Turns out emo Warped Tour style hasn’t really changed since 2006
If you remember way back to 2001, the annual Vans Warped Tour was the place where Blink 182 met the girl of their dreams in their song, “The Rock Show.”
And, like many things that were cool in 2001, the Vans Warped Tour is still alive and well today.
While this year’s line-up was largely metal bands, a change from the early 2000s when the tour boasted acts like Katy Perry, Gym Class Heroes, and a plethora of punk-pop bands that were slightly more radio-friendly than Attila, that doesn’t mean that there weren’t rappers (like Sammy Adams) or OG emo faves (like Hawthorne Heights) playing sets.
Another thing that hasn’t changed? Warped Tour fashion – or, lack thereof.
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You will never see a media outlet writing a shopping guide for Warped Tour. This is partially because Warped Tour just doesn’t have the mass appeal that Coachella does (and probably never will again), but also because I can guarantee you that nobody who goes to Warped Tour shops solely for the one-day concert, and they definitely don’t go to Warped with their main goal to take a good Insta pic and get drunk.
In fact, I saw hardly anyone drinking at Warped Tour at all, and many of the people I spoke to about their style had to check their phones to get their Instagram username for me when I requested it. So many people I know have their Instagram handle embroidered on their jean jackets and embedded in their brain, the fact that these people couldn’t even recite theirs off the top of their head was fascinating to me.
Unlike other music festivals, Warped is one that has consistently stayed about the music, and the outfits have stayed pretty consistent as well.
Being a summer tour, the good ol’ crop top and shorts combo is always a classic, with some girls opting for bikini tops or even regular old bras (yes, the type with underwire, not kidding). I saw less of those bras this year, likely thanks to the plethora of bra tops sold at fast fashion stores these days compared to in 2009, but the majority of people definitely looked like they didn’t give a fuck. Just throw on a band tee, some jean shorts, Vans, and you’re good to go!
Though options were limited, we scoured Warped Tour’s stop in Camden, New Jersey all day to find some style stars that added an extra kick to their Warped Tour ‘fit. Check them out!
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1.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
When skinny jeans came out.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
Your look or attitude.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
A tank top.
2.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
The hair styles. I used to have long hair, I recently cut it to have a mohawk.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
That’s hard because it’s different for everybody. My opinion is I don’t care as long as you’re a good person.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
Either a Pierce The Veil shirt, some wristbands, or some anime stuff.
3.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
Gerard Way’s style.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
I guess I would say emo is whatever definition you have for it, I don’t have a definition. It comes from hardcore.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
A beach towel.
4.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
The hair is my favorite.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
Emo can be a style or a type of music that you listen to and there’s a lot of stigma that they cut themselves or want to kill themselves and I don’t think that’s fair.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
A pair of circle glasses.
5.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
Hayley Williams’ style.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
As a joke I would call anyone here “emo,” but there’s punk rock, emo-metal, goth…I would say emo is so different. Black clothing is definitely emo.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
A Green Day Revolution Radio sweatshirt.
6. 
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
Creepers.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
Anything that lets you be creative and colorful.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
I work there – I’m a regional manager – so probably jeans or shorts.
7.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
The hair was always really cool.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
It’s hard to say because everyone’s definition is different. I see it comes from emotional distress. It’s a group of people going through the same thing.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
Last year I bought a Motionless in White shirt.
8.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
The Black Parade.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
It’s so vague. It’s pop-punk, it’s post-hardcore, it’s not just one genre – it’s the attitude behind it.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
I don’t remember… I almost bought a Pokémon dress.
9.
What’s your favorite emo style moment from the 2000s?
Chokers, they’re my favorite.
How do you define “emo” in your own words?
Anything that makes you want to cry and feel something.
What’s the last thing you bought at Hot Topic?
Nose rings.
All photos by Keri Dolan
