Street style may not be your first requirement for a vacation destination, but learning more about what locals wear and why is a great indicator on the culture of that area. Fashion is a global industry and there are some cities that lead the pack and influence what the rest of the world wears. Any city that the world turns to for outfit inspiration is a city that is unique and rich in culture, and also deserves a spot on fashionistas’ travel bucket list!
Best Street Style: Here's Where to Find It
1. New York City
This is the city that birthed hip-hop, graffiti culture and of course, streetwear. More iconic streetwear labels have originated in NYC than any other city in the world, from old school legends like Supreme and ALIFE right through to contemporary visionaries like Alexander Wang, Opening Ceremony and Public School. New York isn't just a great place for business with its fashion week being one of the most major events in the industry. Countless trends can also be traced back to New York from heritage Americana through to normcore and street goth.
2. Paris
The City of Lights is the epitome of posh. It's known for high fashion with brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Hermes, Lanvin, Balenciaga and Balmain, but what makes Parisians so effortlessly chic is their ability to mix timeless and trendy pieces for that infamous “je ne sais quoi.” No matter where you are from, everyone looks to Paris as an example of everyday style, timeless glamour, and careless, easy chic.
3. Tokyo
Japanese culture is more unique and fascinating than anywhere else on earth and the street style in Tokyo reflects exactly that. This city, teaming with trends and subcultures, provides countless inspiration for designers, brands and stylists around the world. Tokyo style is definitely unusual, but that's what keeps everyone so interested.
4. London
London may not be as prestigious as New York or Paris, but it's definitely a force to be reckoned with. By mixing classic Polo and garish vintage pieces with sportswear and hyped sneakers the British youth has created a street style all their own. It's their ability to pair a checkered suit with beat-up Converse, a hoodie with super-flares, or a dramatic full skirt with a t-shirt without the look of trying to hard that makes Londoners look like they actually had fun when they got dressed this morning.
5. Seoul
South Korea may be the in shadow of Tokyo's style scene, but it has definitely developed in to a thriving fashion scene within the last few years. Korean designers like JUUN.J, D.GNAK by KANG.D, LIFUL and WOOYOUNGMI are renowned for their ability to take western fashion and spin it into something completely their own. Perhaps their inspired by the outrageous and sometimes flamboyant street style of Seoul.
6. Milan
Like Paris, Milan is home to some of the biggest luxury houses like Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Moschino, Versace, and Missoni. These fashion legends still inspire other designers and brands. It's the hip hop culture's love of these designer brands, especially Gucci and Versace, that gets Milan included in this street style list.
7. Los Angeles
Los Angeles isn't just known as the land of flip flops and denim cut-offs. Designers are taking notice of its laid back, non-conformist attitude. The mild, sunny weather also gives Angelenos more freedom when getting dressed letting them create an aesthetic completely different from chilly New York and London. How could you not like Cali-cool style?
8. Copenhagen
Far enough away from the bright lights of the heavy hitting fashion cities like Paris, Milan and London, Copenhagen has been able to create a style that's more practical than sartorial. The style is highly wearable, modest and tasteful which remains a staple regardless of changing trends and fads.
This article was written by Lauren Gaw.