By KOKETSO RITCHIE
Streetwear in general has always been trending but it has really blown up this past few years thanks to social media. And because of this, there are a lot of streetwear brands, on the market these days, putting out the top trend styles… Examples are cut out pants, 2-tone tracksuit pants, motocross shirts, etc… And although its smart for clothing brands to promote the styles, and products, that are trending, it has negative impacts on us, as consumers, trying to find our own styles of streetwear. Why? Because trends always die out, no matter how popular the trend, or become a shadow of a recent new trend. This means, when a clothing brand creates articles of clothing based off of what’s stylish and trending, eventually the product and what us costumers purchased will end up in the closet collecting dust because it’s not trending anymore. *forgets to use inside voice* THE SOLUTION, lol excuse me, to this is to understand the basic essentials of streetwear that everyone should know and have in their closet.
Hey fashionistas,
I’m here to give you THE SOLUTION, lol excuse me, to understand the basic essentials of streetwear that everyone should know and have in their closet.
Basic essentials? I’m talking about streetwear clothing styles that are the foundations of streetwear, meaning they’ll never die out despite different trends. This is extremely IMPORTANT because:
1. You’ll have a solid foundation for multiple outfits
2. You’ll never dress looking outdated
3. You’ll save money instead of always buying the latest trends to stay in style
So simply replace them with something else. Awe.
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”
~ Bill Cunningham.
let me show you guys the basic essentials that you would need and what I’d recommend you get before copying the really expensive pieces of clothing that are in the market right now.
So lets start off with a list of shoes I’d recommend:
Old Skool Vans.
This is a shoe I’d recommend everyone should get is this classic pair of low top old skool vans. It’s a simple black and white shoe, which no matter what you’re wearing -skinny jeans, baggy jeans, etc.. it doesn’t matter because either way it’s still gonna go every well with this shoe. The shoe is honestly afford and it’s a very versatile shoe that you can wear with multiple outfits.
Black Converse.
This is the next shoe I’d recommend, a pair of black converse. They are afford able and cheaper than the Vans. These are awesomely classic, and just like the Vans, they are very versatile. You can dress them up, you can dress them down, wear with multiple fits and wear it with any type of style, trending styles. You can also get a low top version of the shoe but personally the high tops are so much cooler.
Denim Jacket.
The last piece for the agender on this beginner’s guide, is a regular denim jacket. A basic denim jacket is essential in a streetwear wardrobe. And it’ll never die out. You can wear it with anything, and in different ways.
Fanny Pack.
I prefer wearing fanny packs over keeping everything in my pocket or carrying an extra bag or something. I wear them all the time even when I go out to like clubs and stuff. It’s just easier to carry and insignificant in terms of weight. You don’t have to worry about it falling off cause it’s fastened to your body. So just enjoy your time. Do keep in mind what you’ll carry in there and remember the more things, the heavier, so don’t put too many things in.
Gents.
Basic blue jeans (preferably skinny jeans).
A basicpair of blue denom jeans are a awesome look, specially skinny jeans. You don’t have to get the skin-tight ones but definitely some denim that fits and is comfortable around your legs. Blue denim jeans will never go out of style and you can wear this with basically anything so you can’t really go wrong with a nice pair of blue denim jeans. You can wear it with anythinggggg, any colour, etc, but keep in mind that the type of blue MATTERS (best shot is light shades).
Another pair of denim pants that would work too is a black pair of denim jeans. It does depend on the branding, some denim are trashy when they’re thin, fit weirdly. So it highkey matters where you getting your jeans from, but it doesn’t mean you have to ball out of jeans. A good pair of denim jeans that I’d recommend, no matter the colour, is a pair from Levi’s. A friend of mine recommend Levi’s 5 11 jeans… I wouldn’t know.
Gray & Black Elongated Scooped/Straight hemmed T-Shirt.
Now moving on to shirts. Plain shirts are definitely essential, especially if you are going to layer the outfit. And even wearing it by itself, still looks great. I suggest white, gray and black because they are neutral colours, and it doesn’t matter what colour jeans you’re wearing it’ll always match. This t-shirt looks supa cool with its elongated front and an even longer back, making it look totally different. When it comes to essential t-shirts, definitely get your’s true-to-size. Don’t get a size up or down. These essential t’s are affordable.
Black & Gray Hoodie.
The next item, a simple gray or black hoodie. It matches with anything. The gray is an awesome neutral colour. And the hoodie is a style that will never die out. Keep in mind, you can tell the difference between cheaper and expensive hoodie. The cheaper ones are still comfortable but you’ll see by the thickness and look at the quality of the sweaters. H&M has affordable basic hoodies so check them out.
