The Definition of Street Wear

You’ve heard about it, you’ve almost certainly seen it, but what is “street wear” really? Devon Griffith, Head of Design at Massive Revolution explains, “Street wear is youth – it’s a retro 80s look inspired by the sneaker culture and hipsters on New York’s Lower East Side.” But, don’t confuse street wear with Urban fashion – looking like the Fresh Price of Bel-Air is miles away from the dark denim, baggy clothing and white sneakers that defined the inner-city’s Urban look. “American Apparel, H&M, Uniqlo – the whole [design concept] is based on street wear,” says Griffith.

Looking to incorporate the street wear look into your own style? It’s easy with a few wardrobe essentials and as Griffith explains, “Street wear is about a look more than a price point – it’s meant to be very approachable.” The key item to pull off the look is vintage or vintage-style sneakers. “Check out the Nike SB Series – they’re pulling together old Nike Designs like the Air Force I or old Air Jordan’s with lots of color,” explains Griffith. Other critical items are tight fitting jeans and a solid gray or single-color striped cardigan. “It’s all going punk – think Clockwork Orange. Skinny Levi 501s, and Lemar & Dauley graphic tees are going to be big this fall.” Need to add some bling to your look? “Get yourself a fat-rope gold chain, you know, the kind L.L. Cool J used to rock,” says Griffith.

With high-end designers like Burberry and Jill Sander starting to incorporate street wear into their own lineups, the look is going to be bigger than ever this fall. “When it comes to color: yellows, purples, royal blue and black are all going to be popular,” says Griffith. Cardigans and vests will continue to be closet staples, and thankfully, quite affordable. “H&M and Uniqlo are making pretty much every color - and for really cheap,” adds Griffith. As for accessories, thin shoes and thin belts are in and, believe it or not, bandanas and fedora hats, the kind you used to see businessmen wear in old movies. I’m really excited about those,” concludes Griffith.