyed jeans are as polarizing as turtlenecks. You either LOVE THEM or DESPISE THEM. There is no middle ground. I’m in the can’t-live-without-them camp.
However, I cannot wear a destroyed sweater or shirt. To me a torn shirt is…not me. Too much? Too homeless? I don’t know. I do know that I am not into them at all, and that is part of knowing my own personal style and accepting it. But I would wear the white mesh sweater in the picture below. It hints at chainmail.
Texture could be jute trim on a wedge sandal, lace in shapes that are edgy, like triangles or rectangles, leather trim, chunky knit sweaters, quilted jackets, metallics, chain details, mesh, ribbing, and more.
Animal Prints
Animal prints are tricky for me since I only wear pure hues, or winter palette clothing colors, and the only animal print that naturally falls into that is zebra, which I don’t typically care for. Zebras don’t eat people, and I tend to think of it as a Cute Classic pattern.Â
Snake skin or reptile patterns, which can be really hard to find in my color palette, are perfect for edgy style. To avoid the muddy, blended look, my preference for snake print is generally a texture added to a solid-colored item, like black-on-black snake skin shoes, or a low contrast color palette, like the booties below. The silver metallic snake skin print tee (see below) is a wardrobe favorite.Â
Leopard disappeared from my wardrobe for a few years because it’s not supposed to go with my bold color palette, but I’ve found a cool-toned perfect leopard! My collection of leopard items continues to grow, now that I know what to look for. I have both of the shoes below, and more. Leopard print outfits make a frequent appearance in my wardrobe.
All Black
Obviously I can’t do a post about Edgy Classic style without mentioning my favorite color. Black. Black is as edgy classic as it gets. Wear all black, and there is an instant edgy factor.
Edgy Accessories
I can sum this up in one word: stabby. If it couldn’t double as a weapon, I don’t wear it. My jewelry is sharp, pointy, angular, and dangerous. They usually have some sort of triangular or diamond shape to them. My shoes have pointy toes, textures like jute or snake skin, extra straps, and either super stabby or chunky, substantial heels. Bags might be textured, quilted, studded, have chain details or extra zippers.
Angular, piecey, sharp, textured is my number one edgy accessory. You can see how I style my hair in this video.
Makeup
edgy style brands
There are some brands that were made for you. Rebecca Minkoff, Gorjana, Steve Madden, Sam Edelman, all the BCBG brands, Max Azria, Burberry, Express, Franco Sarto, Calvin Klein, Charlotte Russe, Michael Kors, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Max Studio, Trina Turk, Rag and Bone, House of Harlow, Tory Burch, Vince Camuto, White House Black Market, Frye, Zara, Stella and Dot, and Kendra Scott. Sometimes Ann Taylor, Loft, and Banana Republic. They are all classic, but their undertone can vary from season to season with the trends.
wait a second, where is the classic?
The classic is in the style and fit of the clothes. I love button ups, dark wash, tailored jeans (even if they are shredded), shirt dresses, stripes, chino shorts, pencil skirts, flats, loafers, trench coats, and a very tailored fit. The overall look of my clothing is classic, and I sprinkle in some edgy details to add a whisper of danger.
My favorite striped Breton tee has exposed zippers on the shoulders. I have a black pencil skirt with leather panels on the front. Some of my button ups are flannel (texture), and have very large scale plaid patterns. Most of my striped tees have a very wide, substantial stripe, which is edgier than a fine stripe.
My classic black pumps are pointy-toed and shiny leather, but the heel has a textured lizard-skin leather. A classic shirt dress is timeless, but I pair it with stabby jewelry. Most of my wardrobe is solid colors, which is also more classic and tones down the edge. All the details with a lot of pattern would be too much for me.
This outfit is 90 percent classic with a tailored crew-neck sweater, black pants, black boots, simple jewelry, denim jacket, and a structured, high sheen black leather bag. The 10 percent edgy comes in the details with the small studs on my boots (around the sole), the angles on my bag, stabby jewelry, and the leopard belt.
it's all about balance
I just listed a whole lot of options for adding edgy details to your outfits, but don’t wear all of them at the same time. Pick and choose based on the combination and your mood. If I have edgy details in my top, then I will go for classic pants, meaning no extra leather, zippers or holes.
When wearing leather pants or destroyed jeans, I will keep it classic in the shirt and outerwear. I have big edgy jewelry, and I have small edgy jewelry, and I choose the size based on the level of edginess in the rest of my outfit. If I already have enough going on in my outfit, I will choose little triangle studs instead of my big dagger earrings, and if I’m wearing big earrings, I choose the dainty necklace, or no necklace at all.
