How to Stop Being Such a Hypebeast: A 10 Step Guide

First things first: realize that you don't have to match up your kicks and clothing all the time. Not only has this not been cool since like, 2003, it just looks tacky. "Matching" doesn't mean going tone-for-tone, just making sure two colors don't look totally gross next to each other. Ease up.

Speaking of kicks, you don't even have to wear sneakers 24/7. Learn to switch up your game with casual footwear like thick-soled plaintoe oxfords, Wallabees, or chukkas. Having a pair of brogued wingtips or double monks is nice too, but the idea is to be able to wear them casually, not having to fully dress up all the time.

There's a rule that goes something like this: put on everything you want to wear, look in the mirror, and take one thing off. More guys should listen to that. Nothing says "I'm trying too hard" like the dude with 500 accessories on. You can still rock a cap and a necklace, but think twice before adding bracelets and rings.

Don't go chasing every new drop. Not only will you go broke quickly, but you'll never be satisfied. There is literally something new coming out each week, and there are plenty of more important things to worry about than being the first kid on the block with a limited-edition T-shirt.

If you work a 9-5 office job that requires a button down shirt and chinos, then you probably shouldn't be wearing PYREX VISION, especially if you're pushing 40. Unless you find yourself hanging out with A$AP wannabes and goth ninja look-alikes, there's hardly a reason to dress like a street goth. But, you can consider items like Supreme's work pants, Stussy's oxfords, and mixing all that up with brands like The Hill-Side and perhaps an item you splurge on, like a denim jacket from Visvim. Just be realistic about where you hang out and the stuff you do, and find clothes that accomodate that without making you look ridiculous.

A "uniform" doesn't always mean wearing the same thing over and over, just finding colors and pieces that really speak to your style, and staying within that zone. Maybe you really like blue oxford shirts, so why not stock up on a few different ones from different brands? They're different enough that you'll want them, but familiar enough to get worn on a regular basis. It'll also help you curb your purchases, since you're developing a sense of the things you actually wear, which should help factor into whether or not you really want something.

Acknowledge your flaws, and no one can use them against you. Maybe you're a bit corny, or find that you're subconsciously dedicated to a certain brand. There's nothing wrong with that, not being the coolest person ever isn't the end of the world. But a sense of self-awareness does wonders for figuring out how you want to present yourself to the world. Maybe you'll stop rocking head-to-toe gear with the Jumpman logo, get a haircut that isn't a faux hawk, or stop wearing bright belts. Realizing how dumb certain things make you look is just one part of the process of figuring out personal style.

If "swag" is your occupation, then you're technically unemployed. If your side hustle is camping out for gear and then flipping it on the Internet, really take time to calculate the sacrifices you're making. Time is a huge investment, and if you wait eight hours to cop a $45 dollar shirt to sell for $100, you're still making less than minimum wage. Sure, if you're young and enjoy hanging out with your friends in line, by all means do that, just don't fool yourself into thinking it's a job, or that it's a noble cause. At the end of the day, you're just passionate about gear. You're no different from the type of nerd who goes to a comic convention, except instead of superheroes, it's clothing you geek out about.

It's great to find brands you really like, but don't go overboard with your passion. Mix it up and don't drape yourself head-to-toe in a certain label or a designer. That doesn't make you stylish, that makes you a walking advertisement. Consider wearing certain pieces with more conservative clothes, even ones from mall brands. Not everything you own has to be limited-edition, or even expensive. Trust us, it's okay to wear different things at the same time.

Don't let blogs dictate your taste. Take all the previous steps into consideration, along with the music you're into, the shows and movies you watch, and let those influence and shape your style. The Internet is great for finding out about new brands, shops, and even finding stylish people to admire, but it can get really dangerous if people don't think for themselves first. Be your own judge of what you think is cool.