So this issue is called, “Everything Street.” As it relates to fashion, I initially found the appropriate style difficult to recognize. Sure trends go in cycles—one fad fades, a previous one resurfaces. But with rappers, teen idols, and other paparazzi prisoners (because let’s face it; they are who set the trends) being so erratic and spontaneous—personal life and fashion alike—it’s a bit arduous just keeping up.
For those who haven’t managed to stay on the current fashion track, I’ve discovered a pattern that will lead you down the right path (for the most part). Hey, anything can happen. But it appears that trends have pushed the “20-year replay” button. Please, let me explain. For the past two decades, the present trend reverts back 20 years. Case in point: The 90s saw a resurgence of the disco inspired threads of the 70s while today we see the stonewashed skinny jeans of the 80s creeping into our closets.
Am I saying this pattern will continue? Not at all but if you see legs walking down 5th Avenue adorned in Hammer pants or stirrup leggings, don’t say I didn’t warn you. In other words, when trying to find the right street style turn down the all too familiar memory lane. These days, “street” isn’t urban or hip-hop inspired gear as the term has previously connoted. A fashion hybrid of the 80s and the prepster now run the streets.
When Andre 3000 traded his P-Funk fibers for a fedora and tweed waist coast, or when Common dropped the crotched dysheki for a seersucker blazer, it was clear that the streets had changed. But as for the perfect execution of any fashion look, scale it back. Less is always more. You don’t want to “over-prep.” Imagine a guy on a night out wearing tortoiseshell glasses, a Pee-wee bowtie, pastel polo, argyle sweater, braided belt, pants hemmed too short, and expensive boat shoes with no socks.
Try instead to mix the trends. Guys invest in one seersucker or trim navy blazer, a skinny knit tie, and a pair of flat front khakis. Ladies, a fitted cardigan sweater, large tote, and any skinny jean will do. Add a prep or 80s inspired item with something more neutral and you’ve mastered today’s street look. For example, throwing a vintage tee under the blazer makes this look simple to achieve for guys. Tying the cardigan over the shoulders of a button-down oxford shirt paired with skinny jeans for the ladies is just as painless. A trendy thick-rimmed plastic frame or a slimmer classic aviator frame will top this look off.
With this wardrobe, I won’t mind pushing the 20-year replay button. |
