So you wanna be indie? And not the type with whip and hat? Fantastic! I hope you know how to be yourself, because that's what it's like to be indie. However, there are certain "guidelines" for indie dressing, such as rejecting major trends or wearing a pair of headphones.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: The Basics
Step 1. Be yourself
Being indie means being independent - that's where the name comes from. What does independent mean? It means doing things your own way; no matter what fashion they belong to, have belonged to or will belong - just do what you like. So, don't worry about how to dress indie - if you dress the way you like, you're already doing it.
Make sure you like it. The voice of society is so annoyingly loud that it is sometimes difficult to know if we are making a choice or if someone is telling us to do so
Step 2. Avoid big brands and traditional shops
Well, if there's one attitude that is actually indie, it's avoiding famous brands. An indie guy would never be seen dressed in a Coach bag or a pair of True Religion jeans for 180 euros. Indies tend to be a little more logical than that: if a quality, well-made, brand-like item can be found in a vintage store, what's the problem?
Do whatever you like anyway: just because a garment is in style doesn't mean it doesn't fit. Embrace a trend or two if you really like them, and don't stop following them just because they are no longer in style
Step 3. Revive retro styles
Being indie means appreciating what is always beautiful, valuable and, therefore, timeless (not like trends that are only temporary). For this reason, indies find vintage items and ever-current objects (from the 40s to the 70s) irresistible. If you find something that is old school and you like it, wear it! It was beautiful then and it is still beautiful now.
Whether it's a band shirt or your sister's Kelly Kapowski shirt, remember to ask yourself this question: Do you like it? You can't forget it! Who knew being indie was that simple?
Step 4. Mix lots of styles if you like
Since you are free to be who you are, mix! Be a little bit Jackie Kennedy, a little bit John Lennon or a little bit Prince if you like them. If you feel comfortable, you will feel safe and therefore you will be fine.
Don't worry if what you like is part of a certain label. Do you like that plaid shirt, but it looks really hipster? How about that studded bracelet, which however is normally associated with eyeliner? Perfect, get them! When you mix different looks, what comes out is your quintessence
Step 5. Don't believe the rumors
You've probably read a lot of things on the Internet, seen a lot of videos or talked to a lot of friends about what is meant by indie. If they say "man, you have to wear tight jeans" or "where are you going with those Converse?" do not listen to them. The idea is that there is no precise look to be respected; feel free to correct them!
Part 2 of 3: Add the Accessories
Step 1. Dress in layers
If you are cold, do something about it: put a cardigan over a t-shirt or tank top, put on a scarf in the middle of July, put tights under a dress, and wear stockings over them. Do you have a Bill Cosby sweater? Perfect! The character has always been indie from head to toe.
You can choose jarring colors or not - it doesn't matter. If they clash with each other, you will end up looking a bit alternative, but you won't be so extravagant as to look blatantly fake, unlike a real hipster who pretends to not care about his excessive clothing
Step 2. Spice up the look with jewelry and accessories
Everything is fine: wooden bracelets, a dream catcher pendant, an old locket, one of those 90s band chokers, anything that sparks your fancy that day. Hemp bracelets, clapper earrings and long necklaces broaden the look and add a feminine touch to any outfit; however, everything is fine if you choose according to your tastes.
- Vintage brooches and necklaces can also be considered. Take a tour of the flea markets and second-hand shops to freshen up your wardrobe.
- The scarves and hair bands are unisex. Ditto for the messenger bag (in denim, leather, personalized by you); if you want to wear a Lisa Frank backpack, even better for you.
Step 3. If a shoe fits you well, put it on
In fact, everything is fair - you shouldn't be very surprised. If you're looking for something specific, here's something to start with:
- Play it safe with the Vans Authentics. They are available in a wide variety of colors. Black (canvas or rubber), green, navy, and off-white are great choices, but they're not your only options.
- Loafers are very important for an indie wardrobe. They add a unique and nostalgic touch to an everyday outfit. They can vary in design and color, but they fit any look. Find some ideas on major US internet sites that sell these shoes.
- The Nike Dunks have gained popularity recently thanks to the nostalgia they recall and their limited edition versions. Plus, they look good on just about everyone. Some will want to avoid them, as these shoes may be considered too conventional in taste. Either way, the Nike SB Dunks and Nike iD Dunks are more personal if you can afford them.
- Sanuk are also unmissable! They have different styles, colors and patterns. Look for them in the nearest boat clothing store or specialty store.
- Girls can also wear ballet flats of any color, featuring a certain design or style. Platform shoes reminiscent of the Seventies and gladiator sandals are other great choices if you're tired of always wearing sneakers.
Part 3 of 3: Completing the Look
Step 1. Create your clothes
There is nothing as unique and independent as making your own clothes. If you know how to sew you can start right away, and if you don't feel like creating a dress from nothing, try customizing something you already own, adding your personal touch to a garment that you always want to make dust in the closet. You can reinvent your wardrobe without having to go shopping.
