Know Your Rights: A Complex Guide to Punk Rock Style

October 25 is Punk for a Day Day. Didn't you know that?! It's ok, neither did we. But we are huge fans of bands like Bad Brains, The Clash, The Jam, and The Specials. Yes, music snobs, we're aware of the nuances of all the musical genres related to punk rock's multiple subcultures, but hey, when it comes down to it, they're cut from different sides of the same cloth.

Whether it's hardcore, 2 Tone ska, or whatever strikes your fancy, musicians from England and the U.S. have had a lasting impact in punk rock fashion. To perfectly channel your inner punk, you're going to need some timeless gear that gives any outfit a "damn the man" edge. We got you. Cry "Death or Glory!" as you check out Know Your Rights: A Complex Guide to Punk Rock Style.

Levi's Super Skinny 510, $58

Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols really knew how to rock a pair of tight ones. Before the days of skinny jean revival, many punks took the DIY route and tapered the denim themselves. Good thing the folks at Levi's went and made this matchstick, jet black jean for any would-be rocker, plus they've got some stretch for comfort in the mosh pit.

Levi's Denim Trucker Vest, $78
Rockabilia patches, Price varies

We've seen some awesome patched denim vests in our time, but like any good DIY effort, it has to be done by hand. We can't see the back of this one that Joe Strummer's wearing, but we hope it looks like the one on the right. There's plenty of great vintage finds to be had, and each one is really unique — but if you want to earn that street cred, you need to start from scratch.

Ben Sherman Gingham Madness Shirt, $86

Anyone who's been in Washington, DC long enough knows that Ian Svenonius from Nation of Ulysses is pretty much one of the most stylish badasses on the planet, and his VBS.tv series Soft Focus can attest to that, but bass guitar player Steve Gamboa also brought it pretty regularly when it came to getting kitted out. He'd also go on to play in Svenonius' other projects like Cupid Car Club and The Make-Up, but we like to remember him in this shot for rocking a gingham shirt well. English punks were quick to adopt the pattern and regularly copped ones made by Ben Sherman. Follow suit as part of your 13-Point Program to a better dressed life.

Topman Black Textured Skinny Suit, $250
Calibrate Skinny Woven Silk Tie, $50
Doc Martens Rafi Saddle Shoe, $110
Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi in White, $45

The Jam knew how to rock the hell out of a slim suit, and a stage. Part of the mod revival of the late '70s/early '80s, their 1960s rock influences set them apart sonically from contemporaries like The Clash and The Sex Pistols, while their sartorial influences kept them looking fresh as hell.

Undeground ASOS-Exclusive Creeper Shoes, $162

With a silhouette somewhere between a brogue, moccassin, and huarache, creeper shoes have long been prevalent in the punk scene. Their soft sole meant easy walking and were conducive to bouncing around at shows. In this shot of Public Image Ltd., former Sex Pistols frontman John "Johnny Rotten" Lydon is rocking them with ease.

John Varvatos Washed & Embossed Leather Cuff, $59
Vans Studded Leather Belt, $40

Before being relegated to the "emo" territory, studded gear was long associated with punks. Belts, bracelets, and leather jackets always had an "oi!" sensibility, and bands like The Vandals were often seen rocking numerous studded accessories. Their rebellious nature hasn't gone away and even rappers like Lil' Wayne have taken note and adopted it as their own.

Cutler and Gross Square-Framed Optical Glasses, $440

Desecendents frontman MIlo Aukerman eventually became the face of the band, thanks in part to a drawing of him from a high school friend that became the group's de facto logo. Grab a pair and show the world it's Cool to Be You, like the band's latest album.

Joyrich Reversible Perforated Leopard Jacket, $120

Leopard print may be thought of as something for the ladies, but punk rockers have been on this for decades. Take Iggy Pop for example, he was performing shirtless and being a total badass while you were still in diapers.

Baracuta G9 Harrington Jacket, $275

British musicians have been looking great in a Baracuta G9 for years, whether it was skinheads, rude boys, or modern day pop stars. Even James Dean picked one up in red. Here, Paul Weller from The Jam shows it's one jacket that'll stay with you as you grow older. It's a classic piece that isn't going anywhere soon.

Fred Perry "The Specials" Collection, Price Varies

The connection between Fred Perry and British punk music has been around since the genre's inception. Whether it was tipped polo shirts, patterned long sleeve woven shirts, or suiting, groups like The Specials and their fans have been kitting themselves out in gear with laurels for a minute. So it's only fitting that the brand would give back to such a classic group by doing a "special" collaboration with them. It started in 2009 and continues to this day.

Michael Kors 3-in-1 Crombie with Vest, $695

Clash bass guitarist Paul Simonon sure can rock the hell out of a Crombie coat. Getting its name from J&J Crombie Ltd., a British company that famously produces a three-quarter length wool overcoat, it's so good at what it does that other brands use its name to classify that type of outerwear. First gaining popularity among the Teddy Boy movement of rowdy youth in a post-WWII England, the Edwardian-like style remains as warm and rakishly elegant today.

Black Flag "Damaged" T-Shirt, $17

The Black Flag logo has been aped numerous times, from designers like Mark McNairy to love-to-hate-them pop stars like Justin Bieber, you simply can't consider yourself a fan of punk music, or even claim to know about the evolution of the subculture, without being totally aware of the impact Henry Rollins and the gang had.

Doc Martens 1460, $115

Besides combat boots, Doc Martens reigned supreme in the world of punk rock footwear. Yes they're "in" right now, but if you ask anyone who ever grew up listening to London Calling, they were never out. Just take a look around New York City's St. Mark's Place and try to count the number of Airware soles you see on one hand. Here, The Clash rocks them with pride.

Alpha Industries MA-1 Flight Jacket, $109

Washington, D.C.'s Bad Brains always held it down in terms of classic style and timeless music — the kind of shit you hear once and makes you realize that these dudes were doing something completely different for their time. Besides the fact that they were black pioneers in a musical genre people would often think is dominated by white dudes, their conscious lyricism and jazz influences changed the game. They also knew how to rock essential outerwear pieces like the MA-1 Flight Jacket, a wintertime answer to the popular M-65 Jacket.

Classic Perfecto Steerhide Motorcycle Jacket, $540

You can't talk about New York City music without talking about The Ramones. In the same way, you can't talk about The Ramones without mentioning the Schott Perfecto. Often seen rocking it with torn up skinny jeans and beat-up Chuck Taylors, it was a look that never went out of style. These two truly American classics are simply Too Tough to Die.