Being edgy requires you to fill your life with new ideas, people, and places. To stay on the cutting edge of ideas, you need to constantly be exposed to them! Start small, if you’re feeling timid. Book a single vacation, take up the new hobby you’ve wanted to try, or try out a new bar or party.
Whatever your dreams are, be confident and comfortable about following them. So what if you want to be an actress or to publish a killer novel while knowing there’s a good chance it won’t happen for you? Following your dreams, however impractical they are, will give you some edge. And if you don’t know what your dreams are, then now is a good time to find out. You can’t really be edgy if you’re feeling aimless or like you’re just plugging along instead of following a passion.
Though having goals is important, it’s also important to sit at the top of a cliff once in a while. Make every experience matter. Do some things just because they feel right.
Whenever you do something, give your full attention and effort to the task. You’ll not only be edgier, but you’ll learn faster and have more meaningful experiences. [1] X Research source
You’ll find that most people, when challenged, will back down. Don’t feel the need to pursue or punish them if they do – you’ve already won the battle.
Being up-to-date doesn’t mean you have to copy every trend that comes your way. There’s a difference between being aware of trends and following them obsessively. You can never be current about every topic. Instead, get deeply immersed in the topics that mean the most to you, following your passion.
If you know a group of people who likes to stay up late talking about Marxism, going green, or whatever it is that excites you, then make a habit of hanging out with them more. You don’t have to think of them as your “edgy” friends. Just think of them people who encourage you to develop your inner edge.
Making eye contact shows that you’re confident and ready to take things to another level. Don’t let anything sag, especially your shoulders and chin. Keeping these two body parts level and strong will help the rest of your posture fall into place naturally. [2] X Research source
Don’t be afraid to make people a little uncomfortable at first– you’ll be surprised how many people appreciate deeper conversations than “how about that weather. " Follow your curiosities in a conversation – don’t tailor your topics to what is “polite” or right.
Some opinions will be unpopular, such as what you think of your sister’s new boyfriend or your political views. Just because your opinion is unpopular doesn’t mean you should suppress it. Edgy people need to be well-informed about new developments and ideas, at least in your favorite subjects. Don’t equate edgy with uneducated, even if you hate the education system.
People will fish for compliments or advice, but there is nothing wrong with being honest if you don’t have any to give. In fact, it is far edgier than lying or ignoring the question.
Don’t waste your time trying to please people who don’t really matter to you. Do things for you, not because you feel like someone else wants you to do them. Never forget that the only person you can control is yourself – and that’s a good thing! Edgy people focus on themselves. [3] X Research source
Get your clothes from anywhere – garage sales, thrift stores, high-end shops, big-box stores – and worry about matching later. That said, dark colors and metallic details can probably add a little edge to your outfit. [4] X Expert Source Dina SchererWardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.
Always consider the overall tone or look of a style you like. How can you get this same tone across without the exact same clothes? If you’d like to just wear a “uniform,” or the same basic outfit every day, this can be equally edgy. These people, including Steve Jobs (black turtleneck and jeans) and Barack Obama (gray suit), have largely ditched the societal pressure of choosing new clothes and instead wear the same well-cut, good looking thing each day. [6] X Research source For a quick edgy look, invest in oversized and asymmetrical clothing. [7] X Expert Source Dina SchererWardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.
Guys can use a messenger bag or a funky belt to edge up their look.
What you choose to get is up to you, but don’t discount getting some incredible art just because you love it. Research local tattoo artists and breeze through their collections, or ask them if they’ll make a custom design for you. Get a tattoo because you want it, not because it “probably looks cool. " If you like the design still 2-3 days after you first saw it, take the plunge. Be careful – tattoos can become addicting![9] X Research source
