Do you feel out of place when you enter certain places? Don't know how to dress to look like a hipster? Do you dream of knowing the hipster destinations par excellence (like Portland)? Or are you just fed up with your style and want to change up a bit? Being a hipster also means (but not only) choosing the right clothing. This article focuses precisely on the style of the subculture, while to deepen the other aspects we recommend reading How to Become a Hipster.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Feminine Look
Step 1. Loot your mom's closet for vintage t-shirts
Another option is to go shopping for original t-shirts. Avoid shopping at mainstream outlets (such as H&M, Zara, etc.). Haven't you noticed that by now you can find pseudo-vintage shirts everywhere? Consequently, shop in authentic vintage stores or those that sell second-hand stuff. Ask your relatives to give you some old clothes. Do an online search (even on foreign sites that ship to Italy). With a bit of effort and luck, you will find real goodies around.
A t-shirt should be very small (cut off the base to create a crop top, then wear it over a tank top you hate) or very large (slip it into a pair of high-waisted pants from a flea market). As for the vintage sweaters found in your aunt's closet, you can wear them without making any changes. You will see that it will be worth it because you will have a unique style
Step 2. A scarf or headscarf will help keep your neck warm and look more hipster than ever
The good news? These accessories go with everything, absolutely everything. Did you wear a top? Match a scarf. Are you wearing a suit for a wedding? You already know the answer. Is it hellishly hot outside? Idem.
Learn at least a dozen techniques for wearing scarves and foulards. When in doubt, just make a single loop around your neck nonchalantly. Don't worry about the appearance. You love the convenience of this accessory, right? Besides, hipsters don't give a damn about other people's opinions
Step 3. Look for floral print dresses, especially when it's hot outside
Clothes are often much more comfortable than other items of clothing. Just like t-shirts, they should evoke other eras. You'll be on the safe side with floral, vintage and 1950s dresses. The more floral, the better.
- You found the perfect dress at a flea market, but it fits a little too big. Or maybe you have found a dress that is a little too traditional and needs to be shortened. Go ahead and make any necessary adjustments, and then add neon accessories. Try it and you won't regret it.
- What to wear in winter? You certainly don't have to give up on these clothes. Just choose heavy wool socks, especially if they have a geometry or are fluorescent. Problem solved! You can also put a pair of knee socks over the all-black socks.
Step 4. Throw away all flared or flared jeans
Surely you have a few. You've probably been wearing them since you were 10 and have never stopped, except for a short time in 2006 when skinnies took over and everything changed in your closet. Then maybe you had second thoughts and went back to good old flared jeans. Many happened to have put aside the skinnies, forgotten in a corner together with the bell-bottoms. Now is the time to change. Give space only to skinny jeans, nothing else. They must be particularly adherent.
Do you have jeans in your wardrobe that don't convince you? Turn them into a pair of shorts. The more high-waisted and old-fashioned, the better. And when we say shorts, we are referring to super short shorts. Show your legs! Better to choose those turned up, of a light wash or torn. The important thing is that they are in denim to show off an authentic hipster style
Step 5. Load up with accessories
Literally. Choose several and wear them. Don't worry if they seem like too many. Did your grandmother give you a ruby necklace? Did they give you a tribal wooden bracelet and a tattoo effect choker? Fantastic! Anything goes. Also, try to be daring by combining accessories of different styles.
What seems excessive to others is probably perfectly normal for you. Pin a huge flower in your hair? Why not? A neon yellow clip that can be seen from miles away? And who forbids you?
Step 6. Mix the looks you wore in the past
You too were 12 years old and you too have gone through (in order) the phase of Hello Kitty, of the boy band on duty, emo, preppy, rock, grunge and so on. Now, grab a piece from every single look and mix them up - you'll get a hipster look in a second. Nothing easier.
We are not kidding. If we really want to label hipster fashion, we can say that in principle it is based on the discrepancy between styles and clashes between cultures, without giving them too much meaning. Many neo-hipsters make the mistake of putting too much weight on combinations. By choosing clothes haphazardly from the wardrobe, you will have an authentic hipster look
Step 7. As for shoes, bring as many shoes as you want, except for flip flops and high heels
This is the only rule for footwear. Go for loafers, cowboy boots, sneakers and ballet flats (who would have thought they're perfect for hipsters?).