Ladies.
A variety of Jackets.
Jackets, preferably windbreaker material, go with all outfits. Long, cropped, windbreaker, and even bombers, any jacket will do. With jackets, you kinda wear them all year round, especially in winter, anywhere. And just putting a heavier jacket on top so how’s the finishing touch to complete a look. Any windbreaker jacket would look dope. An example would be the orange windbreaker from Stone Island in New York. It’s a good example ’cause of its unique colour, not many people are seen rocking orange, and it’s a piece that would fit a street style collection.
Personally, I love something that’s oversized and also more structured… I absolutely loved Sofia Baldassarra’s Fiorucci Bomber jacket on her insta. It’s the definition of a street style jacket. It’s smoking hot, baggy and really oversized. The main focus of the jacket are the really cool white and yellow buckles on it, which are really intriguing and had to be mentioned on this list. Her jacket fits oversized, making it easier to wear it with anything, and it looks very warm for winters, while she also liked wearing it with a shirt in summer.
Tracksuit jackets are usually light but are usually quite cool and they’re suited with matching track pants. I just thought that track suits are yet another good piece to talk about because they are very light and simple, and you can truly wear them with anything which is really really dope.
Ripped Jeans.
Now, onto pants. For starting a streetwear collection, you definitely need a pair of ripped denim. And when I mean ripped denim, I meeaann ripped denim! I think that supa ripped pants are very transitional. And of course, you’ll wear these a most all the time. But also when it starts getting a little colder you can effortlessly put a tight underneath it (which also show through the rips) just to add sort of edgy look to the outfit. I think having a good pair of ripped denim in your closet is essential because you can pair it with t-shirts, jackets, you name it – it’ll complete it.
Cargo Pants.
The next pants to talk about are cargo pants. Any caramel coloured pants with small details are basically the look we want. Baggy cargos are a big hit! These pants are important when starting a streetwear collection because they add a different look than just wearing fitted jeans or track pants. A good out is cargo pants with most crop tops and then of course adding a jacket on top. Cargo pants also have that professional vibe to them and very functional because they are a little thicker than most pants, so you can wear them in cooler and warm weather.
Tight Pants.
Tight pants are very street style. I’m talking about track pants. You can literally grab them, match them with a turtleneck, with a cool pair of sneakers and you’re dressed! Winter or summer! Track pants are definitely essential and are a foundation for a great streetwear wardrobe since street can be this casual.
Basic White T-Shirt.
So onto tops. Similarly to the male’s section above, having a basic white top in your closet is always a good idea. It literally goes with everything. A shirt with a simple logo, picture, symbol, writing is ideal. Simple is best. I can’t stress how essential it is to have a white shirt in your closet. You can wear it normally, tucked in, or even tie it in front if it’s a little warm out. So white t-shirt… for sure !
Logo Filled T-Shirt.
Logos are really fashionable right now in the fashion world, especially with street style, you see logos on everything. So having a graphic tee in your wardrobe is a necessity, as well as simple logo shirts with simple colours on it. And ladies, there are loads of cool logos and graphic shirts and stuff in the boys sections (and vise-versa) so don’t be afraid to go check out stuff there.
A Jumpsuit or Romper.
The last thing for clothing are jumpers. I know a lot of people wouldn’t really think about picking out a jumper or romper in a street style wardrobe, but I do think it’s something to think about. You can really dress it up or down because it’s in the middle… it’s supa transitional, so it works so well with everything. You can also just pair a cute jacket on top of it or a turtleneck underneath it. A simple jumper makes it easier to style both up and down.
Combat Shoes.
So I think combat shoes are really important for ladies so I decided to add it to this list of essentials for a streetwear wardrobe. Now that it’s winter in South Africa, they’ll keep your feeties warm in the cold with a warm pair of pants.. And later, you can wear them in the summer with a cute skirt or short. Combats add a very edgy-chunky look to the outfit, so definitely think about investing in combats.
Heels.
Another shoe is a pair of heels. Street style isn’t just about wearing oversized clothes or runners, heels have become a major staple in a street style wardrobe. Personally, I don’t wear heels. I used to but as a kid, in my mom’s heels lmao… But heels do look really good in streetwear.
And that's basically it...
If you’re satisfied with the information you got here, visit my website again. You’ll be kept up to date with the latest trends, more essential items, and top 5 lists. Leave your Comments in the Comment Section down below. And while you’re on my website, bookmark my blog to see more of what I post, and share it with some stylish friends.
Click here to get the downloadable version of this Beginner’s Guide to Streetwear.
And that is everything
Byee ; )
