{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Be-Alternative-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-Alternative-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Be-Alternative-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid210507-v4-728px-Be-Alternative-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>

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<\/p><\/div>"} 1 Never let anyone tell you how to dress. Be confident in your individuality and take style cues from what inspires you and not from anyone else. While a lot of people think alternative as having punk, emo, goth, or rock influences, it is up to an individual where she gets her style cues from.

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<\/p><\/div>"} 2 Accept yourself. While it’s okay to tone for certain occasions that deem certain things appropriate, you don’t have to let go of all your flair. If you are toned down but feel uncomfortable then you are bending to the norm and not being alternative. For example, if you feel a bright pink mohawk is inappropriate for a job interview at an office, wear your hair down but keep pink streaks in. You will be miserable anywhere that you cannot be yourself so allow your personality to come through as much as is appropriate. While it’s okay to tone for certain occasions that deem certain things appropriate, you don’t have to let go of all your flair. If you are toned down but feel uncomfortable then you are bending to the norm and not being alternative.

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<\/p><\/div>"} 3 Don’t let your style own you. Having an alternative style doesn’t mean that you can’t add your own personal touches. While black is associated with alternative style, you can open your colour palette as alternative is a state of mind and not a strict set of rules. Follow your gut.

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Be-Alternative-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-Alternative-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Be-Alternative-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid210507-v4-728px-Be-Alternative-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>

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<\/p><\/div>"} 4 Adapt to the situation. There will be times when a certain style is inappropriate. For example, skulls may be seen as a staple for an alternative style but wearing skull print during a funeral may be seen as very inappropriate. Tone down anything that may seem overly offensive when necessary.

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<\/p><\/div>"} 5 Evolve naturally. Just because you don’t feel the need or have the time to dye your hair or get more piercings, doesn’t mean that you are no longer alternative. You may also ditch platforms if they have become more of a nuisance during your daily grind. Changing one or all aspects of your wardrobe doesn’t change your mindset.

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<\/p><\/div>"} 6 Experiment with shopping in different stores. Get out of your comfort zone and look for style inspiration outside of your normal stores. Changing your style is part of an alternative attitude. Wanting to change is a great sign that you are in an alternative mindset. Some store market themselves as catering specifically to an alternative style. You probably already know which stores are closest to you. If that is the case, it means that a lot of alternative people are also using this resource rather than finding it on their own. Step away from the crowd and find your own resources. Get out of your comfort zone and look for style inspiration outside of your normal stores. Changing your style is part of an alternative attitude. Wanting to change is a great sign that you are in an alternative mindset.