Also remember that they shouldn't look particularly new. If you go to buy a pair of Converse, try to use them as much as possible and maybe personalize them. They must have lived before they are considered hipsters
Method 2 of 3: Masculine Look
Step 1. Wear your sister's jeans (if they fit you)
No, we are not kidding. The skinny, the better. They must be snug from the crotch to the ankles. And don't worry about how they will fit on you. Part of the idea is just that. Not being perfect for you, paradoxically they will look good on you and you will create a hipster look. In short, don't pay attention to what others think. Hipster fashion often goes against trends.
Step 2. The jeans should be tight from the waist to the feet
They need to be completely tight, so wear the right briefs too.
Step 3. Get nostalgic
Anything that makes you think back to when you were five must absolutely become an integral part of your wardrobe. You can also be inspired by what reminds you of the time your father was five. Vintage clothing is ideal for this style. The only logos you can wear are those of brands or companies that no longer exist, except American Apparel.
Clothes don't have to fit perfectly. We will talk more about this later, for now remember that they can be narrower or wider than usual. Size is the last thing you need to think about
Step 4. Pretend to have vision problems
If you want the hipster radar (hipsdar?) Of the others to flash, bring a pair of thick, black-rimmed glasses. If, on the other hand, you want your peers' hipsdar to reach decibels that can only be heard by dogs, opt for a frame of this kind, but without lenses. The usefulness of this accessory? None! At best it helps you to remember that the ears are still there. But this is not the point.
However, we must say that this hype is now inflated. For a touch of uniqueness, opt for a different vintage style or a particularly colorful pair of Ray-Bans. You will hardly go wrong by choosing this brand
Step 5. Mix the formal and informal styles
If you have read the section dedicated to girls, you will have realized that combining very different trends is an integral part of the hipster look. In addition to mixing styles from various eras, you can also mix casual and elegant clothes. Wear a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt under your Armani blazer, adding a knitted scarf, skinny jeans, and old and worn loafers. Are you going to an interview? To buy a case of beer on a bicycle? Nobody will ever know.
Don't be afraid to wear extravagantly boisterous prints. Tartan, gingham, checkered, paisley motif. Everything that would make an avid Cosmopolitan reader swoon is perfect. Do you have a tweed jacket and a cowboy shirt? Obviously you have to match them
Step 6. Try to dress like an onion
Time permitting, layers allow you to mix different styles, just like we explained to you earlier. For the record, cardigans go with everything. Underneath, add a t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt with an ironic print. Or, you can combine a scarf, t-shirt and trench coat. Make as many attempts as you like.
Step 7. What about the shoes?
With Converse you always play it safe, but you have to respect certain conditions. In fact, it must be admitted that anyone has at least a couple of them, from the neighbor to the butcher. You should therefore customize and consume them. Bringing a brand new pair of All Stars what does it say about you? That you specifically went to a shop to spend 55 euros, while the idea you need to communicate is not to give so much weight to your image. In short, it is better that they are a few years old and have adapted to the shape of the foot, otherwise try to use them as much as possible so that they have a worn look. Don't like Converse? Try other footwear.
Dr. Martens are a good place to start. Cowboy boots, old school Reeboks, Keds and vintage moccasins are also fine. The important thing is to say no to flip flops
Step 8. Use a shoulder bag
Do a quick Google search by typing "hipster bags" and a world will open up for you. Use them: if they are defined hipster (sure, it's not the best of originality, but so be it), it's because they are perfect for this style. Obviously you don't have to use them, but you will need to carry your things comfortably around.
Maybe you will run into someone who will make fun of you for carrying an un-masculine bag. So? What he says what he wants. Remind him that the shoulder strap leaves your hands free, so you could (and we stress you could, not resort to violence) give him a black eye with no problem. He deserves it for being so closed in his mind
Method 3 of 3: Style Tips for Both Genders
Step 1. Avoid everything mainstream
This means giving up on clothing brands worn by everyone, from H&M to Zara. It is important for two reasons: it allows you to emphasize your individuality and shows that you are against multinationals. To shop for clothes, pop into thrift stores or search the internet for vintage ones. Don't want second hand ones? Choose clothing that has a worn or vintage look. Also, prefer companies that don't exploit workers (like American Apparel).
Do you live in a very small town and there isn't even a thrift shop? You can always shop online. In any case, you shouldn't avoid the shops that are frequented by everyone like the plague: if you like, take a trip to the mall. It's not the best, but you certainly won't be the only hipster there
Step 2. Buy t-shirts that fit you well
Remember that the style suitable for a hipster is not comparable to others. Men's shirts should be tight, with shorter sleeves than ordinary t-shirts. Women's shirts, on the other hand, often give a tomboy air. Girls aren't forced to shop in the men's department, but they can invest in a few t-shirts a couple of sizes larger than usual.
