As Seen On The Street: Pulling Off Modern Punk

Punk has been very alive and well this past year — thank you, Met Ball — but is proving to be more than just a blip on our fashion radar. In fact, it's not that punk is necessarily a fleeting trend, but rather a long-lasting fixture unto itself, much like queen of punk style, Vivienne Westwood. Of course, that's not to say that the grungy, edgy, and often glamorous aesthetic has not received an inspired upgrade.

Taking cues from the snaps ahead, we're dreaming up our own punk-inspired ensembles that not only pay homage to the idols who've come before, but also translate the rough-around-the-edges (or, rather, spiked-around-the-edges) look in a fresh way. Sticking with the basics — leather, plaid, heavy-metal embellishments, and more leather — these looks blend classically badass pieces for ensembles that could be found in The Costume Institute, but we prefer them on the street.