When you think of the word “badass,” who do you picture?

Maybe you think of someone who’s tough, uncompromising, and intimidating? Think John Bender from The Breakfast Club. Or maybe it’s someone who stands up for what they want and isn’t afraid to take it? Someone who embraces who they are unapologetically and never backs down from doing what needs to be done, like Kat Stratford in the beginning of 10 Things I Hate About You. Or maybe it’s someone like Sarah Connor, who is smart, strong, complicated, and has mad skills. Someone who can take care of herself — and everyone else, if need be! 

While you think about your interpretation of what it means to be a badass, read on for some of our tips about appearing more like one.

ROCK the faux leather

I know this may seem like an obvious tip, but that’s because the leather look genuinely makes you feel like a badass! Plus, there are so many creative ways and different styles you can use to incorporate it into your wardrobe. Of course, we only rock faux leather here at Rogue Ramms. Let’s save the real leather for the cows. They need it a lot more than we do!

The traditional leather bomber jacket is always a solid go-to, and you can find them in a wide array of different styles and colors to suit your personal style. Black or red jackets typically embolden you the most, but pale pink or pastel blue work well in the warmer months and give you just enough edge, while still embracing your feminine side. Don a leather jacket and instantly transform your style.

If you want to upgrade your classic leather jacket, you can embrace your inner Matrix character by trying a lengthy leather duster. Pair this overcoat with some dark sunglasses and slicked back hair, and you’ll be ready to face whatever life throws at you!

If you’re looking for a hot outfit for going out, a leather top & skirt/pants combo will make you feel sexy and confident. Throw on some high-heeled boots and that red lipstick, and you’ll be good to go!

The power couple

According to color psychology, red ignites feelings of excitement, danger, and passion. It’s a color of intensity — what you wear when you want to stand out. Red and black is a retro classic combo. 

Black is the color of authority and power. It’s a color you wear when you want to feel strong, stable, and in control of every situation. Black also adds an element of mystery. It encompasses the full spectrum of color all in one. It makes you look (and feel) more intimidating and powerful.

Wearing these two colors together accentuates your natural energy and enhances your leadership qualities. They make you feel stronger and bolder — ready for anything life throws your way. Plus — energy aside — appearance-wise, they complement each other very well. If you want to brighten up your outfit, you can always add in a touch of white or gray, or you can incorporate a bright purple, soft orange, or even a neon green to give your look more dimension.

High heels

Wearing high heels is (if nothing else) a power move! Why? Well, for starters, they’re a commitment. Choosing to leave the house in shoes that are probably going to kill your feet by the end of the night alone is a badass move. They take practice and the right fit. But, it’s more than that.

Wearing heels inspires confidence. They give you an extra boost — both to your height and your self-esteem. They make your legs look fabulous! You feel taller and more powerful whenever you wear them. It makes it harder for others to look down on you. High heels allow even the most vertically challenged of us (myself included) to be able to stare down at our enemies and pull off that aloof, cool, sophisticated vibe. 

There’s also just something special about the sound high heels make as you walk down the pavement — Alfred Hitchcock understood this. That click-clack, click-clack announces your arrival wherever you go. People take notice when you enter a room. You demand it. That sound alone is reason enough to slip in some cushy gel insoles so you can rock your favorite heels wherever you go!

But, if heels really aren’t your thing, or you are going out on a night that requires a lot of walking, then try out some taller platform shoes or wedges. While they won’t give you that satisfying click-clack sound when you walk, they’re easier on your feet and still give you an extra few inches of height.

Ripped clothes

This is probably one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to dress like a badass. All it takes is a few strategically placed rips and you have the perfect, yet subtle way to give any outfit an edgy flair. And DIY makes it unique to you.

A top fan-favorite is ripped denim jeans. I mean, come on. Who doesn’t love the light-washed jeans, worn-out t‑shirt, and leather jacket look with a little wear and tear? It’s the quintessential badass outfit! But you have a plethora of ripped options to explore! 

