Streetstyle is a peculiar and complicated breed of fashion. On one extreme, it is frequently considered throwaway, annoying, and unattractive. Conversely, companies that revolutionise streetwear fashion like Supreme have grown into $1 billion powerhouses. Streetwear fashion blew up in the 1990s when the supremacy of hip-hop and skating introduced a generation to baggy trousers and graphic t-shirts. The younger generation now prefers wearing comfortable outfits like hoodies or sweatpants instead of more professional-looking suits. Oversized clothing that adds volume to any outfit and is versatile in terms of style has also become a standard component of streetwear fashion. The youth now use their creativity to put together a number of ensembles with oversized t-shirts, simple denim shorts or skirts, and accessories.
History of street style clothing
Streetwear first emerged in Southern California when surfers started selling screen-printed T-shirts to advertise their surfboards during the 1980s. Later during the 1990s, New York's boutique skateboarding stores began creating their own innovative designs, drawing inspiration from the streetwear fashion of surfers and skateboarders in LA and hip-hop clothing.
During the 2000s, streetwear fashion was influenced by and coexisted with sneaker culture, which is centered on collectors of high-end sneakers. During this time, the hypebeasts started to pair graphic t-shirts with athletic footwear for a chic look. The 2010s saw the emergence of premium streetwear. Social media influencers also played a part in making street-style fashion a significant component of popular culture.
Different types of street-style clothing
Streetwear became popular in the 1990s and continues to dominate the market even today. Street-style clothing is hard to classify. Nevertheless, it can be divided into four groups based on the type and brands that produce it. These include:
Original
This category includes brands like Supreme, Palace, Kith, and BAPE. These were the brands that made the effort to produce an exclusive selection of streetwear and are still in high demand.
Luxury
Luxury street style is a fresh fashion direction for women wanting something unique and classy in streetwear design. Luxury clothing companies like Heron Preston and Off-White produce premium and luxurious clothes that are worn as a status symbol.
Sportswear
Modern streetwear is built on sports apparel. Lots of streetwear includes a wide range of sneakers, backpacks, and other athletic clothing products. Adidas, FILA, and Nike are a few well-known sportswear companies that make innovative designs for streetwear clothing.
Adopted
These brands, as their names suggest, have embraced street-style fashion from established labels. Fast fashion companies typically produce knockoffs of streetwear clothing to jump on the trend. It is offered in high-end streetwear items.
Features of street-style clothing
Even though streetwear style might vary greatly, some characteristics or traits are common to most. Some of these include:
It should be comfortable
Activewear has always been a staple of street style since streetwear is typically designed for active living. It covers everyday essentials and athleisure mainstays that define comfort. The outfits in this style should not be too tight or skinny that they hamper free movement. A combination of high-quality denim and loose-fitting T-shirts is the most common choice of street style for the younger generation.
Unisex or gender-neutral clothing
Gender-neutral clothes started appearing on the market in the 1920s, and with improving LGBTQ+ rights, this clothing style has gained popularity in streetwear fashion. Bomber jackets or unisex hoodies tend to lean more toward the streetwear aesthetic than suits, dresses, or even heels. Many also wear streetwear to hide their curves. Due to this, many clothes appear to be masculine, and people add numerous accessories to give them feminine touches.
Rare products
Many high-end streetwear brands often offer limited-edition products like sneakers or hoodies to add to the fun. Many fashionistas go to considerable lengths to obtain such items, especially if they are popularized by celebrities or have some trendy logo.
It sends a message
Streetwear can be used as a tool to inspire the younger generation to make positive changes for a better future. Many streetwear brand release products that support socio-political and environmental causes to show support. Streetwear hoodies and t-shirts can also feature bright and striking art. Youngsters can use streetwear to make a statement about who they are on the inside.
Advantages of adopting street-style
Anyone can carry streetwear fashion with style and class. There are numerous advantages to adopting streetwear fashion. Some of them include:
Simple yet elegant
Streetwear is a laid-back style with big shirts and baggy t-shirts. Additionally, women may feel more at ease wearing loose clothing and trendy shoes. An ordinary large t-shirt looks elegantly tasteful when worn with tights or leggings.
