Image via Complex Original
If you've lived in a major city in the past few years, then you're familiar with the invasive species known as the Hipster. The stereotype of the hipster is pretty negative, but there are some things these millennials have gotten right. All pretentiousness and cooler-than-thou attitude aside, we're in a pretty decent style period thanks to these guys. And stop trying to claim you're not a hipster. Unless you're a bro and/or you rock suits everyday, you probably fall under the enormous umbrella that is "hipster."
While it's easy to bash on their skinny jeans and fedoras, let's take a step back and look at how the notion of the hipster, which has come to mean almost anything and everything, can actually help us in terms of style. Take a look at these various aspects of hipter style and take notes of where hipsters are setting the bar. We could've gone down some ugly paths if it weren't fr these guys.. Lax bro steez? Shudder.
RELATED: The 10 Hipster Fashion Staples You Might Be Wearing Already
Only Bring Back the Good Stuff
The stereotype of hipsters combing through musty vintage stores and wearing their grandfather's clothing definitely has an element of truth, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. When stylish elements of the past are brought back to the forefront, dudes look rad. Workwear's recent resurgence and military's constant influence are testament that, like our school's textbooks, it's a good idea to remember certain aspects of our history and to forget others. Any guy who's looking good wearing an M65 or workwear brands your grandfather respected can thank hipsters for that.
Vacation Isn't an Excuse to Dress Poorly
It used to be really easy to spot an American in Paris or any other tourist destination. Just look for the guy in the baggy cargo shorts, flip-flops, and loudly talking about how shady the locals are. Who knows if our behavior has changed, but hipsters have led the way in representing our country well in foreign territory. Instead of the usual vacay garb, throw on some white pants and a super casual shirt to prevent the locals from immediately thinking they're dealing with a dumb tourist. They are, after all, shady as hell.
DIY Fashion
Everyone knows hipsters are into Do It Yourself activities and products. Who knew that people could be so into pickling? This DIY mentality has definitely spilled over into the style arena, and on any stroll through Williamsburg or Silverlake you'll see plenty of clothing that's been hacked, torn up, altered, and, for the most part, improved. Can't afford that $1,300 shirt that looks like the designer accidentally spilled their coffee on? Just get a tub and some dye, and bingo, it looks like you're rocking luxury clothing.
Accessorize Wisely
Accessories are dangerous territory because they make a statement before you can even open your mouth. For example, walk into a bar with a sweater draped around your neck, collar reaching for the heavens, a Livestrong bracelet, and you might as well get up on a table and yell "I'm an asshole!" But walk down the hipster path with an ill snapback, some gold, and a few vintage pins and you're sending a message people will want to hear more of.
Dressing Up Doesn't Mean You're a Suit
The very notion of donning a suit strikes the fear of their maker in most hipsters. To them, there's nothiing less cool than #CorporateLife. But hipsters have found a way of incorporating more formal wear without looking like pencil-pushers. Throw a slim blazer on over some printed pants or wacky shirt, keep your kick game on point and no one will think you bow down to The Man.
Know What's Actually Made in the USA
In their quest for suppporthing all things that are locally made, hipsters have created a huge desire for Made in the USA brands. By doing their diligent research, hipsters sift through the marketing falsities that others swallow without pause. Pause. That's why you'll see hipsters proudly rocking labels like Levi's, New Balance, and Randolph Engineering. Who knew that hipsters were so patriotic?
Discover New and Independent Designers
You know how hipsters always liked a popular band before they were cool? Well, same goes for clothing brands. But it's well worth the time hipsters take to research what brands are out there beyond what everyone already knows. You're sure to find brands who are creating clothes you didn't even know you wanted. And plus, if you discover the next big thing, then you have bragging rights.
Take Awesome Style Risks
Even though we are all for taking risks with your style, we've seen plenty of failed outcomes that are just laughable. Still though, we prefer the risks that hipsters take with their wardrobes than the notion that critter pants and a pastel blazer means you'll be the talk of The Cape. Hipsters are already pretty out there, so taking it even further means you might be setting the standard for those looking to go on to the next one.
Rock Streetwear Without Being a Hypebeast
Trinidad Jame$ may have put it best: "Hypebeasts we know about ya / don't buy shoes unless they popular." While some streetwear heads may take it overboard when they rock clothes that screams "COLLABO! EXCLUSIVE! NEXT LEVEL SHIT!" and other message of conspicuous consumption, hipsters keep it simple and do it right. While streetwear is hardly ever not flashy, hipsters rock streetwear to exhibit their personal style, while hypebeasts are dick-riding whatever's trending.
Clothes That Actually Fit Look Better
We've all heard the jokes on skinny jeans, and we're definitely not advocates of wearing girl jeans, but there is no denying that hipsters brought us to the light when it came to proper fitting clothing. Yes, the cultural archetype of the hipster has them in nut-crushing tight pants, but we dare you to dispute that hipsters were the vanguard of slimming down pants, shirts, and everything else. If you're one of the few holdouts against clothes that actually fit, then it's simply a lost cause.
