Streetwear is something you will have heard of but may not know much about. It is much mor than just a popular fashion trend, it is itself a revolution. In the last century this style has adapted to the times whilst still sticking to its roots and core stylings. It got its roots on the city streets, in skate parks and underground gigs.
It now appears in elite runways and international campaigns without losing that very raw, authentic nature. It is the type of style that suits practically every casual environment, which is why it continues to retain its following today.
Building your streetwear wardrobe
When you are starting from scratch, the tip is to invest in items like stacked sweat sets that you’ll get to wear repeatedly.
They carry along that carefree city-worn attitude, yet a snappier, more contemporary silhouette that makes you shine. Lay them on with a jumbo hoodie or a bigger jacket, and you can create something stylish for yourself.
However, you have to categorize things when you are sorting through your closet:
- A bomber, windbreakers and varsity jackets are imperative as outer layering.
- Ideal bottoms include cargo pants, wide leg jeans and joggers
- When going for tops, pick graphic t-shirts, oversized sweaters and loose-fitting sweatshirts.
Interestingly, the best of styles come from unimaginable combinations. Plus, what worked for someone else might not work for you.
Use the above combinations as a starting point, and feel free to experiment with them yourself, as long as they work with your style.
Staple looks and current trends
Some essentials of streetwear are likely never to disappear. They include oversized hoodies, ripped jeans, and crazy prints.
The trend is constantly changing, though. Recently, we have seen the resurgence of retro sportswear, useful accessories like sling bags, and a significant increase in layering experimentation.
Layering is streetwear’s secret weapon. Examples? An elongated tee paired with a cropped hoodie on top of an oversized shirt or a lightweight jacket on top of a loose shirt is all about proportions.
Layering enables you to get creative and not have to buy as much new clothing. Rather than purchasing a new T-shirt for example, you can add to the one you have by layering it with a current long-sleeved shirt and wear it with some rugged jeans and casual, clean shoes, such as canvas.
What is special about streetwear
Streetwear does not stop at the good looks; it is directly connected with art, music and the style of life. It has been highly influenced by hip-hop, rap, and skate culture, that have brought about its appearance.
Artists use streetwear to convey messages, and their followers follow in the same styles as a means of expressing who they are.
It’s authentic. It’s not worn to impress but to express one’s personality, influences and the energy they bring to the table.
The cultural side of streetwear
Streetwear has its roots in neighborhoods where creativity and originality were above belonging. Hoods with skateboarders have been linked to the early pioneers of streetwear.
Skateboards from such hoods have been known to modify their sneakers for a better grip, eventually turning into a fashion piece.
Graffiti artists have also played a massive part in streetwear fashion by transforming logos into artistic pieces printed on tees.
Though luxury brands release their streetwear-inspired apparel year in and year out, the soul of the trend remains in the street. It is that cultural tie that makes it more than a fad fashion.
Bringing it all together
Putting a streetwear wardrobe together comes down to one fundamental thing: identifying what feels true to you. Choose staples that you can wear frequently, and don’t be afraid to experiment. It is streetwear after all – Remember, it is as much personality as it is fashion.
Once you’ve nailed your mix, you’ll no longer just wear clothes. You have a story in you, a story that over the decades has been constructed through music, culture, and creativity, and you wear it. The best part is that? You work out what it is that your version of that story will be.