If sewing isn't your forte, try dyeing, knitting, crocheting, or anything else that can turn something boring into genius
Step 2. Dress according to the weather
For girls, in the cold months, sailor jackets of any color are excellent, whether they are double-breasted or not. When it's cold, cardigans become your best friend! Whether they are striped, patterned or plain, they look fabulous when combined with t-shirts and sleeveless tops.
- For boys, in the cold months, vintage leather jackets or Members Only jackets are a great option. If you like, you can even cover them with cool pins! When it's not freezing, vests, especially woolen ones, go well with everything. Finally, you can give sweatshirts a chance: they come in all types and colors, and can be worn all year round.
- Scarves (for men and women) can be used all year round, because you can find them in cotton, linen, silk and wool. They give a classic touch to any outfit. Both bright and neutral colors are wonderful, as long as they fit your look. Even bandanas can be transformed into cool scarves - you can use one or tie two. Furthermore, it is possible to wear scarves in many different ways: even the simplest one can make the most mundane outfit in the world incredibly unique.
Step 3. Be green
Indie kids know what's good or bad for the environment. If they can recycle something, they do. Thrift stores are going strong! So donate your clothes, shop at thrift stores, make your own clothes, and don't choose fashionable products that cause carbon emissions to be created.
You will also need to stay away from furs or similar. Animals are a fundamental part of the environment! Take the time to learn what your clothes are made of and who or what they affect on an environmental level
Step 4. Leave your hair as it is, whether it's straight, curly or wavy
You don't need to spend hours in the bathroom trying to "fix" them. What's wrong with your natural hair? Just nothing! It is best that your hair is not exposed to all that heat. So flaunt what mom gave you, even if your hair looks like straw.
This doesn't mean you can't touch them: if you want to tie them, cut them, shave them or make a comb, do it! Just don't dye them or treat them (for example with plates, etc.). It wouldn't be you anymore, would you?
Step 5. Put on a pair of headphones
If there is a generalization, it is that indie kids love to be on the music scene. So buy a retro or designer pair that will envelop you in an aura of mystery as you walk. The most suitable headphones for the indie style are, probably, the Grado SR60.
Buy headphones, find some sensational underground bands and songs to listen to. Indie kids usually don't listen to the top 40 and try to follow their own path when it comes to musical tastes
Advice
- Remember that although indie style is based on certain items of clothing, there are numerous other ways to dress. Examples to be taken as a model: the effervescent Forrest Kline of Hellogoodbye - a lover of t-shirts - and the more refined Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend. Find your personal style by letting yourself be inspired by other people.
- Make up with products not tested on animals. Manic Panic offers great makeup, as well as good quality hair dyes and extensions. Aveda also offers irresistible make-up and hair care products that are free from toxic and carcinogenic substances. Not even Pangea's tricks were made by experimenting on animals and the same goes for Urban Decay. Try to opt for vegan products.
- Listen to the music of independent labels. Majors often force bands to change their style of music in order to sell better. The independent ones, on the other hand, generally offer quality, more authentic music.
- Recycle. If you can make changes to old clothes, do it instead of throwing them in the trash. Does a friend of yours want them? Give them to him. If you don't know what to do with them, sell them at a thrift store, give them to charity, or trade them. In case you need the money, you can also sell it on eBay or at the flea market. If you made them yourself, you can list them on Etsy. Shop for clothing made from recycled materials. Sell old CDs at a local store. Most music outlets buy them. Use the scratched ones to make DIY works, which you can use to decorate your home, give as gifts (older relatives usually like to receive items created by their grandchildren) or sell.
- Another good way to get more indie is to buy vinyl. Several indie artists, such as Phoenix, Modest Mouse, Xiu Xiu, Grizzly Bear, Buffalo Country and many more, release their songs on vinyl records. Owning an impressive collection will not only make you more indie, it will also be more satisfying than having a state-of-the-art iPod.
- Buy t-shirts, buttons and patches that support animal rights, social justice, vegetarianism, and environmentalism. Raise awareness wherever possible.
- You should walk as barefoot as possible! Put on flip-flops and, if you're a girl, ballet flats when it's hot.
- Converse are not the best choice for indie fashion, as they are now used by everyone. Adding a personal touch to the shoe can make you avoid communicating this idea, but now everyone seems to own a pair of “unique” and “eccentric” All Stars. If you really want them, it would be a good idea to buy a pair in solid colors and scribble the canvas.
Warnings
- The term "indie" stands for "independent". Find out who you are or who you want to be. And wear what you want, buy what you want, state what you want, behave as you want. This is true independence. Don't let the opinions of others control your choices. Be who you really are and people will admire and respect you much more for your choice.
- Also, never label yourself. If someone asks you to define yourself, answer that you are simply yourself or keep quiet. This will help those around you understand that you are who you want to be.
- Do not do some “fashion shows” showing your new indie side. People will think you are acting this way just to make a scene. Remember to stay true to yourself and adopt your new style. Over time, you will become what you aspire to be.
