Fashion provides an expression of our individual identities and can be used to illustrate unique points of view. Street fashion has become extremely popular, with its distinctive aesthetics that have been embraced by people worldwide. North America is a hotbed of style trends, and the collections from renowned street fashion labels have spread around the world, providing many with inspiration for their own fashion statements. In this article, we will be exploring street fashion from around the globe that was inspired by North American style.
1. Exploring North American Style: Street Fashion From Coast to Coast
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s metropolitan area is home to some of the most diverse street fashion in Canada. From ultramodern streetwear to vibrant trends inspired by the city’s multicultural influences, there is never a shortage of inspiring style. One piece to watch out for is the oversized jacket, which is perfect for keeping yourself warm during the Canadian winters. Vancouver style also tends to favour urban athleisure, embracing comfort, functionality, and leisure in the form of joggers, oversized sweaters, and stylish sneakers.
Montreal, Quebec
The trendsetting city of Montreal is renowned for its chic style and fashion-forward attitude. Montreal streetwear is often daring and bold, bright colours, and statement-making apparel. To fit into the hip culture of Montreal, try accessorizing with jewellery, adding a subtle pattern to your look, and of course wearing the most comfortable shoes possible. Glamorous accessories are also a must, ladies, so don’t forget your designer handbag!
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto’s unique culture fuels its street style. Look for an eclectic mix of poise and edge in the looks put together. Whether you’re a fan of subtle tones or vibrant colours, you can certainly find something that speaks to you. Distressed denim and jumpsuits make versatility a priority in Toronto fashion, with many Toronto-based designers showing both pieces at their shows. Looking to add a bit of attitude to your look? Try adding an oversized statement necklace or bag.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles street fashion reflects its vibrant culture and love for the arts. To have a look like a true Angeleno, start with a piece from a local designer and incorporate some original pieces. Popular stylings include bold colours and strong prints, with plenty of sequins, faux leathers, and fringe. Choose from a vibrant range of playful and comfortable pieces from sneakers to boat shoes. From colourful shorts to striking sunglasses, it’s all about having fun with fashion!
2. Bold and Brave: How North America’s Apparel Influences the World
It comes as no surprise that North America has remained a leader in the apparel industry throughout the years, having such an impact in global trends and inspiring pop culture worldwide. From the aforementioned streetwear craze in the last decade to the likes of classic, vintage stylings, North American fashion has truly stood out from the rest of the world. The biggest fashion capitals in North America bring together trendsetters from all across continents making the US and neighboring countries a go-to for fashion inspiration. Here are some of the apparel trends dominating the world right now:
- Utilitarian looks -From brands like Westward Leaning, A.P.C, and Vetements, utilitarian-style apparel is now a must-have for many fashionistas across the world. Shifts in clothing trends towards modest, simplistic, androgynous designs have allowed these brands to stand out from the competition and gain a reputation.
- Neon accents – Neon accents were popularized by the likes of popular North American brands such as Off-White, Supreme, and Gucci throughout the past decade. From statement pieces to more subtle, toned-down versions, these vibrant hues of orange, green, pink, and yellow serve as the perfect pops of color for any summertime wardrobe.
- Vintage-inspired esthetic – Vintage-inspired esthetic is a lasting trend in fashion and it can be seen throughout North American fashion houses – Ralph Lauren, Vetements, and many others. Embroidery, trims, and tailored cuts create the perfect mashup of old and new, allowing customers to easily incorporate these timeless pieces into their current wardrobe.
- Statement pieces – Statement pieces are essential for making a statement in one’s wardrobe. From daring cuts to bold fabrics, North American companies such as Gucci, Moschino, and Versace have seen soaring success from their collections of statement pieces.
North America has definitely set an example for the world when it comes to apparel, promoting boldness and bravery in clothing; allowing individuals to stand out from the crowd and make a fashion statement. All of these aforementioned trends from North America have come to dominate the world in the last few years, helping to shape the fashion industry as a whole.
