How to Achieve The Cool, Edgy Aesthetic (Without Wearing All Black)

If you love wearing edgy leather outfits, check out this post for tips on wearing leather pants and this one with leather skirt outfit inspo.

how to look edgy without wearing all black

Understanding what makes an outfit edgy is key to creating a look that feels bold, unique, and expresses your personality. Edgy style is all about creating contrast, combining unexpected elements, and embracing pieces that really make a statement. You can also experiment with texture, structure, and…attitude. Leather, metallics, and bold, sporty accessories can help you achieve a cool and edgy look without relying solely on black clothing. Now many of the looks we’re sharing below do feature some black, but you could always swap for another dark neutral.

Let’s take a look at the outfit Erin is wearing above. We love this edgy outfit! And while the foundational pieces are black, the chocolate brown jacket offers a softer, less stark contrast than a black jacket would. Brown adds warmth and depth, and the black/brown combination is unexpected and interesting. Ready for more outfit inspo?

What Is Edgy Style?

Edgy style is characterized by its boldness and non-conformity. It’s all about challenging traditional fashion rules and adding unexpected elements to an outfit. In addition, edgy style embraces contrast and a mix of different materials, textures, and silhouettes. Think oversized blazers, distressed or baggy denim, leather jackets and belts, and statement accessories. The key is to look “cool” and “effortless,” with a touch of rebel in there too.

One option to achieve an edgy, effortless look…? Mix styles. We really love the mix of soft femininity and toughness, in Erin’s look above. She’s wearing chunky lug sole booties and a silky blue dress – it’s an unexpected pairing that also challenges style norms!

Keep scrolling for more details on her look and 8 easy-to-wear outfits that embody the edgy aesthetic…sans monochrome black. Let’s get to it!

How to Make an Outfit Edgy Without Wearing All Black

# 1) Leather Jacket

Let’s start with the simplest way to add edge to any outfit…a leather jacket! A leather jacket is a key piece to making your outfit look edgy. But it doesn’t have to be black like this one that Erin’s wearing above. You could also opt for a deep olive green or rich brown leather jacket for the same edgy vibe. Wear it over a beautiful floral print dress for that ultimate stylish mix of masculine and feminine pieces. The florals bring in color so this edgy look that doesn’t rely solely on black.

#2) Cargo Jacket

If you liked the first look but want to brighten things up, swap out leather jacket and blue denim for white wide-leg jeans, keep the white tee the same, and replace your moto jacket with a cropped cargo jacket like Erin is wearing above! Platform sandals or tan chunky boots and metallic hardware on your jacket and pants will have you feeling edgy and light. This works any time of year, but especially in the spring and summer months. You can also opt for a brown or olive green cargo jacket for the same look. The Veronica Beard cargo jacket that Erin’s wearing is no longer available, but we’ll link some similar styles below.

#3) Edgy Accessories

For an edgy, street-style look with a touch of femininity and sophistication, try a monochromatic white outfit with chunky details and modern flare. Similar to the previous outfit with white jeans, the 2 outfits shown above are edgy yet the exact opposite of wearing all black… See? It IS possible! 😉 In the first look above, Erin is wearing an off-white wrap dress (subtle texture), a pleated trench (more texture), chunky white boots, and a beautifully woven handbag with a gold chain strap (even more texture!). The boots are what make this look edgy and unexpected.

In the second look, Erin is wearing trendy pleated trousers with a cropped tank and an oversized white blazer. Add in cool, oversized sunglasses and chunky, textured platform sneakers and you’re set! Comfy, edgy, and sophisticated. The shoes and sunglasses create edge in this outfit.

#4) Cargo Joggers

A white lace top is just about as far away from edgy as you can get…but this is exactly why we love it here! The juxtaposition of the lace with the satin cargo joggers and black booties make this look perfectly edgy and feminine at the same time. You can swap out the black joggers for a pair of tie-waist brown leather pants and similar toned brown booties if you want an edgy outfit without any black. We’ll link these all for you below!

#5) Lug Sole Boots

On the topic of edgy + feminine… Let’s take a closer look at this gorgeous satin dress paired with a pair of lug sole chelsea boots. A bold, blue dress paired with chunky boots is a fantastic way to incorporate color into your edgy look. The contrast of the soft, flowing dress and the tough boots gives this outfit its edge. Throw on a leather jacket to perfectly complete the ensemble. This outfit works great for a night out with friends or when you just want to add some edge to a date night outfit. This dress is available in a beautiful, bold magenta and a similar style is available in red that we’ll link for you below as well. 

#6) Olive Green Jacket

The next color you can incorporate into you edgy outfit? Green! Olive green is an excellent alternative to black when you’re aiming for an edgy look. Pair an olive green jacket with sleek leather booties to add that tough, rebellious touch. Keep the rest of the outfit neutral with black or blue straight-leg jeans, and add a few edgy accessories like oversized sunglasses and a handbag with a chunky hardware strap. This exact sweater jacket is no longer available in green, just ivory and black this season. We’ll link it for you to shop below, along with some great olive green alternatives that will give you the same vibe for your outfit. 

#7) Distressed Jeans

We’re taking another look at green here for this next edgy look. It’s super casual, wearable, and somehow still put-together at the same time. This is a throw-on-and-go kind of look. Erin paired her distressed jeans and unfinished hem sweater with a chic, leather handbag, oversized shades, and a silver chain necklace – all of which help you to look edgy without wearing all black! This exact sweater is no longer available. But we’ll link some great options for you below.

#8) Brown Leather Jacket 

A leather jacket is a perfect way to add a touch of edgy to any outfit! Take this look that Erin’s wearing above for example. Jeans, pointed toe booties, and a floral bodysuit… not the typical “edgy” outfit by any means, but add in an oversized brown leather jacket and you’ve got that instant cool factor that will boost your confidence as soon as you put it on! 

Let’s also take a moment to look a little closer at the jeans Erin’s wearing. The L’Agence Scottie wide-leg jeans are one of her her new favorite pairs. They’re ultra comfy, soft, lightweight, yet flattering and chic. They do run slightly large, so if you’re in between sizes you’ll want to size down. 

Edgy Accessories

You don’t need to be wearing black from head to toe to achieve an edgy, fashion-forward look. Whether you incorporate bold colors like blue or red, deep neutrals like olive green or brown, or even create an edgy look wearing all white, just make sure to focus on tough accessories like leather jackets, combat boots, and chain detailing. There really are countless ways to make a statement without relying on the traditional all-black outfit. Remember, edgy style is all about confidence and personal expression, so don’t be afraid to mix things up and experiment with new looks. Fashion should be fun, and it’s exciting to take a style risk every so often!

Which of these edgy outfits is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!