Written by Sean Ho
Even if you have only a passing interest in fashion, you’ll definitely be familiar with the constant over the top fits you see at sneaker events and fashion shows in the scene. To score a good outfit, imagination is your limit, but where do you start? I think before anything, focus on the small areas of your fit where changes can lead to real, and significant improvements. It’s a new year and so, in the spirit of new beginnings, I’ve picked out five pieces and ways you can do to give a serious upgrade to your everyday look.
Rings & Chains
Rings and chains are probably the most versatile accessory you can find, being able to find em for as low as RM 20 from street markets to mid range designer brands such as APC, Paris to high end designer brands from David Yurman, or Ben Baller’s brand, If And Co. If you’re attending a formal event , limit yourself to one or two single band rings. If you’re aiming for that high fashion streetwear look, nothing is ever over the top.
High Waisted Trousers
Trousers are essential, if not, even more so than your top. So much so that it can either be the highlight, or the breakdown of your fit. Your trousers should be able to dress you down with sneakers and just as easily wear it to a job interview. With that being said, it’s always a good idea to invest in a good pair! It should have structure, but not feel too restricting when you put it on. Brands like Dickies and Carhartt are entry level brands that you can get them at varying price points, from bundle to retail, but if you’re a little more materialistic, try looking at brands like Acne Studios or Dries Van Noten. The key here, is to find out what cuts you’re most comfortable with, and how your shoes look when you wear them. It isn’t a really good idea to wear swift trainers like the Nike Zoom Fly SP with a pair of baggy jeans.
Mixing The Highs and Lows
I would never have a total look from one brand, except of course if it’s a suit, and I always like to experiment my fit, combining high street bits with more generic items. Simple navy trousers with an Off-White sweater, then throw in a pair from the ‘THE TEN’ collection to complete the look can go a long way into becoming your daily. To me, it’s outfits like these which I love. It doesn’t have to all expensive head to toe. Experimentation is part of the process, and if you’re comfortable with it, stick to it.
Layering
Layering is something most of us wish to do but do not have the chance to, because the Malaysian weather is so bloody hot all the time, but in the case that you do want to layer, something that I live by is that I spend slightly more on my outer wear. To me, these pieces are the ones you’re able to wear it to the ground and still maintain its quality over a long period of time. The question is not whether you should add a few outerwear pieces to your wardrobe or not, but rather which should you add to your wardrobe. If you’re an outdoor person and love adventures, invest in some good quality parkas and shell jackets. The North Face is a good brand to start with, or ARC’TERYX. If you’re an urbanite that likes to be gaudy, you can tap into brands like Gucci and LV for some flashy jackets, like the very recent release by Virgil Abloh at LV. Or for me personally, understated coats like Sacai do the job just fine.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses occupy a unique space as far as accessories goes. On one side, they can be considered a purely functional and utilitarian piece, while on the other, they can be luxury status symbols, and above all, a strong indicator of the wearer’s sense of personal style. Critical to pulling off a good pair of shades is finding a pair that suits your face to complement and accentuate the facial features. Handmade items include sunglasses from Cutler & Gross, Moscot, Oliver Peoples, and Garrett Leight, but for the more high fashion taste, Thom Browne’s 14k gold offerings stand out from the others. For the streetwear enthusiast, Heron Preston’s got some glitz with Nike, and A Cold Wall*’s Samuel Ross recently collaborated with Oakley.
