An Introduction To Street Style

By Reine Gammo
[Ladies Fashion]
Vintage vs. Designer

I’ve talked about designers mixing the old with the new several times and it is something that is going strong this year on the runways.  But street style does this more literally.  You can mix your designer shoes or handbag with beautiful vintage pieces to create an enviable street style worthy of the streets of New York, London...and Toronto!  Vintage items are great for inspiration.  As they say, history repeats itself, and fashion is just the same.  So why not go to the source of inspiration for today’s fashion by visiting original designs from the 40s, 50s, and all the way to the 80s.  You don’t have to be decked out in neon colours, sequins, fanny packs and legwarmers to pull this off.  Incorporate just a few pieces and try to update them or add your own personal touch.  Dresses are especially great items to look for in vintage shops.  Think of the many Twiggy-inspired dresses and the outfits you can create.

Street Blogs And Inspiration

The blogosphere is teeming with street style blogs in practically every major city in the world.  Some photographers do it as a living, travelling from one city to the other documenting street fashion in every corner of the world, like the handsome and talented Scott Schuman of TheSartorialist, while others are dedicated to showcasing their own street style and their vintage shopping savvy.  Some bloggers are so famous that they have been enlisted to design shoe collections for major retail brands.  What is great about their blogs is that they provide infinite amounts of inspiration for anyone who needs it.  Street style requires an artistic eye, an open mind and an incredible amount of patience.  You can’t think merely in terms of what is “in” and what is “out” and in terms of a “dress is just a dress.”  Look to blogs for reference and for ideas on how to look and what to look for on your way to discovering what your own street style is and what it reflects.

Not For The Faint Of Heart

Like I’ve said, street style is not for people with a horse’s blinders on their eyes.  It is not for the faint of heart that cannot stop outside the lines, think outside the box and command attention.  Most of all, it is for the unique and the unique only.  Check any blog you want, you will never find the same outfit on two different people.  You might find the same item, but it will never be worn the same way or with the same things.  That is what makes street style so special; you are not just one of those that copy others, wear the same things as other people and buy the mass produced garments from chain retailers.  You set the trend for yourself and you grab everyone’s attention with the one-of-a-kind look that you have created all by yourself.
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