Hipsters have gotten a bad rap of late, but you can’t deny they put together a mean ensemble. The hipster subculture is associated with indie and alternative music and genres such as folk, modern rock and chill. As part of the trend, those who abide by the hipster subculture flaunt a non-mainstream fashion sensibility, often sporting vintage, thrift, sustainable and eco-friendly pieces.
The fashion trend first appeared in the 1990s and became particularly popular in the late 2000s and early 2010s. In a 2009 article in PopMatters magazine, Rob Horning asserted that the hipster might be the “embodiment of postmodernism as a spent force, revealing what happens when pastiche and irony exhaust themselves as aesthetics.”
Despite the hipster backlash, we should admit that some of their trends have had a lasting impact on the culture. What’s more, we should admit that sometimes this influence has been for the better.
Below, the key pieces to nail hipster fashion.
Flannel
While flannel is usually associated with the grunge fashion scene, it saw a rise of ‘hipsterdom’ in the later 2000s era. While traditional proponents of the fabric were for the likes of an outdoorsman, there was a rise of flannel in American culture. Instead of the billowy, waist-tied shirts that Kurt Cobain once championed, hipsters adopted a more streamlined attempt at the trend.
Button-Up Shirts
Possibly one of the most prominent definers of the hipster trend is the button-up shirt, or more casually referred to as ‘The Party Shirt’. Floral, nautical and even animal prints have found their way on the shelves at even the most basic of clothing stores. Rummage through your boyfriend’s cupboard to the ultimate hipster look, as demonstrated perfectly by journalist Pandora Sykes.
Ankle Boots (Preferably Suede)
In the late ’90s, suede ankle boots, cowboy boots and old-fashioned work boots (think: RM Williams) came back into the fashion realm. Ankle boots, and particularly suede ankle boots became a fashion staple in any hipsters wardrobe. Pair with your favourite skinny jeans and flannel and you’ve got the trend down pat. Vanessa Hong tops her ankle boots off with a boiler suit.
Casual Blazer
If there’s one thing hipsters can take credit for, its bringing professor chic back in. They brought discarded, unloved blazers back into our hearts. The casual blazer gives you an aura of intellectual cool that you just don’t get with any other article of clothing. Do as fashion director Alexandra Carl does, and pair your blazer with a simple white tee and blue jeans. Glasses optional.
Peacoats
The hipster obsession with vintage looks has been somewhat of a blessing to mainstream fashion. Peacoats contribute to a classic look that is masculine and stylish (and oh so very hipster). Most recently demonstrated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who wore a casual peacoat, ripped jeans and aviator sunglasses to grab brunch in Notting Hill with her new public relations officer.
Vintage T-Shirts
This article originally appeared on InStyle
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