However, the rise of North American fashion has led to fast fashion retailers like Zara, H&M, and ASOS flooding our closets with cheap, often low-quality clothes. Companies such as Everlane, Patagonia, and Warby Parker have responded to this environmental issue with sustainable practices and ethical production – making sure that their clothes are of a higher quality, but also environmentally friendly.
North America has definitely made its mark in fashion, setting trends and inspiring others around the globe. Today, these North American apparel styles are heavily influencing other countries and inspiring the world of fashion in go-to looks, statement pieces, and sustainable practices.
3. Colorful and Countercultural: North America’s Contribution to Street Wear Trends
When it comes to street fashion, North America has carved a unique niche of itself. From its colorful and counter-cultural expression of style, this continent has contributed some of the most iconic and sought-after trends to modern street wear.
Technicolor Urban Attire
A huge part of North American fashion involves bold and vibrant colors showing off the wearer’s personal style. The likes of Los Angeles and New York City have given birth to trends featuring vivid colors that have since made waves throughout the entire streetwear world.
From brightly patterned Hawaiian shirts to multi-colored windbreakers and garish neon accessories, North American streets have become a riot of vivid colors. Furthermore, these attention-grabbling colors have since made their way into high fashion, proving that counter-cultural expressions of individuality have a place within mainstream style.
Countercultural Influence
Being a melting pot of different cultures and genres, the US also has a unique way of merging and distilling counter-cultural looks into styles that are completely unrivaled. Punk, rap, grunge, skate, hip-hop … all of these have left their mark on the street fashion of North America.
From this interchangeable mix, brands have become experts in tailoring something distinct that speaks to different cultural generations. From the likes of Supreme to OFF-WHITE, these purveyors have become well-known for their sinuous collaborations with music icons, artists and other street culture luminaries.
Iconic Streetwear
- Chukka boots
- Dad caps
- Graphic tees
- Loose-fitting joggers
- Sneakers
All of these iconic streetwear staples were born on the North American continent or adopted into the streetscape. The chunky silhouette of the chukka boot or the ubiquity of dad caps were all born in this culture, while the likes of graphic tees, loose-fitting joggers, and sneakers all owe a lot to North American influence.
4. Showcasing Global Influence: Taking North American Street Fashion to the World
North American street fashion has irrevocably revolutionized the way people dress around the world today. From its’ inception in the United States, to its’ ultimate emergence as a global symbol, North American street fashion has solidified its place as an influencer of culture for decades.
The last several years have seen a dramatic rise in North American street fashion’s clout. It has become a go-to source of inspiration for numerous fashion lines, from Europe to Asia. Fashion lines such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Off-White have all used North American streetwear as inspiration for their collections, resulting in unique pieces being released in an already saturated market.
This redefinition of streetwear doesn’t begin and end with apparel. Accessories, footwear, and even hairstyles have all been influenced by the contemporary look and feel of North American streetwear. From the classic military fatigue caps to the vast range of dad hats we’re accustomed to seeing on the daily, these trends have traveled around the world.
Notable fashion brands like Supreme and BAPE have equally impacted the style of Americans and foreigners alike. It’s common to see real-time viewers on Youtube responding with admiration and envy when these items hit stores or become available online.
The universal allure of North American streetwear is real. Not only do streetwear fans anticipate the drop of the latest collection, but it can also be seen in advertisements, TV shows, music videos, and more.
So the next time you’re inspired by the streetwear scene, take a moment to realize how far it’s come in a relatively short period of time. From its humble beginnings in America to its global recognition today, North American streetwear is a testament to the power of influence.
Street fashion across the globe is constantly changing and adapting with the times. From Japanese street style, to North American streetwear, to influence from all of the world’s cultures, street style has evolved into what it is today. As we look ahead to the future of fashion, we can take comfort in knowing there is so much to be inspired by around the world.
