Skater Fashion: Understanding The Aesthetic And Adapting It In 2024
Have you seen the Chanel Resort 2024 Show? Held in California, the fashion show that skater fashion is here to stay and big time!
Did you know that this fashion aesthetic propelled the concept of street fashion further and is now very much a part of high fashion?
It’s not easy for an aesthetic that started as an alternative way of dressing to find its foothold in mainstream fashion. But this has surely happened, with names like Rihanna and Hailey Bieber adopting it on many occasions.
So, do you want to know more about this fashion aesthetic and its evolution? Do you need some ideas to ace the trend in 2024? Here’s a complete guide for you.
What Is Skater Fashion?
As the name suggests, skater fashion came from the skaters who used to skate through the streets of California. Muted shades, baggy jeans, and T-shirts were the signature elements of this fashion aesthetic.
The seeds of this funky fashion trend were sown in the 1940s and 50s. However, in the 1970s, it became synonymous with youth fashion and pop culture.
Skater fashion became so big in the 1970s that it went on to give birth to many subcultures. You could see everyone wearing those hip-hop tops, baggie jeans, and T-shirts. Aesthetics even became a way of living for people who followed the current trends, whether they were aware of them or not.
Also, the influence of this skater fashion aesthetic was everywhere. From music to visual arts and different creative forms, this aesthetic became an extension of the alternative viewpoint.
However, the more interesting thing is that it has become a part of mainstream fashion today. In the next section, I will discuss how the evolution happened.
How Did Skater Fashion Became A Part Of High Fashion?
Have you heard the names of brands like Palace, Stussy, or Supreme? These were the brands that made skater fashion accessible. Even if you explore brands like Shein today, you will see how particular sections are dedicated to streetwear fashion essentials.
Again, with time, skater fashion became the favorite on runways, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article. So, altogether, there was a niche of fashion-loving people looking for clothes inspired by the skater aesthetic.
No wonder there are brands like Highsnobiety, Carhartt WIP, and Patta, taking the concept of skater or street-style fashion a few notches higher.
Having said that, you need to understand why and how this street-style fashion has very much become a part of everyday fashion for many of us.
Skater Fashion Allows You To Express Yourself Freely
You need to understand that skater fashion rose as a part of the cultural movement in the 1960s. This movement asked you to be free in your expression and your fashion choices.
So, people who did not want to conform to the idea of high fashion of that era leaned toward this easy and cool style of street fashion.
The Skateboarding Community Has Continuously Worked To Make The Trend Popular
Have you heard of the skateboarding community? The skateboarding community came into existence in the 1960s. This community again gave birth to many subcultures, like punk rock music and surfing. Even hip-hop was a subculture that came from this skateboarding community.
In the 1990s and aughts, this community even became bigger, and they started crossing boundaries. This way, the skateboarding community has massively contributed to the growth of this fashion aesthetic.
The Marriage Of High Fashion And Street Style
The fusion of skater-style street fashion and high fashion happened in the early 2000s. The love for street fashion that soared during the 1970s became unbelievably popular during the aughts.
These clothes became popular because college goers and young people needed clothes that were functional and that went well with their busy lifestyles. Also, you have to remember that aughts means we have already hit the third wave of globalization.
So, the denim and leather outfits, the quintessential elements of skater fashion of the aughts, were no longer limited to a particular country or region. Those essentials were everywhere and adapted by almost everyone.
Brands that exclusively associated themselves with high-end fashion found the need to cater to this large section of people looking for skater-inspired outfits. So, fashion that was essentially regarded as street style became very much a part of mainstream fashion.
Now that you know skater fashion is a part of everyday fashion today, it’s time you learn how you can follow the best trends.
How To Infuse Skater Fashion Into Your Daily Dose Of Styling?
Are you looking for some essential cues to ace skater fashion this season? Here, I have discussed the men’s and women’s essentials you will need. There are also some fun styling tips that can fetch you compliments for your way of dressing.
Skater Fashion Essentials And Styling Tips For Men
Men who want to follow this skater fashion trend will find it easy. If you are one among them, you can get the perfect look with only a few elements lying in your closet.
Basic T-Shirt, Denim Jeans, And Lace-Up Skater Shoes
If you want to know about the most basic or simplest form of dressing, it has to be a combination of T-shirts, denim jeans, and lace-up shoes. You can also wear a hip-hop cap or baseball cap to accessorize your outfit.
A funky neck chain and rings will add the punk factor to your overall look.
Baggy Distressed Jeans: The Ultimate Comfortable Skater Outfit
Did you say the “Ultimate comfort in skater fashion?” I heard baggy distressed jeans. You cannot find any other bottom wear that will offer you the same level of comfort with a distinctive styling.
It’s difficult to style a pair of baggy distressed jeans badly! You can wear the pair with a T-shirt of any neckline or sleeve pattern. I especially find the T-shirts with longer sleeves or raglan sleeves most suitable for baggy distressed jeans.
