colored blazers and the bedazzled bandanas folded over into fadoras. Gangster appeal was lost and “street etiquette” was born.

(source: http://www.ebonyjet.com/)

Shawn Howell, VP of Divisional Merchandise Manager for Saks Fifth Avenue says, “The main change is that urban style is not as baggy and loose as it once was. Everything is a bit more fitted and neat.” Howell continues, “Urban style has blended into regular style, it is much more mainstream.”

Menswear now takes cues from a more dapper source. Thrift store finds, slim fit jeans and leather loafers/boots all embody the new generation of style.
 

(source: http://ladyfreshupmag.com)

“Guys have developed a more tailored and fitted look. It’s edgier and more daring. A lot of things guys wear now I never would have thought they would wear,” says LaGretta Johnson, photo editor and stylist at Journey Magazine.

While men’s clothing has gotten more fitted, women’s wear has done the opposite.  Tight Brazilian jeans and midriff bearing wife beaters have ben exchanged for more loose fitting cropped tops and draped/layered outerwear.  Eclectic artistic looking o personality outfits are very popular.

(source: http://artisticfanatic.tumblr.com/)

In the 90s and early millennium, only on Halloween would you walk down metropolitan city streets and see women in psychedelic platforms, oversized patterned sweaters, destroyed denim and big natural hair. Jefferey Campbell, American Apparel and H&M have made these once costume pieces hot additions to one’s wardrobe.

(source: http://www.blogcatalog.com/user/RinnyRiot)

Women’s current fashion is inspired by a collection of popular staple items from an array of different eras and lifestyles. Jessica Gayo, designer for an up and coming fashion line, Faconner Par Trois [Fashion by Three in French], says “current women’s streetwear takes cues from everywhere. I see women merge gothic-rock, bohemian, vintage and high fashion concepts into one outfit.”

(source: TAJ Washington, photographer)

when asked where people are getting style cues from, Gayo replied, “there was a time when people got their style from celebrities in the media, now those celebrities get their style from underground trends from ‘regular’ people on social networks like Chictopia, Lookbook.nu, Coolspotters, Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook.”

Terms like “modern-day hippie,” “vintage hipster,” and classically chic can all be used to describe the latest trends in street wear.  People have a more carefree yet fashion-forward approach to getting dressed. Mismatched pieces, unconventional patterns and vintage “finds” add to this new and edgy look.

Originality is very important when putting these looks together. So remember to embrace the freedom in fashion, and enjoy these new trends!