Streetwear continuously reinvents itself while remaining firmly anchored in iconic staples.
Build out an always-relevant starter pack covering these streetwear capsule wardrobe fundamentals.
“Curating a mix-and-match rotation of versatile streetwear basics allows you to pull off an on-trend look every day without overthinking it,” says Ryan Thompson, Editor at Mensflair Magazine."
These are the staples you’ll find in his wardrobe.
Key Takeaways
Invest in contemporary essentials crossing multiple seasons.
Balance timeless silhouettes with modern styling updates.
Anchor with core neutrals and inject pops of color.
Accessorize intentionally to transform staple pieces.
The Hoodie
Hoodies maintain relevance across streetwear seasons as essential layering pieces and standalone statement tops.
Champion’s reverse weave and Independent Trading Co. deliver heritage fits upgraded with boxy crops and earth tones palettes, blending vintage appeal with contemporary cuts.
For more modern vibes, Noah and Aime Leon Dore offer premium fleece peppered with tasteful logos and contrast sleeve accents.
The Bomber Jacket
From icons like the Alpha Industries MA-1 to oversized statement versions from Story mfg., the bomber jacket plays an integral role spanning throwback casual to hypebeast-level recognition.
Look for reversible styling, removable liners and modernized details like zippered side pockets and neck ribbons to keep your bomber game current.
Graphic Tees
While the vintage concert tee continues enduring appeal, today’s streetwear graphic tee offers bold logos, cheeky graphics and loud colors rather than faded small prints.
LA brand Advisory Board Crystals leads the way with bright basketball jersey inspirations, while Online Ceramics and Noah keep things trippy via paint splotches and alternative music homages.
Joggers
Understated yet comfortable joggers bridge athletic aesthetics with social flexibility from kicking back Sundays to pulling weekend errands.
Trending fits skew slim but not spray-on tight with cuffed hems, integrating effortlessly with capsule sneaker staples.
For contemporary joggers passable from couch to coffee shop, turn to mainstays like Lululemon Commission pant or Everlane’s French Terry options.
Sneakers
The considered sneaker rotation mixes iconic models like the Converse Chuck 70 high-top, Vans skate classics or clean Air Force 1s in white-on-white with seasonal statement pairs.
New Balance and Asics Collaborations, Adidas Forum riffs and Pharrell Williams’ take on the NMD Trail capture more adventurous yet always wearable options.
Beanies
A sharp cold weather hat completes nearly any core uniform centering hoodies, graphic crewnecks, bomber jackets - providing understated streetwear texture for transitional seasons.
Timeless fisherman rib options from Patagonia pair well with heritage pieces, while logo jacquard versions from Stussy and Brixton nod contemporary hype.
FAQ
How much should curating a streetwear capsule wardrobe cost?
Carefully selecting emerging yet classic-in-the-making pieces while investing more significantly in sneakers and outerwear keep overall budget reasonable. Think $100-$150 for graphic tees and joggers, $250-$350 for quality hoodies and bombers, and $100-$500+ for coveted sneaker drops.
What are styling tips for keeping my looks feeling fresh daily?
Streetwear rewards experimentation and contrasting textures like bomber jackets over graphic tees. Swapping lug sole boots for minimalist low tops or balancing oversized hoodies with cuffed joggers keeps silhouettes dynamic. Mix core and neutral pieces with loud sneakers, jewelry or bags.
How often should I rotate new trend-driven pieces in?
Resist buying heavily trend-driven pieces showing signs of novelty wearing off fast. As newer sub-trends emerge, swap in a graphic tee or sneaker model here and there over time rather than overhauling the entire starter pack. Focus on integrating exciting pieces complementing long-standing pillars of your aesthetic.