Are you looking for the best footwear to style your distressed baggy jeans? Choose sneakers or sports shoes based on your activities.
Don’t Forget Your Oversized Shirts
What makes you comfortable? The common answer will be anything that allows us to be ourselves. Agreed! So, if you find the biggest comfort in being your true self, why not pick an oversized shirt that you can wear for almost every occasion and with every bottom?
Go easy with the styling of your oversized shirt. Wear it with your favorite pair of regular-fit chinos and sneakers. Do you need some layering to enhance your style quotient? Go for a leather or denim jacket.
Layer Your T-Shirt With A Loose-Fitting Jacket
Are you someone who loves layering in their outfits? The right art of layering also makes your regular casual outfits transitional.
For example, you can wear the same T-shirt for summer and autumn by layering it with a denim jacket or button-down shirt.
However, make sure that the jacket has a baggy fitting to keep the vibe of the skater fashion intact. Wear the T-shirt and jacket combination with your favorite chinos or jeans to fetch compliments from everyone around.
How About A Hoodie With Kangaroo Pockets?
Do you need some warm embrace through your dressing? You can wear a hoodie with kangaroo pockets. The kangaroo pockets will add a distinct appeal to the overall design. Further, you will be able to carry your essentials in those pockets.
Wear the hoodie with a pair of denim jeans and sneakers to look your best for casual outings. Don’t forget to wear your woolen cap with your hoodie to complete your getup.
Wear Your Skater Shorts In Style
If you are a follower of skater fashion, you will definitely love shorts. Now, shorts come in various lengths.
You can always opt for shorts that have a longer length and end just above your knees. These shorts work perfectly as your daily casual outfit. However, thanks to the longer length, these shorts have a timeless appeal that you cannot ignore.
At the same time, you can choose shorts that have a shorter length. Wearing these shorts will allow you an ease of movement. So, if you are trying adventurous tricks and stunts, you must choose shorts with a shorter length.
Skater Fashion Essentials And Styling Tips For Women
Get ready to be spoilt with choices if you are a woman looking for outfits that will help you follow skater fashion. You can wear a skater dress, a basic top, a denim jeans combo, and hoodies and still look stylish for any occasion.
One great thing that I missed out on earlier is that skater fashion is very gender-neutral in nature. So, it does not matter whether you are a girly girl or need to flaunt an androgynous look. You will find many outfits in the fashion aesthetics meeting your fashion preferences.
Camouflage Pants And Baggie Tops
Why not be a little creative with the choice of clothes for your skater fashion? You can wear camouflage pants with baggy tops. The pattern of the pants will keep it funky. You can even wear the pants with a crop top or a tank top to complete your look.
If you need some serious layering, you can always match a camouflage jacket with your pants. Also, don’t forget a cap to accessorize your outfit.
Skater Dresses With Sneakers
It’s time to look pretty and sporty. You can wear your favorite skater dress with sneakers. For a snug fit and to flatter your silhouette, you can accessorize your dress with a sleek leather belt.
Wear your skater dress with a pair of sneakers or sporty lace-up shoes to put your best foot forward. You can even wear this same combination for concerts and parties with friends.
Loose-Fit Denim Jeans And Tops
There are days when we don’t want to dress up, but we have to show up! A pair of loose-fit denim jeans and a top will be the ideal combination to wear for these days. The loose fit of the denim jeans will offer you ease of movement. The top, at the same time, will keep you relaxed.
I love this combination because it’s practically for every season. Along with summer, you can wear this combination of denim jeans and tops for autumn and winter if you know the art of layering.
Hoodies And Jeans/Shorts
Nothing is more comforting than a hoodie on days when you need comfort and style in one outfit. You can wear the hoodie with your favorite pair of denim jeans or shorts to look trendy.
Is it very cold outside? You can even wear your hoodie beneath a cardigan to enjoy the extra bit of warmth.
Skater Skirt And Top
“Flaunt it if you have got it!” It may sound cheesy, but even if you explore the pin-up girl or baby doll styles, you will see women wearing skater tops for many occasions. The unique design and tailoring of the skirts make them flirty and trendy.
You can stylize these skirts the way you want. Wear your skater skirt with a matching top or T-shirt. Thanks to the shorter length, a skater skirt allows you to be creative with your choice of footwear.
Wear your skirt with sneakers and socks to put your best foot forward.
Final Words
Skater fashion has blurred the line between high-end and street-style fashion. The presence of this fashion aesthetic in Chanel’s collection speaks for how important or mainstream it has become.
Men and women both love this style of dressing because of the comfort factor. Also, the clothes in this aesthetic are vibrant without being over the top or very flashy.
Most importantly, it allows you to be your true self without the burden of conforming to the constraints of high-end fashion.
Are you ready to explore the skater-style essentials I have discussed here? Do you want to have other input about this fashion aesthetic? Don’t forget to share with us!
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