There is a time in everyone’s life when they look in the mirror and realise they need to up their style game. Streetwear has been a huge trend for a couple of years now, but this doesn’t mean that it’s for everyone. You won’t see a 35-year-old dressed head to toe in labels, but you may see some 35-year-olds wear the odd street garment paired with other styles. This is because they wear streetwear like an adult. Streetwear can be a costly style and when you grow up, there are many more important things to be spending your money on such as mortgages, savings and much more.
Streetwear is extremely versatile and can range from a simple tracksuit to something much more complicated and engaging. As an adult, it’s time to tone things down slightly and enjoy a more simplistic approach to wearing streetwear. In this article, we will go through some simple tips on how to wear streetwear like an adult.
Characteristics of Streetwear
Streetwear has many items and can include a range of fashion styles, but in general, they focus on four key elements including:
Comfort: Streetwear involves comfortable casual clothing and athleisure staples such as hoodies and cargos.
Scarcity: Streetwear oozes hype beast culture and it has a lot to do with getting the latest gear or limited editions. As an adult, this doesn’t mean you have to join the club.
Menswear Style: Although streetwear is for both genders, the garments used, evolve around the men’s wardrobe with classic pieces like sweatshirts, cargos and joggers.
Contemporary Art: It is no secret that streetwear and graphic art are synonymous. Some of the most popular graphic tees and hoodies borrow designs from contemporary. Some may be legit, and others may not be.
Start With Footwear
Most people will agree that footwear makes the outfit, and if you have something bold and brash, this instantly looks ridiculous when you’re an adult. There are some very obnoxious designs out there that are very hard to pair with a toned-down wardrobe style. If you like this, then you can look cool, just ensure your outfit isn’t too toned down.
If you are wanting something that goes with most outfits, it is best to keep it simple. There are some stunning treds out there with minimal designs such as a quality pair of Alexander McQueen’s or Common Projects that will go with anything and can transform an outfit.
Opt For Fitted Over Baggy
Everyone has different bodies, so everyone has their preference for the fit they wear, and it is important to feel comfortable in what you are in. If you don’t have a preference, it is best to go for fitted clothing rather than baggy or skinny. The fitted style should not be skinny jeans or tops, but a more tailored fit as this shows definition and shows that you are wearing things for a purpose.
When one wears skinny fits, it can often look uncomfortable and slightly unflattering which is not what streetwear is about, it’s all to do with comfort. In 2022, the fit has turned to a regular or loose fit over skinny, but baggy can also look like you don’t care about your outfit so sticking to a middle ground is best.
If you do prefer a baggy style or a skinny, it doesn’t have to completely be removed from your wardrobe, instead, pair skinny with baggy. This is a great look if you’re wearing a simple outfit of skinny jeans and an oversized hoodie with a cool pair of trainers. Just ensure that everything you wear is for a purpose.
Keep It Simple
One trend that has disrupted the nature of things is pairing bold prints together that don’t match and don’t look good with each other. This is a hideous look in general, but even worse for adults wearing streetwear as it just looks like you’re trying too hard, and let’s face it, the one benefit of being. When it comes to streetwear for adults, simplicity is essential to pull it off.
Fitted clothing and plain designs work on so many levels and can be paired with smart wear to create a smart casual aesthetic if the occasion requires it. Obviously, we’re not saying to keep away from the odd graphic hoodie or tee, or even branded clothing, but tone it down slightly.
Quality Materials
Until a couple of years ago, streetwear was mostly known for its loose fitting that would cause anyone to fall off their board. This is why the materials used were so durable and heavy including denim and heavy cotton.
Were in 2022 now though, and the times have changed. Streetwear is now away from the skateboard parks due to top designers incorporating luxury materials into garments such as hoodies, tees, cargos and much more. You would definitely not want to be falling off a skateboard in these items due to the price and the materials being more delicate.
Instead of opting for heavy materials that look slightly hipster, opt for thinner more luxurious materials. It completely transforms an outfit with materials, so try some lux materials from places like Fradime or Gods Gift for some fantastic quality clothing made from lux materials.
Stop Being A Hype Beast
Streetwear appeals to the younger generations, and with this comes a lot of spare time. Youth culture promotes queuing up in lines for the next new trainer which, to be honest when you get older, you have better things to be doing with your time and money, so try and tone it down a notch. Supreme and Yeezy are both culprits to this, and the odd piece looks great.
Instead of going for the next trending piece, opt for stuff that you like, you would wear and feel comfortable in. Buying just for the sake of it is a waste of money and time and can seriously hinder your style.
Check The Mirror
Streetwear can be slightly garish, and not everything will suit you. If there is one thing you want to be doing before purchasing anything is to try it on before you buy it. This will ensure that it looks right on you and you have the right size. It can sometimes be overwhelming in the shops, so when you take it home, try it on again and see if it looks how you want it to.
It is important to be honest with yourself with this, do you look too old in it? Do you feel comfortable in it? It’s still not too late to return and get something else. This is a key trick to finding your style and you should be checking the mirror before you leave every day.
Forget Logos
When you are young it is all too tempting to get the next big product from top brands like Supreme, Louis Vuitton and Fradime. But when you grow up and you have more important things to be spending your money on, your mind changes and it is more to do with the overall style over the brands involved.
This means no logos are needed, and if you have a few pieces, that is fine, but logos mean tacky. As an adult, you don’t have to follow trends, in fact, why not mix it up with a range of styles, this way you can look your best, and still be unique and pack punch with your outfit.