You don't have to look sexy. Girls, in particular, should steer clear of clothes that are so tight that it hinders breathing (skinny jeans are the exception to the rule, in fact they should be very tight). Loose, soft clothing is ideal, and should be preferred. The hipster style is ironic, it does not serve to enhance the silhouette too much
Step 3. Denim is a must, but skirts should be avoided
Skinny jeans are a must in both men's and women's wardrobes. The trousers can be of any color, bizarre geometries, floral prints and fluorescent shades included. Don't like long pants? You can always opt for a pair of shorts. While girls can also wear very short shorts, boys should choose ones that come to the knees.
- Girls can also wear boyfriend cut jeans. If they are too long, make a cuff or two.
- Denim jackets and shirts are another good investment for a hipster wardrobe. Don't be afraid to cut it down. Denim vests are just as cool (and maybe even more!).
Step 4. Use open hoodies
If you prefer a chic hipster style, you probably have two or three sweatshirts in the closet. They go with everything, any garment. In short, they are faithful allies to create outfits.
Bonus points if you can combine a sweatshirt with a borsalino, a blazer or a printed and feminine dress
Step 5. Recycle your old clothes
It is useless to become an environmentalist and a vegetarian if you are unable to respect your ideals also through fashion. When in doubt, think about whether you can give an item of clothing a new use before throwing it away. How could you transform it and start wearing it again?
You don't have to go back to wearing it without changes! A sweater can be transformed into a pair of gloves (or a lampshade, a cover for a book, a pillow case). Do you want to be original? Do-it-yourself is the answer to become one
Step 6. Prepare for winter
The thickness of the jackets or coats depends on where you live, but it is important to choose them carefully, without undermining the efforts made so far. Here are some ideas:
- Buy a flannel shirt. Loose ones are perfect for creating any hipster outfit, regardless of color. Better that they are not combined with other clothes.
- Invest in a couple of cardigans. You can find them pretty much anywhere, even at the mall. Choose one with a V-neck and bold buttons. If possible, buy it one or two sizes larger.
- Buy a nice print crewneck sweatshirt or pullover. Look for those with "granny" geometry, such as flowers, kittens, or Christmas trees. Alternatively, opt for the particularly ugly motifs (the important thing is to wear them with irony, just so you will look like a real hipster).
- Keep your head warm with a grunge gray beanie. You can also choose a fluo orange one.
Step 7. Use lots of colors
Since you're totally free to mess with styles, you could easily look like a pack of Smarties. The more colors of the rainbow you sport, the better. If they are lively or have geometries, so much the better: take the opportunity to take shots with an analog camera, perhaps in a hipster environment (like Brooklyn, if you happen to visit New York).
Also show off fluorescent clothes and accessories: trousers, shoes, pieces of costume jewelery, Ray-Ban. Just because you're not in the latest fashion, you can still catch everyone's eye. Classic colors can be paired with no problem (at least so the color wheel says), but your aim is to spice up the look with neon clothing and quirky geometries. You have to create contrasts
Step 8. Add accessories
Even in this case you don't have to worry about matching them. Put everything you have. Bring the most diverse pieces: thin, large, plastic or metal. Use pendants depicting something unusual (like owls or octopuses), hair bands with bows that do not go unnoticed, flowers that stand out behind one ear, chunky earrings and everything else that catches the eye. You can also choose accessories with feathers.
- Faux leather accessories, such as shoulder bags, backpacks, vests and belts, are also great.
- Invest in cotton or linen scarves, to be used for any outfit. Better those who have a reason. The keffiyeh is certainly popular, albeit controversial for a whole host of religious implications. You can play it safe with some decent checkered geometry.
- Decorate the head. If it's too hot for a hat, hats (even straw ones) with a feather are ideal. Hats always put the icing on the cake in creating a hipster look.
Step 9. Get inspired by other hipsters' styles
Now that you know what the typical clothes and accessories of this subculture are, you will be able to spot a hipster from miles away. In case you haven't noticed, you see them everywhere (and some don't even know they are). Are there few in your city? Here are some good cultural icons to draw inspiration from:
- Pinterest.com and lookbook.nu are just two examples of useful sites to show off your look and take inspiration from others. Maybe you will inspire users and be the first to propose a certain look.
- Watch TV shows like Girls, Bored to Death or Portlandia for inspiration. Also observe the pairings of your favorite musicians.
- Search for images on Google by typing "hipster clothing". You will find useful ideas for dressing up.