Show your skill with scissors by crafting your own ripped t-shirts. You can start with a few simple cuts or tears around the neckline, hemline, and midriff, or you can create some funky ideas of your own. Slit your sleeves on your (second) favorite short-sleeved top and along your midriff. You can craft your own V-neck or cut out the neck section altogether, leaving a thin strip of fabric from your collar to your shoulders. Get creative and have fun with it!

You can check out our Slow Fashion Challenge blog for more ideas on crafting your clothes. Just be sure to leave the edges frayed for a more rugged, unruly look.

Doing it yourself is half-the fun (and more cost-effective), but you can always purchase your clothes pre-ripped or already distressed if you’re willing to pay a little extra!

Bold, dramatic makeup

Even those of us who are makeup novices can add a touch of lipstick! Red is obviously the classic go-to (and key with maintaining that red-and-black color scheme), but you can always spice it up with a maroon, dark purple, or even black lipstick — if you’re looking to try something different. I would highly suggest sticking with either a bright red or a deeper wine-colored hue, though. This doesn’t have to be an everyday look for you (if it’s not your typical style), but throwing on a dark shade every now and again just might give you that extra oomph you’ve been looking for!

If you’re a bit more confident with eye makeup, the bolder, the better. Use thick or winged eyeliner to accentuate your beautiful eyes.  But also don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. Try out the fishtail liner — similar to a cat’s eye, but with a second thin, clean line underneath the eye — or the sultry, smudged, smoky-eye look. Or study your eye shape, and devise your own style. Eyeliner can be tricky to work with at first, but practice makes perfect, and you’ll be wielding that wand like a pro in no time!

And we can’t forget about glamorous, color-popping eyeshadow! If you keep the rest of your outfit to more neutral colors, your eye makeup is where you get to let your creative freedom shine, and the bolder colors you use will stand out that much more. Plus, you can use these brilliant, vivid pigments to brighten your face and express yourself. 

Don’t be afraid to add a little sparkle

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sparkle” is probably not the first word to come to mind when you picture a badass.  But hear me out. Accessories are such useful tools for sprucing up your outfit, and adding in sparkles or glints of gold/silver will only make you stand out even more. The key here is subtlety.

A flash of a gold necklace or silver belt buckle on your otherwise sleek black look will add just the shine your outfit needs, and adding in a little glitter or shimmery eyeshadow not only brightens up your ensemble, but it gives you a small boost of confidence to keep you going strong throughout the day.

Being a badass doesn’t mean you have to give up things that make you happy, and if sprinkling in some sparkles here and there will bring you joy, then go for it! Embrace your inner shine! 

Push yourself out of your comfort zone

If none of these tips listed above seem like something you’d normally wear, even more reason to try them anyway! One of the biggest parts of being a badass is pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. That’s where you experience the most growth. Don’t be afraid. 

Play with patterns and experiment with different style choices. Embrace bold colors and dramatic eye makeup. If you’ve never rocked faux leather before because you didn’t think you could pull it off, why not just give it a try? Or maybe you’ve always stayed with nude lipstick because it’s the safest, easiest option. Treat yourself to a brand new bright red shade, and you’ll see what a difference it makes! If you’ve tried bright red before and didn’t like it, try cool, warm, and neutral reds to find one you’re happy with and that works best with your skin tone. You never know how you may surprise yourself, and you can pull off a lot more than you realize.

The key is confidence — which brings us to our last and final tip of dressing like a badass…

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E

I cannot emphasize enough how important this last point is. Say it with me now — CONFIDENCE!

This is without a doubt the most essential part of your ensemble.

All of the things I mentioned above will help you look like a badass, but you won’t feel like a badass until you’re confident that you are a badass. Because really, being a badass isn’t about what you wear. It’s about your attitude. How you present yourself to the world.

Being a badass means owning who you are! It doesn’t matter what others think or how the world perceives you. All that really matters is how you perceive yourself.

A true badass will rock confidence from within.
If you can do that, you’re already a badass!

We want to know — more than clothes, what makes YOU feel like a true badass?  Tag us on Instagram @rogue.ramms