3 Ways to Be Indie - wikiHow (2024)

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1Getting the Indie Attitude

2Getting into the Culture

3Dressing Indie

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Co-authored byChristina Santelli

Last Updated: July 22, 2024Approved

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"Being indie" is about a self-representation that highlights your uniqueness. It means independent thinking, making decisions based on your own internal compass instead of going with outside voices. It's more than what you wear and what bands you listen to; indie is a culture and a way of thinking. If you want to embrace the indie culture, read below for some helpful tips.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting the Indie Attitude

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  1. 1

    Don't care what people think. Why should you anyway? You've only got this one life to live, so live it and spend you life openly loving the things that you love. Wear the things that show who you are, listen to music that expresses your soul, and never pay any attention to the haters. They're just upset that they don't enjoy their life that much.

  2. 2

    Appreciate new or forgotten things. This is really what being indie is all about. It is about liking things and appreciating things that are neglected or that deserve more love than they're getting. From small-time musicians trying to get by to lovingly crafted (rather than lovingly budgeted) films, indie culture is all about finding that diamond in the rough.

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  3. 3

    Be independent. Like the indie movie directors and musicians you admire, make sure to approach life in an independent way. Do the things that make you happy and don't be afraid to deviate from the norm. Dye your hair weird colors because you like the color. Wear clothes that don't match because you like how the patterns clash. Take up a hobby that's considered weird because you don't think it should be weird.

  4. 4

    Don't feel the need to have a normal relationship if you don't want to either. You can stay totally single, date whoever you want (regardless of what society would think), date more than one person at a time (as long as your significant others agree), and make sure to maintain your independence in any relationship you do have.

  5. 5

    Express yourself. State your opinions, let your appearance express your individual personality, and take actions in your life that express who you are and what you believe in. If it is extremely important to you that employees get fair treatment, volunteer with a worker's rights organization. If you don't like something going on in your country, protest and work to get your issues on the next ballot.

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  1. 1

    Have discerning taste. In mainstream culture, people tend to just like things because everyone else likes them, not because they're actually good. In indie culture, people take quality seriously and you will need to as well. People can of course have different opinions about what is good, but you should evaluate new things to think about whether you think they are actually good. Set the standards bar high for music, food, clothing, and everything else in your life (especially concerning consumer products).

  2. 2

    Look for the timeless, not the ephemeral. Mainstream culture tends to be really trendy and most things that are popular will only be considered good for a short time. You should look for things, both past and present, which have a timeless quality. This is why indie music tends to take a lot of influence from folk music and fashion usually pulls from the 40s-70s.

  3. 3

    Get into the music. Indie means independent record label, after all. I won't bother with a list of well-known indie bands for you to listen to; there are new bands with new sounds coming out all the time and to tell you what to listen to would defeat the purpose. Being indie about music is about being open to new things.

    • Do some research. There are many online services such as Pandora, YouTube, or Spotify that will allow you to put in the name of an artist you enjoy and will make recommendations for you of new artists for you to listen to. Try new things and find some new bands!
    • Head down to your local record store, if it still exists. Picking through records for hours is how our predecessors found their music and there is a lot to be said for it. If you're lucky enough to still have a local record store, become a patron.
    • Talk to your friends about music. The best way to learn about artists you will really enjoy is to talk to other people who love music. Being indie is about exchanging new ideas and sharing new things; when you find a band you like, share it with your friends!
    • Get involved in your local music scene. No matter where you are, there are people playing music in your area. This is the heart of indie music, and a great way to get involved in your community. If you play music yourself, find people to make new sounds with! There's no better way to participate in indie culture than by making indie music.
    • Don't worry about whether or not your tastes are popular or "indie enough." Listen to what you love. There is no "master indie playlist" that tells us which songs are cool and which are not.
  4. 4

    Get into DIY. Part of being indie is about making your own stuff, and learning new skills.

    • Take your existing interests and hobbies to the next step. Love to eat? Learn to cook! Love scarves and knitwear? Learn to knit! Really into your smartphone? Learn to develop apps yourself! The information is out there to self-educate, and the potential is limitless.
    • Don't be afraid to be creative. Indie labels have always been known for new kinds of music that push boundaries. Push boundaries in your creative endeavors too.
    • Get your friends involved in DIY too. You can complete more ambitious projects when you have help! Build a community garden or volunteer for a cause you all care about. Being indie is also about doing things together. There are many community organizations to get involved with in your local area.
  5. 5

    Constantly expose yourself to new things. New movies (from new directors!), new books (or old, neglected ones), new music, or a new look, you should always be open to new things. Even philosophies and ideas. Indie culture is about finding things to love that people have neglected, forgotten about, or haven't had the chance to appreciate yet.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Dressing Indie

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  1. 1

    Express yourself with your wardrobe. Almost as if you are a blank white canvas and your style is the art. What would you want to say to people? Indie is about finding your own voice and being proud to speak.

    • Look for vintage clothes that you like. Older cuts and prints are often lost to time, and some of them are completely worth bringing back!
    • Don't be afraid to wear something that you might think is a little crazy. Being indie is about being you! If you think it will look good, give it a shot.
  2. 2

    Stay away from big brands and stores. Visit your local thrift store instead — you will save money, help the earth by recycling, and find treasures you would never see at the mall.

  3. 3

    Make your accessories treasures. Jewelry, watches, hats, scarves: all of them are avenues of expression. Look for treasures in your travels, but don't forget that you can make them yourself! Your accessories should look like they have significance to you.

