How to wear skulls without looking too “goth”:
I know the trend has been around for quite some time now, but I’d never been brave enough to venture into the world of skulls until the past year. Even now I’m still not sure what made me change my mind—whether I’ve developed a more “hardcore” attitude and reflected that in my clothing (doubt it); gotten in touch with my (fake) Spanish heritage and embraced that culture’s celebration of skulls (see: El Día de los Muertos); or just simply decided to take more fashion risks this year (I think it’s this one). Anyway, if I can take the plunge into the world of creepy human body parts—just kidding, it helps not to picture them as something you’d find inside your body—anyone can! And there could not be a more perfect time to try out this trend; Halloween is just around the corner so if, for whatever reason, you have trouble pulling it off, you can just blame it on getting a little too into the Halloween spirit! However, that shouldn’t happen if you’re reading this blog because I’ll provide some tips on skull-tastic items that will like you feeling like a bone-a fide star (see what I did there?)!
First, I’ll discuss the biggest way to incorporate skulls into your wardrobe: shirts!
What to look for:
One big skull is enough without being overbearing; as long as the skull isn’t too detailed or vulgar, you shouldn’t worry about looking like you’re about to hold a séance and call on dead folks from the grave.
(http://www.zazzle.com/mexican_folk_art_sugar_skull_t_shirt-235088048549906220)
This first shirt channels the Día de los Muertos spirit that I mentioned earlier. The bright colors in the skull give it a festive feel and raise the dead connotation that comes with skulls (I’m sorry; the puns come too easy when discussing this trend). Pair it with dark wash jeans and a black leather jacket to wear it in the fall. You could even add some heeled booties to play up the girly factor and make the skull less harsh.
Another way to incorporate the skull trend into your shirts is through cut-outs. These are for the more daring though, as you’d potentially be showing off a considerate amount of skin.
http://compare.ebay.com/like/380476018411?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
You could find this shirt in stores (like the one above) or you can make your own with any old big t-shirt following directions from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj7N9T6Xl0w or http://desireandinspire.com/diy-skull-cut-out-t-shirt-tutorial/.
If those are too lofty of suggestions for beginners, an easy way to add skulls into your wardrobe is through accessories!
I purchased these bracelets (I’m actually wearing them as I write this post!) to break into the trend. They’re bright yet simple, and can be paired with anything; they’re especially great for adding a pop of color to an otherwise more monochromatic outfit.
Or you could always incorporate a small skull ring such as this one:
A more dramatic and fashion-forward way to incorporate skull jewelry is to pair the skeleton ( I named mine Carmen) from this pair of Betsey Johnson earrings
(Boston Store)
with a gold pyramid stud, like this one from Asos.com like I did.
This combination incorporates another recent trend—mismatched earrings—so you’d be showing off how chic and trendsetting you really are!
To find more fun skull earrings, all you’d have to do is click https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=betsey+johnson+earrings+skull&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bpcl=35243188&biw=1366&bih=653&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=q6x1UNSTOM7PqwHt24DwDA or Google “Betsey Johnson skull earrings”. She’s always good for crazy styles done in fun and innovative ways.
I hope this helps you bring this trend back to life (had to throw in one more) and I look forward to seeing campus covered in skulls! (But not actual skulls…hopefully.)