Barring references to the punk uprising of the early 00’s with Avril Lavigne and all her suspenders in tow, skater style had made a full turn back into the mainstream. After its time being pushed aside by more refined style tropes, typical skater trends have been picked up along the way by those very ideas that drowned it out. Think slip-on sneakers, witty graphic tees, and the prevalence of devil-may-care ripped denim.
It’s easy to see the appeal of this nostalgia-heavy way of dressing. If you add equal parts teenage rebellion and grownup finesse, you get this hybrid of skate style that’s unrefined in all the right places. Instead of being over the top or in danger of veering into costume territory, it walks the fine line between active wear, effortless style, and if done correctly, high fashion.
Vogue’s recent obsession with skate culture (prompting a full on “Skate Week” dedication) comes as no surprise once you take note of the heavy influence that it has on fashion, and vice versa. From highlighting talented skaters wearing designer pieces in mesmerizing videos to showcasing the curated looks they’ve developed on their own, Vogue’s thing for skate culture is as refreshing and interesting as the culture itself. Even though it’s nothing new in the world, the idea of a messy, exclusive, youth club like skate culture impacting fashion in such a way is certainly drawing attention.
Calling on your inner teen to take hold of the style reigns isn’t something many of us would want to do, but when it comes to the true essence of what makes skater style enticing, the young, carefree vibe is at the heart. We get caught up in taking what we wear far too seriously, forgetting to enjoy what we wear, why we like certain things, and how it impacts our overall mood. Throwing in some rough and tumble pieces can help us get back there. If skate culture was never your scene, there is still comfort to be found in the casual nature of the movement.
While the look is typically cool, we won’t necessarily being picking up a board anytime soon. Thankfully, there is no rule which states you have to hop on a skateboard to truly appreciate the style that was born on it. We haven’t gotten quite that brave yet.
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