  4. 4

    Go for a natural look. Indie culture tends to focus on a natural look. Minimize the makeup, wear organically shaped clothing (flowy tops or willowy pants), and keep your hair looking great but kind of like you just rolled out of bed or came off the beach.

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  • Question

    What advice do you have for matching your fashion and personal style to your lifestyle?

    Christina Santelli
    Professional Stylist

    Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.

    Christina Santelli

    Professional Stylist

    Expert Answer

    I think it’s about being comfortable. It doesn’t have to be high-end designer pieces. Sunglasses are a staple. So many people wear sunglasses that are cool, but they don’t fit their face. Accessories are your best friend. Even when you don’t feel great, you can throw on a jumpsuit and accessorize. In tandem with clothing, take care of your skin. Your skin is an accessory as well. Consider what colors look good with your skin tone. Take care of your face, wash it, and moisturize it, especially as you get older. No matter what you’re wearing, everyone sees your face. Treat it as an accessory.

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      Tips

      • Raise awareness whenever you can about issues you care about.

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      • Be Crafty! There's big money in selling indie crafts on sites like Craigslist or Etsy.

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      • Use an indie person as a role model, yet allow yourself to be your own person! You can't truly be indie if you're a mockery of someone who is.

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      Things You'll Need

      • Clothes you feel represent your personality.
      • Something to write things down in. You're going to need to take notes.
      • A camera. Indies take lots of pictures.
      • A music-listening device.
      • An open mind and engaging spirit.

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      About This Article

      3 Ways to Be Indie - wikiHow (35)

      Co-authored by:

      Christina Santelli

      Professional Stylist

      This article was co-authored by Christina Santelli. Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette. This article has been viewed 416,662 times.

      283 votes - 74%

      Co-authors: 80

      Updated: July 22, 2024

      Views:416,662

      Categories: Youth Culture

      Article SummaryX

      There’s no one way to be indie, but a good start is to embrace the things that you love, whether anyone else likes them or not. Don’t be afraid to do something out of the norm, whether that’s dyeing your hair an unusual color or having a hobby that’s considered weird. Also, try to develop an appreciation for things that are timeless, rather than trendy. That could mean enjoying classic movies, wearing vintage clothing, and listening to indie artists or music from past decades. Keep reading to learn how the DIY ethic fits in with the indie spirit!

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      3 Ways to Be Indie - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      3 Ways to Be Indie - wikiHow? ›

      Be independent.

      How to be an indie person? ›

      One of the most critical aspects to being indie is not adopting other people's views without evaluating the situation yourself. Going with the crowd is never something that an indie person would do, so make sure that you are making independent decisions when it comes to music, clothing, and your opinions.

      What makes a girl indie? ›

      Indie means to an independent style. You're not copying a popular style or attempting to conform into any trend. 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.

      What is an indie personality type? ›

      Indie. Fans of the indie genre registered as introverted, intellectual, and creative, but less hardworking and gentle than fans of other styles. Passivity, anxiousness, and low self-esteem were other notable personality characteristics.

      What is an indie girl personality? ›

      Indie girls also have a very distinct attitude. They are very independent (hence the word 'indie') and accepting. They are kind and known for promoting people to be themselves no matter what other people think.

      How can I be indie? ›

      Being indie is about exchanging new ideas and sharing new things; when you find a band you like, share it with your friends! Get involved in your local music scene. No matter where you are, there are people playing music in your area. This is the heart of indie music, and a great way to get involved in your community.

      Is Billie Eilish indie? ›

      Her music incorporates pop, dark pop, electropop, emo pop, experimental pop, goth-pop, indie pop, teen pop, alt-pop, and pop rock. Musicologist Jessica Holmes argued that much of Eilish's music concerns her depression. Eilish and her brother, Finneas, collaborate on songwriting.

      What is the rarest 16 personality type? ›

      The rarest of the 16 personalities, the INFJ is highly insightful about people's needs, motivations and concerns. INFJs often find value in relationships with others.

      What are the traits of an indie? ›

      Are you a lone ranger? 9 signs you have an independent personality
      • 1) Value your solitude. ...
      • 2) You make decisions on your own. ...
      • 3) You're comfortable with taking risks. ...
      • 4) You don't seek validation. ...
      • 5) You're self-disciplined. ...
      • 6) You're not afraid to show your true self. ...
      • 7) You're okay with making mistakes.
      Jun 15, 2024

      How do you describe someone as indie? ›

      An Indie person is any individual who strives hard to think independently and carve their path. Being indie is not about the choice of dressing or music; rather, it's about the approach to life.

      What type of aesthetic is indie? ›

      This era witnessed the indie aesthetic broadening its horizon to include a variety of styles like vintage-inspired and bohemian fashion, while steadfastly upholding its foundational values of individuality, creativity, and a hands-on fashion approach.

      What is an indie look? ›

      Indie Aesthetic

      It emphasizes individuality, authenticity, and originality in fashion choices. The style often incorporates an unconventional aesthetic outfit, vintage, and artistic elements, drawing inspiration from various cultural influences for outfit ideas.

      What makes someone indie? ›

      By definition, “indie” is essentially what is unaffiliated; something that cannot be categorized, it stands on its own.

      What makes you an indie artist? ›

      Independent music refers to music produced by artists or labels without the financial backing and resources of major labels, emphasizing a DIY approach and creative autonomy.

      What does it mean to be indie? ›

      1. : one that is independent. especially : an unaffiliated record or motion-picture production company.

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