Cyberpunk Aesthetic: How Students Can Pull Off the Look on a Budget

The cyberpunk aesthetic—a fusion of high-tech and low-life coating in neon colors, synth-heavy soundscapes, and futuristic-dystopian layers—has infected many teenagers’ minds. The cyberpunk aesthetic, with its gothic nuances, neon colors, dystopian feels, and high-tech vibe, really allows for a special style that suits those teenagers who wish to stand out among the crowd. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve the cyberpunk look. Follow these steps to get the cyberpunk aesthetic on a budget.

What is the Cyberpunk Aesthetic?

Before you go rifling through your closet, there are a few basic elements of the cyberpunk aesthetic that you need to know. Characteristics to look for include a color scheme that centers around neon hues—pink, blue, and green—as well as leather, vinyl, and other metallic fabrics. Accessories are also important, including futuristic glasses, tech-themed jewelry, and very as-statement. Layering different textures and styles adds dimension, too.

1.Consider Thrift Shopping 

The best places to look for unusual items that match the cyberpunk aesthetic are thrift shops and second-hand shops. You can submit a ‘write my college paper’ request to a pro, so you don’t have assignments to stress over while you’re thrift shopping. It is also ecologically sustainable and budget-friendly to buy thrifted goods.

Are There Key Items One Should Look For?

Try scoping out your local thrift stores for oversized leather or counterfeit leather jackets, which are standard for the look. Get cargo pants or distressed jeans for that old-school rugged vibe and graphic tees or tank tops with floral or graphic prints that work as excellent base layers.

Tips for Thrifting

Go to thrift stores often because inventory changes frequently. Be receptive because the best pieces may not always look like it when you find them. Know your size because sizes can be off in a thrift store.

2.Personalize Your Wardrobe with DIY Modifications

DIY is a key part of the cyberpunk aesthetic. Remixing found garments can create a look that’s totally your own. Here are some ideas.

Easy DIY Projects

Add patches and badges to your garments by sewing or ironing them to commemorate your most loved interests and themes. Use a pair of scissors and sandpaper to distress an old jean. Use dyes on your blank shirts or pants to transform the color. Furthermore, you can draw a design on your dress using fabric pens.

Upcycling

Old clothes can be upcycled in exciting ways as well. A big T-shirt can be turned into a cute crop top with a few cuts and stitches, and the result is certainly more affordable than buying a new one. Upcycling and cost-cutting have also empowered people to express themselves.

3.Elevate Your Look with Accessories

Accessories really help to complete a look, so try picking up some cheap sunglasses with a unique shape or color, hunt for some inexpensive neon or metallic jewelry online, and an obscenely sharp-looking crossbody bag will help you to bring some of the cyberpunk look to your outfit. You could even buy a plain bag and decorate it with paint or patches.

4.Embrace Technology

Make full use of tech to accessorize your outfit. Your phone or another gadget can be the centerpiece—and perhaps you have LED bracelets or clips, providing a glow that can be added to your look with just a swipe of a touchscreen. Wearing your smartwatches or fitness devices also helps showcase the technology and stylishness that define modern cyberpunk.

5.Complete the Look with Makeup and Hair

You’d be surprised by the extent to which an inexpensive bouncy hairdo or bold makeup may help in nailing the look. The makeup should be extra bold, so don’t be afraid to experiment with bright eyeliner, metallic eyeshadows, face stickers, or any other statement-making makeup trend you’re into. Cheap drugstore makeup enables you to experiment to your heart’s content without having to waste your entire savings on it. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try out some temporary hair dye or hair spray your hair in a vibrant color coordinated with whatever elegantly designed space suit you’ve chosen.

6.Discover Good Deals Through Online Shopping and Sales

If you don’t want to hit the thrift shops, consider shopping or browsing clothing online, as you can often find inexpensive outfits from shops that stock them when they’re having a sale. The Black Friday sale, or sales over Christmas and other holidays, are likely to feature big discounts. Etsy is also an excellent option for buying clothes that are unique and handcrafted by independent craftspeople who make outfits that fit your feel perfectly.

Create Your Own Cyberpunk Look Today!

The most important thing is that the stuff you pick is creative, unique, and clearly coming from a clear cyberpunk vision. With resourcefulness and some creativity, it is easy to achieve this look without breaking the bank—especially if you welcome the challenge of mixing and matching pieces. Above everything else, wear what you feel comfortable and authentic in. Whether you are out exploring the city or going to a gathering, you will definitely have a lot of heads turning with this outfit!