Wider range of outfit choices
People have more freedom to experiment with streetwear fashion without any restrictions. This allows them to create trendy and unique outfits with what is available in their closet.
Affordable
There are numerous brands of streetwear clothing available now that offer a fantastic selection of streetwear clothing at a low cost.
Tips to rock your streetwear
Streetwear clothing can be styled in any way that the wearer likes. But just like any other fashion style, the aim of street style is to stand out in a crowd. Though many consider that limited-edition goods are an important component of street style, you can also incorporate streetwear trends into your outfit without burning a hole in your wallet. Anyone can sport streetwear clothing without coming off as overly effortful, regardless of whether they're seeking to change their aesthetic or update their collection of jeans and sweatshirts. Some tips to rock your streetwear include:
Know your fabric
The majority of streetwear clothing until recently was made of heavy cotton and denim with loose fits. This was in accordance with its image of skateboard fashion. But contemporary streetwear fashion has moved beyond this, and now designers have reinvented classic items like hoodies, cargo pants, and trainers into outfits no one would risk rubbing on the pavement. Many modern wearers love to incorporate luxurious fabrics into their streetwear, like jersey or cashmere. Many brands and celebrities are also endorsing such subtle aspects of streetwear.
Think comfortable and loose
Streetwear clothing places a lot of emphasis on looking stylish and appealing while also being comfortable. For the wearer to look cool and have chill energy, the clothing must be loose and relaxed. Also, keep in mind that there is a world of difference between your clothing being loose enough to be comfortable and being too baggy. If you are considering oversized apparel, try outfits that are two sizes bigger than your regular size. Loose shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets give you a laid-back appearance while still being simple to wear.
Consider a pair of high-quality shoes
There is no denying the importance of footwear in streetwear fashion. There are many iconic companies that offer excellent footwear that goes well with street-style outfits, like Nike, Converse, and Vans. Since footwear, like shoes, is available in a wide variety of styles and colors, choose one to match the attire. Or, you can use your imagination to design a killer ensemble around your favorite pair of shoes.
Play with colors
Creativity is the cornerstone of streetwear fashion. So, letting your artistic talent run wild while putting together an outfit is important. Mix different colors to get a vibrant feel and to express yourself through your outfit. You can also mix different patterns and prints together to create unique looks. Many also go for a monochromatic approach to add a touch of contemporary urbanity to the outfit while still looking incredibly stylish and elegant. You may even add some color to your monotone outfit by including printed shoes or a purse.
Wear layers
Layering is a basic feature of streetwear fashion. It warms you up in chilly weather and gives your outfit more character and graciousness. Experts advise starting with a thin garment and then progressively increasing the thickness. You can complete the outfit with an elegant jacket or an enormous coat. The clothing pieces should also have different sizes to make layering more comfortable. When combining layers of different colors, ensure that they are complementary to one another.
Avoid being hypebeasts
Youth culture is all about the hype. Many youngsters run behind hyped and limited-edition products of different brands to be a part of every ongoing trend. It is not necessary to be a hypebeast to make your street style stand out in a crowd. Age is also not a barrier anymore in streetwear fashion. People can use what they enjoy and what suits them to create a unique outfit.
Accessorize
Enhance your streetwear outfits using accessories like hats, purses, bandanas, beanies, or jewelry. You can also experiment with sunglasses for a classy or vintage look. Printed bandanas are also becoming popular, along with logo-printed caps. Accessorizing is a wonderful way to exhibit your style and give your clothing flair. The outfit choices that can be created in this way are limitless since there are countless accessory options.
Conclusion
Being authentic to oneself is the best way anyone can develop a unique street style that will stand out in a crowd. Voicing the person you are through clothes forms a major part of the street-style look. Instead of wearing what's trendy at any particular time, look for clothing that speaks to you.