A striped tee, jeans and flats are too prim for me unless the jeans are torn up, or I have enough edgy details in my accessories.
so are you ever to old to dress edgy?
No. You’re not. If edgy is who you are then it’s more like a public service announcement to represent it in your style. Think of it as truth in advertising. I’m not cute, fun, sweet, or super feminine. I’m nice, but I have sharp edges. And reaching a certain birthday won’t change that.
Changing how I dress won’t change who I am, either. I won’t become the type of person who hugs people a lot or speaks softly and sweetly all the time, and I won’t suddenly sharing my many opinions, so why should I be expected to change my style to reflect something I’m not, just because of the number of candles on my cake?
let's see Edgy style in action
As I looked for Edgy Classic outfit examples online, everything I found was all black, black and white, leather pants or a moto jacket. Edgy details can come in a variety of colors and details, from small to large, so I’m using my own pictures for this one.
Outfit 1
Several elements in this outfit add to my edgy style. My moto jacket with the zipper details, the camo pattern in my shirt (camo can also be Sporty Classic, depending on how you wear it), the angles in my bag, the raw hem of my jeans, the small stud details on my boots, and the chainmail texture of my earrings are all subtle edgy details.
The classic comes from the tailored lines of my clothes, the timeless style of my jeans, the structure and sheen of my bag, and the simple color palette.
Outfit 2
The primary edgy detail in this outfit is the destroyed jeans, but the chain detail on my bag, as well as the angular quilting, add some edginess to an otherwise classic and preppy outfit. Without those edgy details I’d feel too stuffy. Larger scale stripes, rather than a finer pinstripe, and my large earrings also make a bolder statement, adding to the edginess.
The rest of the outfit is pretty classic with the striped button up shirt layered under a crew neck sweater, the tailored fit of my outfit, and the structure of the bag.
Outfit 3
Studs don’t have to be punk, or large. I’m wearing small studs on my top, and around the sole of my boots. The angular pattern on the studded top also creates more edginess. The angles in my bag, and the snake skin print pattern on my earrings are also subtle, but edgy. An all black color palette always increases the edginess, and red is THE power color.
Outfit 4
Edgy style can be subtle. A basic dress and trench coat get subtle edgy add-ons with the patent leather trim on the trench, the chain detail and angular quilting on my bag, and the navy on black snake skin texture and pattern on my booties (same booties as shown above). Dagger-shaped earrings and a stabby coral branch delicate necklace provide subtle notes of danger.
Nothing is as classic as a trench coat, and the slight a-line shape of this dress is timeless.
Outfit 5
A sheath dress can be classic, sophisticated, powerful, sweet, feminine, sexy, whatever you want it to be. It’s a blank canvas to paint your personality on. This outfit is subtly edgy with the double v-neck (it’s v-neck in the back as well), my studded bag, leopard earrings, and the leopard, pointed-toe heels.
Choosing a vibrant red also makes a powerful statement, and that adds to the edginess. This dress is one of my 12 capsule wardrobe essentials and I have it in 2 colors. When I wear the blue one, I have to add a little more edginess than when I wear the red one.
Outfit 6
Stripes are my favorite color, and sometimes I like them to be jagged and stabby, just like the shards of glass I’m wearing for earrings. Subtle details like the studs on my ankle straps, the chain detail on my bag, and the asymmetrical quilting on my bag are perfect for the statement I’m making.
The classic cut of my crewneck tee, and jeans, the neutral color palette, as well as the timeless style of my wedge sandals and the structure of the bag provide the foundation I need for the edgy details.
Outfit 7
As much as I love navy, it is inherently less edgy than black, and it needs extra details to keep it from being too classic for me. I added the edge I need in the angular pattern in my pointy-toe shoes, the snake skin pattern in my large earrings, and the pebbled texture on the front panel of my bag. Ribbing, like on my sweater, is a texture I really like to break up all the smoothness of a Minimal Classic column of navy.
A mock neck sweater, classic, dark wash jeans, pointy-toe flats, and the structured bag are all timeless pieces.
Outfit 8
Leopard suits all the Classic Style Twists, depending on how you wear it, and this turtleneck sweater and leopard skirt could go in any direction, but adding the moto jacket and my angular, quilted bag take it to the edgy side
The turtleneck sweater, pointed-toe flats and leopard skirt are timeless, and work with any Twist as long as the details were right.
