Streetwear is everywhere these days.
It is in the media, the streets, and all across social media posts. No matter where we look, there is someone, somewhere wearing some form of streetwear. There is no way of escaping it, as it has not only grown beyond just a ‘fad’ but into a cultural movement.
For this reason, everyone from the new kids on the block to your older relatives has been looking to find some way to join the streetwear party. And while this is a beautiful thing to see, the unfortunate truth may be that you aren’t half as young as the people that make it cool.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but let’s face it: streetwear was made for the young. Or at least, this is what we’re made to believe. In fact, unlike previous generations of streetwear, we may be living in a time where this ‘unfortunate truth’ may not apply anymore, as streetwear has gone beyond a specific style – it is worldwide fashion.
Tips on wearing streetwear as a grown-up
We all want to be young. Whether we choose to admit it or not, there is always a part of all of us that long to be considered cool. In this way, it is all too easy to lose yourself in the boom of streetwear. The colors and style of the clothes are beautiful.
People from all over the world are embracing it, and wearing it allows you to be part of something bigger than just apparel – it lets you experience a culture. However, no matter how much you want to be a part of the cool kids, one thing you need to be wary of is just how old you are. While there isn’t a necessary age cap to embracing fashion, with streetwear, the older you are, the more aware you should be on how you wear the clothes.
- Not everything that has ‘hype’ is necessary – For the younger generation, the hype factor defines almost everything. While this may be understandable for the youth, as they are centered around whats poppin’ at that moment, for anyone that isn’t in their teens, learning to ignore all the hype can actually be a good thing. Fashion, and streetwear especially, are all about self-expression. If everyone were to wear what was currently ‘in the hype mode,’ then we’d all look the same. Being able to find quality pieces through all the noise can make your fashion statement louder, bolder, and potentially better.
- Start at your feet – As the saying goes, “shoes make an outfit, they’re like rims for a car.” This has remained true since fashion was even a thing, and yet strangely, so many people (especially men) seem to forget this fact. This is something that you need to be even more aware of as you get older, since matching a beautifully styled outfit with a shoe that pops too much may not match your age. Leave the hyped, outlandish styles for the young. If you want to be taken seriously while wearing streetwear as an adult, it may be better to go for something that doesn’t scream labels and mainstream.
- Invest in the right fabrics – When streetwear first emerged, it was meant to be made of cheap fabric since it was often used and inspired by the skate, hip hop, and surfing culture. The goal was to create a style that was cheap enough to be ruined without breaking the bank. Yet, now that streetwear has evolved into something more casual and high-end, it has become accepted to use expensive and long-lasting fabrics. For this reason, try to wear something more befitting your pay range, rather than simply trying to get what all the kids can afford (even if it seems cooler).
- Do not fear your figure – Although streetwear isn’t known for its figure-fitting style, as an older person, you want to portray a certain level of style and professionalism to you. In this way, wearing baggy, comfort clothes may not do that job. So, don’t be afraid to show off your figure. Remember that mobility isn’t everything in fashion. Something a little slimmer may actually compliment your body and style much better and make your fashion pop.
- The beauty in simplicity – Keep things simple. The thing about wearing streetwear as an adult is that you do not want to look as if you are trying too hard to impress somebody. Of course, we do not mean to go with only plain colors like white and black all the time, but in terms of design and style, unless you are an Instagram influencer, model, or celebrity, there is no need to go out-the-world flashy. Sometimes, simplicity is all that is required to make an outfit look great.
- Accessorize – Any fashionista can tell you that adding accessories will help highlight your outfit. It adds that extra flair and makes you appear differently. In the end, it’s the fine little details that allow you to take your look to the next level. However, similarly to the tip above, keep it subtle and simple. There is no need to rock out heavy chains and fingers full of rings.
- Mix and match – The beautiful thing about fashion is that mixing different colors, brands, and styles can make something completely different. Just like cooking, it is all about experimentation. In that way, there is no need to stick to one single brand that you feel loyal to. As a grown adult, stepping out of that comfort zone to try different brands may help you discover items that you never knew you enjoyed. Moreover, learn to mix and match professional clothing like blazers with hoodies – you never know what kind of nice combination you can create.
Final Thoughts
While many people say streetwear is for the young and that may be true to a certain extent, it does not mean you – as a grown-up – cannot be a part of the culture. The only thing to remember is how old you really are, and with that in mind, choose the right products accordingly.
As long as you take our tips into consideration, whether you’re 15 or 55, streetwear is a movement that is all about expressing your inner self. So, browse around on global platforms like Novelship and get a better overview of what might be right for you.