Street style has become a central force in the world of fashion. It’s no longer just about what’s on the runway or in high-end boutiques—today, some of the best fashion inspiration comes directly from the streets. From the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City to the eclectic urban hubs of Tokyo, street style offers an authentic and diverse glimpse into how people around the world express themselves through fashion. It’s personal, accessible, and often a reflection of the social and cultural environments in which it exists.
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of street style, how it has evolved, and how to draw inspiration from it to create your own unique looks.
What is Street Style?
Street style refers to the fashion worn by everyday people, often seen in urban settings. Unlike the polished, premeditated looks of runway shows, street style is spontaneous and individualistic. It’s about expressing personality, creativity, and a sense of authenticity through fashion. Street style can include everything from casual wear to more polished, avant-garde looks, but it always maintains an element of individuality.
While street style was initially thought to be confined to specific fashion capitals like Paris, London, and Milan, it has become a global phenomenon. Today, fashion-conscious individuals around the world are using the streets as their personal runway, mixing high-end pieces with thrifted items, vintage finds, and custom-made garments. It’s a blend of comfort, creativity, and self-expression, where trends are not dictated by designers but by the people who wear them.
The Evolution of Street Style
Street style’s journey from the sidewalks to the global fashion stage has been a fascinating one. While it has always existed in some form, street style became a true cultural movement in the mid-20th century. Here’s a brief look at how it evolved:
1950s and 1960s: The Birth of Youth Culture
In the 1950s and 1960s, youth subcultures like rock ‘n’ roll, mods, and hippies began to influence the fashion world. Young people started to reject the formal, buttoned-up styles of previous generations and embraced more relaxed, rebellious clothing choices. This was when street style first began to gain traction—driven by youth rebellion and individual expression.
1970s and 1980s: Subcultures and Hip-Hop Influence
The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of countercultures like punk, new wave, and hip-hop, each with its own distinctive fashion. In the streets of cities like New York, London, and Paris, people started using fashion to make political statements and express social identities. Hip-hop culture, in particular, became a major influence on street style, with oversized jeans, bomber jackets, and Adidas sneakers becoming iconic symbols.
1990s and 2000s: The Rise of Streetwear
By the 1990s and early 2000s, streetwear began to emerge as a dominant fashion category. Brands like Supreme, Stüssy, and BAPE capitalized on the growing demand for street-inspired fashion, blending elements of hip-hop, skate culture, and high-end fashion. This era marked the transition of street style from being a subculture to a mainstream fashion movement, and high-end designers began taking notice.
2010s and Beyond: Street Style on the Runway
In the 2010s, street style exploded in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of street style blogs and the Instagram era. Fashion influencers and bloggers like Chiara Ferragni, Aimee Song, and Kendall Jenner brought street style into the spotlight, often showcasing their outfits on social media. High-end designers and luxury brands began incorporating elements of street style into their collections, further blurring the lines between streetwear and high fashion.
How to Draw Fashion Inspiration from the Streets
Street style is a wonderful source of inspiration because it showcases real people dressing in ways that feel authentic to them. If you want to incorporate some street style into your own wardrobe, here are some tips to help you draw inspiration from the streets.
- Mix High and Low Fashion
One of the defining features of street style is the blending of high and low fashion. It’s not uncommon to see someone pairing luxury designer shoes with vintage thrifted jackets or a high-end handbag with casual denim. This mix creates a unique, personalized look that feels effortless and approachable.
How to Do It:
- Pair high-end sneakers (like Nike Air Force 1s or Balenciaga Triple S) with affordable joggers or slouchy pants for a casual, yet chic look.
- Combine a designer blazer with vintage graphic tees and distressed jeans to create an edgy yet polished outfit.
- Play with Proportions
Street style is all about experimentation, and one of the best ways to achieve a standout look is by playing with proportions. Oversized jackets, baggy pants, and cropped tops have become street style staples because they allow for a mix of comfort and style.
How to Do It:
- Try pairing oversized blazers with skinny jeans or tight leggings for a balanced silhouette.
- Experiment with oversized hoodies or puffer jackets, and wear them with more fitted items like skinny jeans or high-waisted trousers.
- Pair wide-leg trousers or cargo pants with a fitted crop top to balance out the loose silhouette.
- Embrace Accessories
Accessories are essential when it comes to street style. A few well-chosen accessories can completely transform your outfit, adding an element of interest and personality. From statement earrings to bold sunglasses and vintage hats, accessories can take your outfit to the next level.
How to Do It:
- Add a wide-brimmed hat or beanie to a simple outfit for a cool, laid-back vibe.
- Layer gold necklaces or chunky bracelets for an elevated look.
- Throw on a sling bag or crossbody purse in a bold color or design to add a pop to your outfit.
- Mix Different Textures and Fabrics
Another way to create a street style look is by mixing different textures and fabrics. Combining contrasting materials—like leather, denim, cotton, and knitwear—adds depth and interest to your outfit.
How to Do It:
- Pair a leather jacket with denim jeans for an edgy, balanced look.
- Mix knit sweaters with leather pants or skirts for an interesting contrast.
- Combine silk blouses with wool skirts or tweed pants to create a sophisticated yet urban style.
- Take Risks and Be Creative
Street style is all about expressing your individuality and taking risks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors, patterns, and unconventional pairings. The best street style looks are often the most unexpected, where people mix unlikely items and make them work.
How to Do It:
- Mix bold prints like stripes and florals or pair bright colors like neon green with softer tones like beige.
- Go for a monochrome look where all pieces in the outfit are the same color or shade. This can create a strong visual statement and make the outfit look more put-together.
- Play around with clashing patterns. Try pairing polka dots with animal prints or plaid with floral patterns for an eye-catching effect.
- Keep it Comfortable and Functional
One of the best things about street style is its emphasis on comfort and practicality. While high fashion often focuses on beauty and elegance, street style is about wearability. Comfortable clothing allows you to move freely and express your personality in an effortless way.
How to Do It:
- Invest in comfortable sneakers or flats that allow you to move easily without sacrificing style.
- Opt for oversized shirts and relaxed trousers for a laid-back yet fashionable outfit.
- Layer up with comfortable jackets like denim or utility coats, which provide both warmth and style.
Street Style Icons to Draw Inspiration From
There are many fashion icons who have mastered the art of street style. These individuals offer great examples of how to pull off street style looks while remaining chic, fashionable, and approachable. Some notable street style influencers include:
- Chiara Ferragni: The Italian blogger and entrepreneur has become a global street style icon, known for mixing high fashion with casual, everyday wear.
- Kendall Jenner: The model frequently shows off her street style, often pairing streetwear pieces with designer accessories for a balanced look.
- Pharrell Williams: A style icon in the music and fashion worlds, Pharrell mixes high-end items with casual pieces, often sporting bold colors and unique accessories.
Conclusion: Own Your Street Style
Street style is about more than just copying what you see on Instagram or Pinterest—it’s about expressing yourself through your clothing and having fun with fashion. By mixing high and low pieces, experimenting with proportions, and embracing accessories, you can create your own unique look that speaks to your personality and lifestyle. Remember, the key to street style is confidence. If you wear your clothes with confidence and creativity, you’ll always look great.