Outfit 9
Exposed zippers are a great edgy detail, and it makes my outfit more me. The woven texture of my bag and the large size of my earrings provide subtle but important details to an otherwise classic outfit.
Outfit 10
Leather trim is a perfect Edgy Classic detail, and the small chain at the neckline adds a little more. The stud detail on my bag, and the jagged, broken glass shape of my earrings whisper of danger as well. The all black color palette makes the outfit even edgier. Leopard flats could be Minimal Classic, but paired with the other details, it increases the edginess of this outfit.
What's Not Edgy?
As important as it is to add the edgy style elements you want, it’s equally important to avoid certain elements if you want that slightly cool, dangerous vibe. Minimal Classic, Cute Classic, Soft Classic, and Sporty Classic are showcased in the other Classic Style Twist articles.
Are you a human box cutter, too? Does it show in your style?
42 thoughts on “How To Dress Edgy Chic”
I love the examples of the classic edgy style on Queen Letizia. She looks amazing!
I gotta say, your description of yourself is also me! Dangerous. Business. Don’t mess with me.
This is a great post, as usual. Thank you!!
Thank you for posting this!!!!🖤 I love my inner punk/goth and integrate it into my “grown up” life wardrobe. Look at Betsy Johnson or Vivienne Westwood…and all the cool options for guys and chick’s, why let age limit our coolness. I add in textures, prints, elegant or luxurious stones and metals to my looks. Kinda punk lux is how mid life turns out. 😎
I love it! Punk Luxe is awesome! And I love that you embrace it in a perfectly you way.
This is great April! I love how you figured all that out about yourself and in the process help me understand my own preferences. Nearly identical except I no longer wear heals. Don’t even want to. Something I thought would never happen.
Hi Belinda, I’m a 73 y/o woman and had to give up high heels due to balance issues. But I’ve found 2-2 1/2inch chunkier heels are great when I want to dress up a little. Think Rockport & Earth; they have some styles I like. (I’m edgy-classic, too.). Gloria
Hello
Can I ask where the outfit 3 black studded top is from?
Can I also ask ehere the skirt from outfit 8 is from?
Love the looks, you are a very stylish lady.
Hi Allison, Many of the items April wears come from her Seasonal Wardrobe Guides, which are for subscribed members of the Stunning Style Society.
Doors to join the Society open four times a year, and the doors will open for Spring in February! Join the waitlist to be the first to know when they are open for new members, and learn more about the Society here: https://stunningstyle.com/society
Oh my goodness! I’m a winter AND you nailed my style! So happy to have found this article. Thank you!
The analytical dissecting of this topic is so great. Thanks for this post!
PS. Autocorrect spelled Randall instead of Rachel.
I agree with Belinda – you’ve put into words certain preferences that have made me entirely more aware of my own preferences. I’ve learned that I can’t do anything other than sharp angular jewelry/accessories/pattern as well – I simply can’t do round and swirly. It creates a nice balance for me while scarves and my long wavy layered hair still honor my softer side.
Ashley thank you, I’m so glad this was helpful.
So thank you, April! I love all the helpful advice!
You are welcome!
Thanks Rachel! I have to break it down for myself so I don’t make shopping mistakes. I’m glad it was helpful
Thanks Belinda! It took a lot of trial and error and shopping mistakes and analyzing why I didn’t like this and loved that.
Julie, we are powerhouses, and showing that on the outside really empowers me.
She’s amazing. There are really no other celebrities I’ve found that represent the edgy classic style except her.
Hello! What brand is the black tee with white stripes and pop of pink? Love!
Hi Nicole. Its J. Crew Factory, and it’s actually navy. I’ve had it for a few years, so you could try to find it on Poshmark or Ebay. I wrote a series of posts about how to shop and sell on Poshmark recently if you’re not familiar.
Oh this article was the best. I’ve been doing the casual look but I didn’t feel as edgy. Since I’m older, I do want the edginess. The idea about the jewelry is helpful as well as the single breast items. I do have some double breast items and they are hard to use jewelry with.
You may have covered this, but what kinds of features do you look for in purses or cross bodies for edginess?
You know, I’ve been on many blogs, but you put so much work in what you do and it really shows. I have some of your style guides. I need to get the latest one. When I did the test, of course I wouldn’t come out with edginess because I answered the question from my casual "mind." So I think I’ll ignore my test results.(hee hee)
Hi Sandy. Thank you so much! I really want my website to be an educational space so you can discover and define your own style. When I look for purses I look for angles, whether it’s in the pattern or the structure. I love chevron stitching. I look for chain details, exposed zippers, studs, texture (like pebbled or a mix of suede and leather).
