The global fashion scene has seen many faces over the past year, but these cities have constantly been setting trends. As any fashionista knows, the best way to stay ahead of the trends is to closely monitor the best style influences of the world’s fashion capitals. From the historic elegance of London, to the edgy vibes of Tokyo, street style provides an exciting and innovative source of inspiration. Here are the latest fashion trends to take away from these major cities.
1. Discovering Diverse Styles: Street Style Inspiration from Fashion Capitals
They say the best way to experience fashion is to hit the streets and observe it in action. In cities around the world, locals have their own unique takes on the latest trends. Everywhere you look, you’ll find inspiring examples of street style, from the classic grunginess of London to the hipster-chic of Paris.
As a stylish tourist or resident of one of the world’s fashion capitals, you don’t need to be intimidated or overwhelmed. With a little research and study, you can discover diverse styles, draws from influencers, and make a statement of your own! Here are a few ideas on how to be inspired by street style:
- Browse social media: Social media accounts like Instagram and Tumblr are both sources of fashion inspiration and creative advertising platforms for the latest collections. In addition to a standard hashtag #streetstyle search, look for popular fashion bloggers in the city. They often create content that’s quite literally ripped off the streets
- Visit local shops: From department stores to boutiques, cities like London and Tokyo offer a wide variety of shopping experiences. Take time to explore unfamiliar places and you’ll be sure to find pieces worthy of style inspiration.
- Study the locals: As you venture wherever you go, take a chance to observe how locals dress. As clichéd as it sounds, there’s nothing quite like people watching! Draw inspiration from the vibrant and interesting cases of street fashion that you’ll find in your travels.
Whether you’re a local or visiting one of the world’s fashion capitals, studying street style will help you create an individual look. While global trends are always exciting, it’s often what looks unique and innovative that will make an impression. So go out, explore, and create your own style – it starts with discovering different styles from the fashion capitals.
2. Exploring Fashion Trends Through the Street Style Lens
- Understanding Influencers and Influencing Power – Street style isn’t just about how people dress – it’s about finding a balance between personal style, comfort, trends, and being influenced. Understanding the power of influencers is a key element in understanding street style. By observing how celebrities, influencers, and other public figures are dressing in more urban areas, we can see what is trending faster than we could by just observing runway shows.
- The Rise of Gender-Neutral Street Style – Gender-neutral styles have been a prime element of street style over the past few years. Today, gender-neutral street style consists of baggy, comfortable clothing loosely inspired by both contemporary and vintage styles. Oversized hoodies, vintage denim jeans, and urban accessories like belt bags and puffer coats are some of the main components of a gender-neutral street style wardrobe.
- Experimentation With Color – Eye-catching colors and bold patterns are always popular when it comes to street style. People are playing around with outrageous color combinations, particularly during the summer months. Floral prints, bright stripes, and neon-colored pieces are a great way to stand out in any crowd.
- The Utility Look – Another trend that has been taking over the street style world is the utility look. This trend combines elements from both workwear and military style, with utilitarian details such as cargo pockets, military-inspired jackets, and practical footwear. It’s a great way to look stylish while also appearing comfortable and relaxed.
- The Athleisure Influence – One of the biggest influences on street style is the athleisure trend. From bold leisure wear to comfortable cotton t-shirts, this trend has taken over many urban areas. There’s no denying the power of mixing street style with athleticwear – it’s the perfect blend of style and comfort.
Street style is constantly evolving, allowing fashion lovers to explore different trends and influences through a creative lens. By understanding key trends such as gender-neutral street style, experimentation with color, the utility look, and the athleisure influence, anyone can easily put together a unique, trendy street style look.
3. Setting the Stage: Key Cities for Street Style Inspiration
The world of street style moves quickly, ever-changing and fluid like the shifting winds. For the latest trends and must-have looks, check out these key cities for street style inspiration:
- Paris, France: The epitome of classic French chic, Paris has long been the epicenter of high fashion. Whether it’s bold and bright or an effortlessly chic get-up, streets of the French capital are ripe with inspiration almost everywhere you look. It’s no wonder many of world’s top designers have live and worked here.
- Tokyo, Japan: From its underground fashion icons to its wild and eccentric Harajuku district, Tokyo’s street style is unique and unrivaled. Perfectly coordinated outfits are not unusual and layering is an art form, so be prepared to be inspired. Tokyo is a city where bold colors and larger than life looks are embraced.
- New York City, United States: When it comes to street style, NYC is the granddaddy of them all. From the latest streetwear looks to the most sophisticated of designer ensembles, it can all be found on the streets of the Big Apple. Visitors here need no explanation as to why it is regarded as one of the world’s most stylish cities.
- Berlin, Germany: Berlin is known for its dynamic street style, mixing the classic with the modern for a bold and unique look. Embrace the city’s DIY style attitude and don’t be afraid to mix and match different looks. And if you happen to be here in the summer you’ll undoubtedly spot plenty of out of the box swimwear fashion as well.
- London, England: Modern takes on classic British style fill the streets here. Eclectic looks featuring bright and daring colors set London apart from other fashion destinations. Street fashion here is not for the faint of heart, but a tour around any of the boroughs will present you with endless creativity and inspiration.
From Tokyo to New York and many corners in between, these cities offer the best opportunities to gain street style inspiration. The world of street style is always changing, and these cities will ensure you keep up.
4. Paving the Way: Identifying Innovative Streetwear Trends
From classic Nike swooshes to fashion-forward Yohji Yamamotos, streetwear has established itself as a pillar of the fashion world. But what are the defining trends that could spark the next wave of innovation? Take a look at four emerging trends that could pave the way for the future of streetwear.
Crossover Vibes
Streetwear is finding footing in the high-end fashion world, with luxury labels commissioning collaborations at an unprecedented rate. This cross-pollination of high and low culture is creating exciting crossover looks that defy the conventional. Take Balenciaga bringing the hoodie to the catwalk, or Pharrell wiliams’s work with Chanel fusing street style with ready-to-wear. Both are indicative of the potential for avenue to take its influence to the world stage.
Unexpected Materials
With more designers branching out with their materials, streetwear has the possibility to pioneer different looks. Think classic baseball caps reimagined in exquisite leather or velour, or tailored trousers crafted in sumptuous denim, even separates illustrated in sumi-e brushstrokes. It’s no longer about sticking to your niche, and even ready-to-wear sportswear is stepping out of its comfort zone.
New Logo-Mania
In the world of streetwear, logo designs reign supreme. This year has seen more traditional branding taken out of the equation, with designers playing around with graphics and other styles of imagery. Typographic writing, bold symbols, and daring colourways combine to create visual mainstays. Fast fashion favorites like Zara and H&M have spearheaded the trend with their strong logos and equally powerful campaigns.
Modernised Athleisure
From television casting to magazine covers, athleisure style has become a firm favorite in the streetwear world. And this season is no different, with new cuts and silhouettes making way for a fresh twist on the trend. Look to oversized t-shirts and dropped shoulders, or jogging pants and loose-fitting tracksuits. It’s all about modernising the classics, and stake your claim in the style.
Street style is where fashion trends truly come alive and transform into something personal. Whether you take inspiration from the runways of Milan or New York, or simply admire what people are wearing in the streets, let street style be an inspiration to reinvent your style and amp up your wardrobe. So feel free to keep up with the changing trends, or go that extra mile to be an individual standout. Meet the street style challenge with confidence and look your best!
