At the beginning of the week, New York Magazine posted a lengthy excerpt from a new book by the folks at n+1 Magazine entitled, What Was The Hipster. Based on a panel held by n+1 at the New School last year, it covers the era from 1999 -- the year in which the term "hipster" was coined -- through 2009, which marks the alleged "degeneration" of the subculture. Sure, I might be a fan of party photography, indulge in the occasional Bret Easton Ellis novel, and own a pair of Ray Bans or three, but I wouldn't say that I am well versed in the ways of hipster-cool. One thing I do know, is that whether or not you're drinking the hipster Kool-Aid, you've probably adopted a style tip or two from them. Over the last decade, the fads have come and gone, but here are the top six lasting fashion contributions that our friends the hipsters have bestowed upon us -- whether you like it or not. I'm even rocking one of them right now! But I won't tell you which.
1. Skinny Jeans: What Was The Hipster points out that above all else, the prevalence skinny jean can be credited to the subculture. I can't really remember a time in the last few years that street style wasn't based around this closet staple, first for women, and now for men as well. The skintight pants have spawned new creations, like "jeggings," for those who want their leg wear to leave very little to the imagination. But honestly, what's not to love? They're flattering, create the illusion of a longer silhouette, and can help make an outfit look neater or more put together.
2. Americana Chic: In recent years, the hipsters' adaptation of dressing in traditional "working class" get-ups and appreciation of a "lower white class" aesthetic have brought back Americana in a big way (we trace this back to the mechanic name tag fad of the mid 90s and on). Roper boots, lumberjack checks, army jackets and plaids all crept their way into the hipster uniform nationwide, and, lets not forget about another formely "lower class" staple tattoos -- once reserved for lowlifes, bikers and gang members, it's likely that you meet less people nowadays without ink than you do with it.
3. Iconic Eyewear: You know what I'm taking about... Chunky black-framed eyeglasses that aren't actually needed for sight, but are just so cute, especially on men. Paired with some skinny jeans and a grandpa cardigan, these bookish boys have embraced the nerdy look that could've gotten them beaten up in high school. Also, the popularity of Ray Bans has exploded -- namely the aviator and clubmaster styles -- which is a classic trend that likely has real staying power.
4. Disheveled Glamour: Girls, be honest: who hasn't tried to attain that messy, tousled, just-rolled-out-of-bed hair style, that so few can accomplish correctly? It-girls like Mary-Kate Olsen, Isabelle McNally and Harley Viera-Newton have perfectly wavy, long locks that manage to look polished and effortless at the same time. The same thing goes for the gentlemen: Haven't you noticed that guys can grow a scruffy beard or a mop-haired 'do and automatically appear to be 5000 times sexier? It's just not fair!
5. Ragtag WASP: Once considered a class more brittle and void of life than a Newport heiress's bones, WASP and preppy-inspired sailing fashions like beat-up boat shoes, Madras prints and tweed hats have had a strong-hold on the summer looks of Bedford Ave. for the past three years. Ivy-educated, crewnecked indie darlings Vampire Weekend might be a smidge to thank for this trend, but it's worth pointing out that, in the right hands, dressing like a John Hughes villain can do enormous favors in the looks department for some. (See also trends three, four, and six.)
5. Ragtag WASP: Once considered a class more brittle and void of life than a Newport heiress's bones, WASP and preppy-inspired sailing fashions like beat-up boat shoes, Madras prints and tweed hats have had a strong-hold on the summer looks of Bedford Ave. for the past three years. Ivy-educated, crewnecked indie darlings Vampire Weekend might be a smidge to thank for this trend, but it's worth pointing out that, in the right hands, dressing like a John Hughes villain can do enormous favors in the looks department for some. (See also trends three, four, and six.)
6. The "American Apparel Aesthetic": This one might be the most difficult to sum up. The "sporty hipster" look coincided with a major seventies revival which led to the resurgence of deep v-necks, tube socks, and racer striped short shorts -- once reserved as embarrassing Dad racquetball attire , is now basically the equivalent of lingerie. One of the most characteristic looks that the American Apparel generation has given us is its androgyny. Most of the clothing in the store is considered to be unisex, and it's no longer taboo for men to wear slimmer-fitting clothing and traditionally "feminine" cuts and accessories -- skinny jeans, scarves and tote bags, for example. While the mention of these might be cringe-inducing to some, it seems that men here in the city have seriously honed their sartorial skills, which doesn't sound at all like a bad thing.