Just found your site by accident! LOVE it! You are ME! But, one big difference…I’m a young 72 yrs old. Can’t wait to hear more from you!
Marcia
Marcia, hey twin! Age has nothing to do with who you are, and I hope you rock that edgy style! I will when I’m 72 years young! Thanks for reading!
Great post! Given your thorough analysis, I know that my dominant profile isn’t edgy classic. On the other hand, black leather pants intrigue me, and perhaps, a pair of classic Dr. Martens. A moto jacket? Not so much, but, maybe a black leather blazer.
Thank you! Knowing which items make you feel great and which don’t is key. Try the jacket, the Doc Martens, and blazer. See how they feel. If you feel like you are playing dress up, or uncomfortable like your skin doesn’t quite fit, it’s not for you.
I love your blog, love the photos & info. Where did you get the silver metallic snakeskin tee??? I need it! My question: It’s so weird, I tested exactly evenly split between edgy classic & cute classic…which is hard for me to believe. I am a NY girl, blacks my fav color, I’m obsessed with Leather, snakeskin, leopard print & over the knee boots…I truly dislike flats, find them uncomfortable and Think most look just frumpy. However I do love bling! When I read the cute style discussion I don’t relate…So how does this work for me?
Hi Lisa, and welcome! Thank you! The silver metallic snake skin tee is from DKNY. The quiz is meant to be fun, and you’ll get the most accurate results if you ignore the shoulds when taking the quiz. What would you wear in a perfect world? So for me that means ignoring my age, the fact that I have trouble feet, bad knees, six kids, stay at home, and what people around me wear. Try to take it with no shoulds (I should pick this shoe because I walk a lot and my feet will hurt, for example), and see what you get. Also, you know yourself better than any quiz, so if you don’t relate at all to the Cute Classic, ignore it.
I found this post via Pinterest, and it’s so inspiring! I’d really love to know where you found the two quilted black bags. Also, I’ve looked over the post several times and can’t find the quiz. Am I missing it?
Kristy, you’re not crazy, we replaced the quiz with the masterclass and missed replacing the text! You can take the quiz here: stunningstyle.com/style-quiz.
Which black quilted bags do you mean?
Hi there, i realize I’m late to this post but my friend sent me this link to help me with incorporating my “edge” appropriately for someone of 44yrs, lol. Question – On your Outfit 3… where did you get that top? I love it!
You’re not late! You’re right on time! The top is from Express.
Hi,
I found this post really helpful. I love the red pointy flats on outfit #7. Where did you get them? Thanks.
I’m so glad you found this helpful! I’ve had these shoes for a very long time. The brand is French Sole New York FS/NY. I think they are called Quicksilver or something? They also came in black.
I am so happy I found your post on Pinterest which led me to this article! I have been trying to determine what my STYLE is – I love so many styles and looks and have waaaay too many clothes, shoes, purses, accessories, ect that I have kept over the years and still continue to shop….BUT I am wanting so desperately to purge what I feel is no longer me, stop shopping for so many different looks and finally “settle” down to who I really am….and I”ve discovered it with this article: EDGY CLASSIC! Thank you!!!!! I’m ready to sell, donate, gift tons of stuff!
I am 60 now and alot of edgy with a little cute makes my heart sing. Black moto jacket decorated with pearls on the collar. And all black underneath.
Hi April,
I just want to thank you for your wonderful expressive website! I love everything you’ve done, and I want to know whether you have a published book on style? If so, where can it be ordered?
Thanks, Gloria
Hi Gloria – Instead of writing books, I build educational courses to help each woman find their own personal style and develop it. You can find out more here: https://www.stunningstyle.com/perfect and https://www.stunningstyle.com/lovemybody. Thanks!
Late to the party here but just wanted to say I love this post! Merging traditional business attire with my preferred edginess is an interesting balance and I love your ideas here! Wondering what brand the sweater is in Outfit 3 as I’d like to find one on Poshmark lol
Love this – I think an leather jacket instantly adds that touch if edge to any outfit. Thank you for sharing.
I love LOVE your post because I am in a style club and learning about my style and I am DEFINITELY edgy classic. However, I am having a hard time finding edgy pieces for my wardrobe. As part of your paid content do you provide shopping links to some items to help people like me who can’t go scouring the internet?