Photo : PixabayThe way we dress can say a lot about who we are and what where we come from. Fashion has always been a means of self-expression and creativity. When it comes to streetwear, it mostly stems from skateboarding, surfing, and hip-hop cultures as well as fashion from the 80s and 90s. Nowadays, there are specific brands dedicated to street style and it’s even seen on prestigious runways around the world. If you’re looking for a change of wardrobe to change up our style and keep up with current trends, here are some streetwear inspirations to help you kick things off.
Prints Are In
Put aside your plain clothes because prints are hot on the streets right now. It might be out of your comfort zone, but it could completely change your style. Leopard print on coats, fleeces, and shirts has been dominating the streets lately and looks amazing paired with the right pair of jeans and shoes. If you feel leopard print is too out there for you, there is nothing wrong with easing into incorporating prints in your wardrobe by starting with a simple striped or dotted shirt. Once you feel comfortable with that and get endless compliments on the change, move to a shirt with leaves, flowers, or any other prints and shapes you like.
Bold Pants
A good pair of denim jeans should be an essential in everyone’s wardrobe. They come in many styles and colors that you should try to experiment with as a start in wearing out-of-the-box pants. Try out ripped jeans paired with a plain polo shirt and sneakers for a classic streetwear look. To mix things up, go for Chinos in their classic colors like khaki or navy. They can be worn with shirts, t-shirts, blazers, and coats. For hot days, change it up with a pair of Bermuda or cargo shorts to look casual and stylish at the same time. If you really want to stand out, get a pair of cargo pants in olive or camouflage paired with a casual hoodie.
Bright Colors
Are you met with shades of grey and black when you open your closet? 50 Shades of Grey should only be in your bookcase, not your wardrobe. It’s time to brighten things up with some bold color choices, just in case you consider maroon or navy is adding color. If it’s hard to give up your dark clothes, try to pair it with just one color you don’t have as a start. What’s popular in streetwear lately is choosing one color and using its different shades in layering an outfit. Experts say that yellow-greens and blue-greens are the easiest colors to pair so it’s a good place to start. Forget about biases about how pink is a ‘girly color’, male fashion has taken on the color and proved they can rock the color as well, but you’ll need to get comfortable with colors in general first.
Smart Layering
Layering can take your outfit from plain to stylish when done right. The key to layering like a pro is to do it from thin to thick while adjusting it to the weather. One of the most popular outer layers is denim jackets and they go over shirts, sweaters, and hoodies. Hoodies are great middle layers under a coat, as well when it’s cold, and they can be worn on their own and still look stylish. Add some Palm Angels oversized hoodies and jackets in your closet, and learn how to exactly mix luxury with streetwear into your layering. Just don’t confuse oversized with baggy, we left baggy behind in the ’00s.
Accessorize
Accessories are the final touch to an awesome outfit; they accentuate your look and express your style. There’s no need to be too flashy with it, a chic belt with jeans and a tucked-in shirt or a classy watch would do the trick. Don’t underestimate the power of what a stylish pair of sunglasses can do to your outfit. Even wallets can add to your overall style. If you want to be bold in your accessorizing, man bags are all the rage on runways around the world. But if you don’t like carrying things around, consider completing your look with a high-end backpack to complement your style.
Classic Streetwear Style
Streetwear, nowadays, doesn’t have to be restricted to hoodies and jeans. Smart streetwear has been popular among men and women alike. There is, however, a time and a place for such a style; they are especially ideal for events with ambiguous dress codes. You could also turn to it during a night out with friends in a fancy restaurant or even at your workplace if it doesn’t require a formal suit. A simple blazer over a shirt paired with clean-cut jeans and oxford shoes is a classic look for this streetwear style.
You’ve surely seen the many celebrities showing up with a suit over jeans instead of slacks so try it out!
Shoes Make The Outfit
It’s true, shoes can completely make or break an outfit. Investing in fashionable footwear for your wardrobe is something you’ll never regret. When it comes to casual wear, you can never go wrong with a pair of white sneakers; they go with almost anything. However, street style doesn’t necessarily entail only wearing sneakers. For a smarter streetwear look, turn to boat shoes, loafers, or desert boots. Remember that if you’re wearing a belt, it should coordinate with your shoes. Another good trick is to always wear a darker color shoe than your pants.
When it comes to streetwear, the most important thing is for it to be comfortable and shows your personality. It’s good to keep up with fashion trends but don’t get too caught up with following them and losing your authentic style. You can only take after the ones that suit you or play around with a trend to make it into your own because that’s what fashion is all about. Let’s face it, some days you’ll just want to throw on sweatpants and an old band t-shirt, and that’s totally fine too!
