Hey FlexFam!
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the fundamentals of streetwear and show you how to build the perfect streetwear look from scratch. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned streetwear fanatic, these tips will help you create outfits that are on-trend, comfortable, and which represents you.
Get your Basics Right:
Before diving into statement pieces, it’s essential to have a solid foundation of basic streetwear staples such as oversized t-shirts and cargo pants. These items act as the building blocks for any outfit and allow you to experiment with different combinations while maintaining a streetwear vibe.
Oversized T-shirts: This is a must have for curating a streetwear outfit, specially if you’re a newbie. Opt for neutral colours like black, white, or grey to ensure versatility in your drip. Don’t just buy any oversized t-shirts in the market, look for premium cotton or blends for durability and comfort.
Cargo Pants: A streetwear brand isn't complete without cargos in its collection. Cargos are known for it’s functionality and durability. They can be styled with oversized t-shirts or hoodies or jackets to balance out the proportions.
Playing with Proportions: (Oversized is the key)
To curate the perfect streetwear drip, you must use oversized pieces. Whether it's a baggy t-shirt or an oversized jacket, playing with proportions is crucial to nailing the streetwear aesthetic.
Regular-fit clothing is designed to fit the body closely without being too tight or loose. It gives a clean and polished look to the wearer. But we don’t want to present ourselves as too serious when styling an oversized drip.
Oversized clothing however, gives off a relaxed, laid-back vibe that’s central to streetwear. It also allows for more freedom of movement and comfort to it’s wearer.
For example, If you’re wearing an oversized t-shirt, a sweatshirt or a hoodie, balance the look with relaxed cargo pants to look aesthetically pleasing to the viewer.
Add Dimensions to your Outfit:
Basically, layering is the next step after you got your basics right. Layering is a big part of streetwear culture. Adding multiple layers to your outfit not only makes it more interesting but also makes you stand out from the crowd.
You can layer a streetwear drip in many different ways. They’re not hard to formulate but if you want to make a fashion statement then you have to try a little harder to curate the best drip for your next endeavour.
A good base layer sets the tone for the rest of the outfit. You want something that’s comfortable, breathable, and versatile enough to complement the additional pieces you’ll add such as a basic oversized t-shirt, a long sleeve tee or a fitted tank top.
After establishing your base layer, the next step is adding a mid-layer. This could be a hoodie, crewneck sweatshirt, or a lightweight jacket, depending on how casual or bold you want the outfit to be.
The outer layer is what usually pulls the entire look together. This could be a statement varsity jacket, denim jacket, or even a bomber jacket, depending on the vibe you're going for.
When layering, don’t forget that accessories can act as layers in their own right. Items like hats, scarves, and bags can add another layer of depth and dimension to your outfit.
Heart of Streetwear! (Sneakers)
What is a streetwear look without a good pair of sneakers? In streetwear culture, sneakers are often the focal point of the outfit. Whether it’s classic high-tops or low-top sneakers, the right pair can elevate your streetwear fashion style.
Now, there are many brands that sell sneakers, most popular among them is obviously Nike as they had started sneaker revolution with their Nike Air Jordan 1. A good pair of Nike sneakers are very expensive, which may not fit in your budget. But that doesn’t mean you will neglect other brands which may offer great design and build for their shoes.
At the end of the day, you can pair any type of sneaker preferably black or white with any streetwear outfit depending on which vibe you’re going for. A fresh pair of kicks will always make your outfit look more polished, even if you're going for a casual look. It may not look like it but sneakers actually do play a huge role in elevating the streetwear style fashion. So choose the right one for you and go flex them streets!
Finishing Touch (Accessories)
If you’re getting into streetwear, you need to own and wear accessories to express yourself. Accessories are a great way to add a personal touch to your outfit. From chains, bucket hats and beanies to bold sunglasses and statement bags, accessories help tie your look together.
A cap or bucket hat is a streetwear staple, often completing the look while adding some extra shade in the summer. Nowadays, Tote bags and Fanny bags are in trend and people are using them as props to add a layer of style to their outfit and it works wonders!
Other Important Tips:
Invest in long lasting pieces: Streetwear is all about style, while that is true, prioritising quality over quantity is equally important when building a streetwear wardrobe. Streetwear is an investment, and choosing well-made pieces ensures your wardrobe will last.
Durable materials such as cotton, blend, polyester & denim are known for their reliability and the ability to maintain the shape over a long period of time.
Creating a unique style: Experimenting with streetwear is a part of understanding what works and what does not. Streetwear is about pushing boundaries, so mix different textures, colours, and brands to create your signature style.
Pairing a luxury varsity jacket or high-end sneakers with affordable basics like a basic/printed tee or cargo pants can create a balanced outfit. This combination allows you to achieve a high-fashion look effortlessly.
