Halloween isn’t the only time to dress up: don’t forget to celebrate Punk Rock Day! Whether your canine companion embodies the spirit of the punk scene, or you just want to have some fun, you can dress your hardcore hound with a fresh-but-fierce punk ensemble. Since clothing was an intentional part of the subculture’s statement, we’ve rounded up 15 fashion tips to transform your dog into a punk pooch.
Rock the Mohawk
English punks popularized this style in the mid-70s and while its origins are much older and its been co-opted by pop culture, it’s still inherently punk and may be the perfect way to start—or top off—your canine’s costume. Pick a garish, contrasting color to pay metaphorical homage to The Clash.
Denim Dog
A customized denim jacket, with band label or anti-corporate slogan stitched on, achieves that typical anti-establishment look for your four-legged non-conformist.
Accessorize
This is not the time for an ordinary collar, people. Add some concert merch and a punk arm band and your punk pooch is ready for a hard-hitting night on the town.
Misfit? Make It Fit.
Grab an old punk T-shirt of the human variety, then some scissors and the sewing machine. Human punk chic would include a bunch of safety pins to hold the downsized outfit together, but pointy, pokey pins aren’t dog friendly.
All Torn Up About It
Whatever you do, don’t practice perfect sewing skills setting up your sensational punk outfit. Rough and tumble, torn and weathered…these are the elements you’re looking for.
Mo-Hoodie
If your tough little pup is rejecting that tricky mohawk headgear, there are some skull-covered punk hoodies that offer an alternative. Pull off that punk celebration with an all-encompassing onesie.
Animal Prints
It’s true, wild prints were a staple for Sid Vicious, wearing spots and stripes in any number of colors in contrast with his leather jacket. Grab a flamboyant base and add some accessories to make your pooch a real Pistol.
Canine Outsider
Speaking of leather jackets, sometimes that punk look brings the 50s forward with some Social (Doggy) Distortion. This posing punk pooch is ready to play some pool. And flip you some attitude. What are you looking at?
Just You And Me, Grrrrrl
A little bling and some dye gets these gals ready for a punk night out. Remember: normal hair dyes are for humans only, but there are animal-safe and organic options out there.
Canine Runaway
Glam girls of punk like Joan Jett and the Runaways sported wild hairdos in a variety of colors and spiky styles. Help your dog release her inner cherry bomb and bad reputation: dogs know better than anyone it’s okay to be a bitch.
Incorporate Injury
This bad boy will mess you up! Punk Rock Day is the perfect time for a dog who’s recently had an accident. No need to cover up that cast, it just adds authenticity to the hard drinking, concert going, alley fighting life of a punk.
Seriously though—they’re too cute to let them get in a real fight, so stay safe!
An-Barky In The U.K.
Okay, maybe your four-legged friend isn’t going to intimidate anyone with their punk representation…but even the right shirt can pay a little homage to the subculture’s origins icons. Start sweater, get better. Perhaps the attitude will follow?
I Don’t Wanna Get Buried…
Given that one of the Ramones’ most famous songs is “Pet Sematary” it doesn’t hurt to give a call out to one of the greatest punk bands of all time.
A Real Stud
Nobody accused the punk scene of subtlety. If your doe-eyed dog doesn’t quite exude the subculture’s trademark toughness, keep adding studs to the leather jacket to offset the adorable.
Best Costume = No Costume?
Let’s be honest: part of the punk scene saw bands performing shirtless, even naked, protesting yet another of culture’s common conventions. Even without a stitch of punk paraphernalia, your dog can represent. The right hair slicked back and straighted up, mixed with that I-don’t-care attitude, and you’re ready to rock… or at least go for a punk walk.
You’ve got tips, now get the tools, so have a great time tricking out your punk rock rover to commemorate the hardcore spirit of the 70s that still pulses today.