Sometime in the ‘90s, a new clothing style emerged, combining elements of different sports, music genres and cultures. Streetwear – the style that blended the casual with the fashionable, allowed self-expression and individuality. Once a domain of skaters and rappers, streetwear has flourished into one of the most influential fashion movements.
Who would’ve thought that those casual tees and pants from the ‘90s would see the flashing lights of the awards and events of today? Everyday clothes that look good and feel good, exuding a distinct, bold flair that sets you apart from the crowd. If this sounds like your jam, here’s how you can embrace it.
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Workwear That Evolved Into Fashion
Athleisure, hip-hop apparel, skate clothing—streetwear is many things. But unarguably, at the base of it all lies workwear. One of the most famous workwear brands, Dickies, is to blame for a myriad of iconic looks that shaped streetwear as we know it.
As a brand that’s been around for the past 100 years, it has been through it all—from the craze stage of skateboarding to the golden era of hip-hop and beyond, bravely defying fads with its rugged aesthetic. Unlike other types of workwear, such as industry-specific hospitality uniforms, Dickies wear worked its way up in mainstream fashion, earning a status of a streetwear classic.
The fact that when shopping for Dickies clothing you can still see some of the ‘70s and ‘90s staples speaks for itself. The 874 Original work pants and the DK-1574 workshirt are still the go-to choices of many streetwear enthusiasts. In case you were wondering what are the Dickies everyone is wearing, that answers your question.
Back in the day, big names like Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg could be seen sporting Dickies clothing. Who can forget their oversized workshirts matched with baggy work pants? A timeless aesthetic that lives on, as seen in more recent celeb outfits worn by A$AP Rocky, Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Kourtney Kardashian, to name a few.
How to Style Dickies Apparel?
With versatility and functionality embedded into every piece, incorporating Dickies wear into your everyday wardrobe is a no-brainer. You can choose from an extensive selection of comfortable and functional tops and bottoms that can be styled and customised in various ways to suit just about any occasion.
If you want to put your best foot forward, you can choose a smart button-up in a neutral colour that’s easy to pair with almost anything in your wardrobe. Think a pop of colour would work better? The Dickies range isn’t short on patterns and colourways.
And for days when you want to keep it stylish yet casual, you can choose an easy-wearing cotton tee. Team it up with a heavy-weight, zip-up hoodie to break the rules of proportion and achieve a fashionable, layered outfit.
For the ultimate throwback look, you can go for the classic Dickies outfit – a coordinated set of pants and shirt topped off with accessories for an added personal touch. A statement timepiece on your wrist or a pair of hoops for the ladies should do the trick. You can also include an NBA hat to tie the look together.
From the Hardwood to the Red Carpet
Speaking of NBA, basketball apparel also played a huge role in shaping the streetwear clothing style. One of the greatest teams of all time, the Chicago Bulls, has become somewhat of a global fashion phenomenon, with Bulls jerseys, hats and other fan gear being highly sought-after worldwide.
If you’re a fan of the 3-peaters and their fiery mascot or simply love the bold colourway, why not add a Bulls jersey to your wardrobe? Versatility at its finest, you can wear NBA jerseys in various ways, infusing a street-inspired vibe to your everyday look. Not big on jerseys? NBA team snapbacks and bucket hats are another way to add a touch of sporty chic to your outfit.
Just Do It or Bounce Off the Wall?
What is streetwear aesthetic without hypebeast footwear? As you already know, sneaker culture is also a part of the streetwear puzzle, with brands like Nike, Vans and Converse being some of the most respected labels in the game. Since shoes are the secret ingredient that can take any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary, you need to know your kicks.
If you want to play it safe, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Nike Dunks or Air Force 1s. These two models have seen their fair share of fashion mag covers and runways. Available in a huge range of colourways to suit every fashionista out there, you can easily find something that complements your personal style.
If you’re looking to pull off a skate-inspired outfit, you shouldn’t look further than Vans Old Skool. Although originally designed to meet the needs of skaters for quality, durable, sport-specific footwear, Vans Old Skools have become a favourite among streetwear enthusiasts and hypebeasts alike.
You can’t talk about street footwear without mentioning the good old Chucks that have been around for over a century. The first official American basketball sneakers that also marked the history of the punk, rock, and grunge music era, earning a special place in streetwear and hypebeast culture.
Beware though, since scarcity is what puts the hype in hypebeast footwear, there are many fakes of popular sneakers online and in stores. To ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for, ensure that you’re buying from reliable, authorised dealers.
Closing Thoughts
It’s hard to define streetwear as a clothing style because it’s inclusive of various subcultures and movements. In its essence, it’s about letting your individuality shine through, so it is basically what you make it to be. And with these versatile, time-loved classics above, you can effortlessly tailor your own version of it. With that being said, it’s time to get busy shopping.
