I think the commercialization of alternative fashion and watering down of subcultures is so sad.
No, you don't need doc martens or tripp or London fog to be "legitimate" these pieces can be really cool looking but imo are best tret as inspiration.
No you aren't too poor to dress alternative I'm sorry you were made to believe that. These communities were built by the outcasted and impoverished. Any clothes can fit the subculture. Its about intent, wearing what you like. Following the morals and ideals associated with the subculture. Being passionate about the art, design themes and/or history. Imo the floral bedsheets turned dress are far more in line with these subcultures than the extremely expensive designer brand name dark and studded clothes.
Diy, modify, innovate, don't be afraid to have something turn out bad. Don't let anyone enforce their weird standards on you while participating in a movement meant to be a place for those rejecting standards placed upon them. Don't fall victim to consumerism, or attitudes designed to make communities rip themselves apart.
*if this is phrased weird or overly rambly, I'm not the most awake rn tbh
