Urban street style is constantly evolving, so it can be very difficult to keep up with the latest hot trends. This is especially true when it comes to accessories because what’s in vogue this week might be well and truly out of style next month.
However, if you are struggling to keep pace or even know the latest developments for a boost in your confidence in your own style, rest assured there are some accessories that have well and truly stood the test of time.
In this post, we’ve put together a list of six of them, which you should always try and incorporate into your own individual, urban street style.
What is urban street style?
If you know what urban street style is, you can skip straight to the next section.
However, if you don’t know how to be drip or where you are getting your next cop from, then it’s worth taking a moment to familiarise yourself with it.
Essentially, street style is a form of fashion that is an outlet for self-expression. It has traditionally been synonymous with punk rockers, rappers and skateboarders and draws inspiration from the urban and street areas – rather than traditional, upscale fashion boutiques.
Typically, street style is defined by a casual and effortless appearance, which usually comprises clothing items like baggy jean, graphic t-shirts, oversized hoodies and loose-fitting pants. More often than not, they also feature prominent graphics, bold logos and large typography.
Ironically, while street-style has been often viewed as flying in the face of conventional fashion, it is actually big fashion business now, with one estimate suggesting its global value in terms of sales is around $185 billion.
Must Have Accessories
So, now that we’ve established what urban street style is, let’s look at some of the accessories that are integral to it.
Here are six must-have items you need, if you want to embrace this fashion genre.
1. Sunglasses
Regardless of whether its Oakley’s, Ray-Bans, Gentle Monster or the stylish Carrera sunglasses, you ain’t cool unless you’re rocking the shades.
Sunnies are the ultimate street style accessories and there are plenty of variations you can choose from to fit your shape of face.
The likes of clubmaster, wayfarers, rounds and cat eye are all still very much a part of the scene. So, pick a pair with bold frames and stunning lens colours that will really get you noticed.
Just remember to choose one that will give you the best protection against harmful UV rays.
2. Sneakers
Sneakers are an integral feature of any urban street look.
As well as being very comfortable, a good pair of kicks can help define your identity by showcasing your brand affiliations and giving you a rebellious edge.
Like sunglasses, sneakers come in plenty of different styles. The most ‘street’ ones, such as Vans, Nike and Adidas are all made of top-quality materials, have statement logos and are available in a range of vibrant colours.
3. Baseball Caps/Beanies
Depending on the season, no urban fashion look worth its salt is complete without a baseball cap or beanie. The latter tends to get worn in the winter and the former throughout the rest of the year.
Both add tons of personality and character to your look, while also serving the purpose of keeping you warm, protecting you from the sun and, even, hiding messy hair – though in street fashion, there is nothing wrong with that.
When it comes to this type of headwear, you get what you pay for. So, try to pick an established brand such as Burberry or Acne Studios that will withstand any of the rigours you put it through.
4. Jewellery
It’s not street if there’s no bling involved!
Flashy jewellery like chains, earrings, rings and pendants can really up your urban fashion game and do wonders for your image and how others perceive you.
When it comes to street style jewellery, gold and silver are where it’s at. Overall, the bigger, brasher and bolder items you can put on, the better.
5. Bags
Partly due to us wanting to carry plenty of possessions around everywhere we go – including our devices, headphone, make-up, deodorant and other clothes – bags have become a very important aspect of street style.
Generally speaking, urban fashionistas and fashionistos tend to pick backpacks, totes and shoulder bags to complement their attire.
There really aren’t any rules here, so choose the size you feel most comfortable with and any design, no matter how bold or vivacious, that takes your fancy.
6.Watches
Watches might be fading a little in popularity, considering many people use their phones to tell the time.
However, a rad timepiece is still a fantastic way to jazz up another dull look, with something eye-catching and appealing.
Back in the day, a chunky watch with two hands was the watch of choice for men, while women tended to wear ones with thin bands.
Today, however, digital ticks that adorn loud colours and stand-out designs, such as those offered by Casio and G-Shock, are wanted by many people.