How to Be Indie (for Girls)

Co-authored by Natalie Tincher

Last Updated: February 7, 2024 Approved

Indie girls are easily admirable. Their eclectic style, their unique music preferences, and their spunky attitude are great traits that we don't seem to have enough of in this world. It can be very difficult to understand you, compared to other people, but that's key to being a strong, independent woman.

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Be independent and an individual. Indie people are individualists. Become aware of what you are really interested in. For example, if you like hardcore folk, Google it and try to find as many hardcore folk bands and learn about the genre. Being yourself is the main point of being Indie. It's about being yourself. If you love football, try out! Don't worry about what people say because they are not helping your pursue dreams or become independent. Being indie doesn't mean you can't join in on your school's activities. It's if you like them or not. If you don't like pep rallies, then don't cheer at them. If you like swimming, then try out for the team. Participate in hobbies that you like, not because someone else likes them. Also, read books that you don't see or think about many other people reading; things like old comics, Rolling Stones and Beatle Biographies - anything! Or, ask your local librarian if they recommend an uncommon series, and if you like it, tell your friends!
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Wear your own clothes and create your own style. Indie means to an independent style. You're not copying a popular style or attempting to conform into any trend.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.} If you see something from a store that YOU truly like, buy it! It's not a big deal if you buy brand name stores clothes, just as long as you're applying your individual style. Don't get obsessed about non-conforming. That's ignorant because no one is truly a non-conformist. By claiming you are a non-conformist, you are conforming, so stay away from that ignorance. Places that are good for clothing are thrift shops, yard sales, and hand-me-downs. Dress individually, but don't get obsessed with being individual. Be brave about what you wear. Not everyone's going to like it, but you should love it! Remember that you can find some awesome things at thrift and second-hand stores for relatively cheap!
- Choose clothes based on your personal style and body type.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Natalie Tincher
  Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.}
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Get accessories. There are tons of accessories you can add to your outfit. You could wear little beret hat, long beaded necklaces that you can wrap around your neck a few times, or sliver bracelets rings and cute earrings. Triangle necklaces are really indie.
- You can wear scarves and hats.^{[3]
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  Natalie Tincher
  Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.}
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Try to grow your hair, and leave it natural. Curly or wavy hair is very indie, and so are bangs. You can add headbands, or put your hair up, but leave it slightly tousled.
- Work on your hair. Your hair will complete any look. If you're having a bad hair day, wear a hat. Other than that, your hair can be any length and any natural color. Having a few layers looks good but don't go overboard because that will make you look scene not indie. A side fringe suits most people, but so does a full fringe so pick whichever you prefer.
It's hard to be considered indie without an awesome assortment of eclectic jewelry! Places like Target sell great jewelry that easily completes any indie girl wardrobe, but if you don't want to shell out the cash for your bling, try DIY-ing. Go to a bead store and get whatever unique beads you can find. Not good with beads? Try attaching small objects like an old key to a chain. Invest in gold bangles, earrings, rings and maybe a few anklets.
Be classy. Indie girls are nice and fun to be around. Because they are willing to be individual, they respect others' individuality and never make fun of it. People may object to how you dress or what you listen to, but the point of being an indie is to be brave enough to be who you want and what you are. When hanging out with people, don't be afraid to voice your opinion or join in the conversation. Joke around in a way that doesn't hurt anyone! Have fun and be fun!
Try to find a unique or artistic hobby. Join art classes if you don't think you're great at art. Start photography, Garden, Make ink paintings, or Read old books.
Be smart. Indie girls are smart. They pursue what they're interested in, even if it isn't popular amongst their peers. You don't have to be a genius or have a 100% average in all classes, but focus on your education and try to get at least decent grades! Don't be ignorant and act like you don't care about school to be "cool".
You can draw your ideas and fashion from these people. Some indie celebrities include Christofer Drew, Zooey Deschanel and Alison Sudol.
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Take care of yourself and your body! Wear sunscreen (tanned skin is very mainstream, therefore try not to tan), exercise and eat well.
- Find an exercise you're good at and like, to help you keep in shape. A vast majority of indie girls own old or retro bikes, which are also great for the environment!
Music is very important to indie girls. Research about your favorite genre's past, and have a wide variety of jams to listen to on your MP3 player. You don't have to like what's deemed "indie" music. Once again, Indie is your own independent style, so if you feel a song, listen to it, and don't be ashamed of it!

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What can you wear to make your collarbones look prominent?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer

You can wear boat neck, V-neck, square neck, or scoop neck tops to make your collarbones look prominent.

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What can I wear to look thinner in photographs?

Natalie Tincher
Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist
Natalie Tincher is the Owner and Principal Style Strategist of BU Style. With more than 10 years of experience, Natalie specializes in personal styling to reflect clients’ individuality, confidence, and comfort. In 2019, she was named the Global Head of Styling for Bloomberg Television. Natalie is certified in Image Consulting through the Fashion Institute of Technology. She regularly shares her expertise with corporate groups at major financial institutions, media companies, and news outlets including: Time Out New York, Refinery 29, and NBC News.

Natalie Tincher

Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist

Expert Answer

Wear solid colors and avoid large, distracting patterns, especially horizontal patterns, which will visually widen you.

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Tips

Never use phrases like "That's gay" or "That's retarded". Indies respect everybody, and those statements don't show any respect.

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Explore the boundaries of your personality. Find what you like and pursue it! Understanding yourself is key to understanding others and becoming independent in your choices.

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If you think old books sound boring, try reading novels with weird names or covers. They're usually the best books! Stephen King novels are good horror stories, and since barely anybody else under the age of twenty five knows who he is, it's a bonus.

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Warnings

Don't do things you don't like just to be indie! When it comes down to it, indie is just another label. Just enjoy what you enjoy; if it happens to be offbeat, that's better for you.

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If you don't like something that is considered "indie", you don't have to go with it.

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Never feel pressured into becoming someone you're not. Originality is key. Your uniqueness makes you a perfectly flawed yet an admirable Indie girl.

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Never say "I'm so indie" - it's dumb and people don't care about how indie you are. You should let your clothes and your awesome attitude speak for itself anyway!

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Don't let anyone bring you down. If you like your style, carry on with it and be unique.

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Just because someone questions your interests does not mean that they are insulting you. Everyone has an opinion, so respect others' and they eventually will respect yours.

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A lot of people think drinking coffee and smoking will make you appear more indie. While it can do this, if you don't smoke or drink coffee, don't start just to be indie. Smoking is very hazardous and coffee is not to everyone's taste. Indie is short for 'independent', so try to be independent!

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Don't call people "posers." You'd feel pretty crappy if someone said that to you, right?

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If someone questions your fashion taste, view it as a compliment. You clearly stood out from the mainstream, and that's always preferable to blending in!

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If you tell people you're trying to be indie, people will think badly of you. If you must, just tell people you're trying to be original.

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Don't get into any trouble or fights. Indie girls are very respectful and courteous towards others. Act kind, and you will be returned the favor.

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Don't be obsessed with being an anti-conformist. You're simply conforming to anti-conforming. Just be yourself. That's the best way to avoid conforming.

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Don't become a snob and or think that you are better than anyone because you're indie. Acting that way is pretty much anti-indie! Also referred to as "hipster"

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