Street style once captured the essence of individuality, showcasing spontaneous, authentic fashion moments. People expressed their unique personalities through their clothing, inspiring others with real-life looks captured on the streets. However, in today’s digital age, street style has evolved into a polished, influencer-driven spectacle, often far removed from its original roots.
As social media platforms, particularly Instagram took over, what was once an organic movement became heavily curated. Street style stars, now often sponsored by brands, have created a world where commercial interests increasingly overshadow personal expression. The authenticity that once defined this genre of fashion has been compromised.
This shift raises an important question: do we still aspire to dress like street-style stars? With fashion now more accessible than ever, it’s worth considering whether the curated perfection of influencer culture truly represents the style we crave or if it’s time for a return to individuality.
The Birth of Street Style Photography
In the early days of street-style photography, the focus was on genuine, candid moments. Photographers like Bill Cunningham captured people as they went about their daily lives, showcasing their style in its most authentic form. These photographs weren’t posed or planned; they were spontaneous glimpses into the lives of stylish individuals.
The beauty of Cunningham’s work lies in its sincerity. People weren’t trying to impress the camera; they were being themselves, yet their style caught the eye. Whether it was a simple combination of vintage pieces or a bold mix of colors, these images celebrated individuality.
The Rise of the Street Style Movement
By the early 2000s, street-style photography began to gain traction. Blogs like The Sartorialist, launched by Scott Schuman and others, documented everyday fashion on the streets of cities like New York, Paris, and Milan. As these blogs grew in popularity, so did the allure of street style, which was positioned as a more accessible alternative to the heavily curated looks of high-fashion magazines.
Fashion enthusiasts, influencers, and industry insiders alike embraced the idea that anyone, not just runway models or designers, could have a noteworthy style. This democratization of fashion allowed for a more diverse range of looks to be appreciated, and it began to challenge the traditional fashion hierarchy.
The Social Media Explosion
The real game changer, however, came with the advent of social media. Platforms like Instagram allowed street style to reach a global audience instantaneously. No longer confined to the pages of blogs, street-style images flooded our feeds, showcasing a variety of looks from around the world.
This explosion of street style led to a shift in how fashion was consumed. Instead of relying solely on traditional fashion outlets like magazines and runway shows, social media became a driving force in determining what was stylish. Instagram influencers, fashion bloggers, and celebrities began to set trends, often blurring the line between authentic street style and commercial marketing.
From Authenticity to Orchestrated Performances
As street-style photography became more mainstream, the genre’s authenticity began to fade. What was once a spontaneous and organic expression of personal style morphed into a calculated performance for the camera. Fashion influencers, models, and even everyday people started staging their outfits, carefully curating their looks to fit into the “street style” aesthetic.
Photographers now captured these “street style stars” in pre-arranged settings, and even the most candid moments were staged to appear effortless. People were increasingly asked to walk up and down the street multiple times to capture the “perfect” shot. This shift from natural to staged has led some to question whether street style has lost its original charm.
Globalization and the Homogenization of Fashion
Another key factor in the transformation of street style is globalization. The digital age has made fashion trends more accessible, but it has also led to a certain level of homogenization. What was once unique and diverse became predictable as global trends dominated the streets. Influencers and fashion brands capitalized on this, pushing out the same polished, cookie-cutter looks.
As street style became more curated and commercialized, individuality began to take a backseat to trends. The focus shifted from personal expression to fitting into a mold of what was deemed “stylish” by the masses. This widespread trend adoption, though undeniably powerful, took away the sense of individuality that street style once championed.
The Influence of Influencers and Brands
Influencers played a pivotal role in shaping modern street style. As social media stars rose to prominence, their curated looks became a blueprint for the “ideal” street-style outfit. These influencers often collaborated with brands, blurring the lines between personal style and commercial promotion. This created a scenario where street style became synonymous with marketing.
Brands eager to tap into the influencer culture began sponsoring influencers and paying for street-style exposure. The result? A surge in sponsored content and brand collaborations diluted the authenticity of the fashion movement. What was once about personal expression now became about selling a product.
The Influence of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion also significantly influenced the evolution of street style. As global fashion chains like Zara, H&M, and ASOS made runway-inspired styles more accessible, they created a demand for “on-trend” looks at a fraction of the cost. Street style began to reflect these readily available, affordable versions of high-end fashion.
The mass production of trendy items made it easier for anyone to replicate the latest street-style looks. While this democratized fashion in some ways, it also led to the proliferation of generic, cookie-cutter outfits. Everyone could look like a street-style star, but the uniqueness that once defined the genre was diluted.
The Fall of Street Style and the Rise of “Influencer Marketing”
Today, many argue that street style has lost its original appeal. Once an expression of individuality, it has now become a marketing tool used to promote products and influence purchasing decisions. As social media and influencer marketing continue to dominate the fashion industry, street style has been co-opted by brands seeking to capitalize on its cool factor.
Some critics argue that this commercialization of street style has led to its downfall. What was once fresh and exciting has become predictable, overdone, and driven by the desire for likes, shares, and sales. This shift in focus from personal style to brand marketing has led many to question whether street style still holds the same cultural significance it once did.
What’s Left of Street Style Today?
Despite its commercialization, street style remains relevant in today’s fashion world. People still choose to express themselves authentically through their clothing, seeking to stand out rather than blend in. Photographers and fashion enthusiasts continue to celebrate these moments of real-life style.
But the days of stumbling upon someone with an effortlessly chic, truly original look on the streets are numbered. Instead, we are bombarded with meticulously planned and produced images. What was once a celebration of individuality has, in many ways, become a trend-driven spectacle.
Can Street Style Return to Its Roots?
While the street style has evolved, some still desire to return to their authentic roots. Perhaps the key to reclaiming street style’s original essence lies in embracing diversity, individuality, and authenticity once again. Fashion should be about self-expression, not conformity to trends or the pursuit of likes.
As fashion evolves, the battle between authenticity and commercialization will continue. Street style, in its purest form, may never fully return, but perhaps it doesn’t need to. What is important is that we continue to celebrate personal expression and the power of style to reflect our unique identities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is street style?
Street style refers to fashion trends that emerge from everyday people, often captured in candid photos on the streets, showcasing personal and unique fashion choices.
How did street-style photography become popular?
Street-style photography gained popularity in the early 2000s through blogs like The Sartorialist and photographers like Bill Cunningham, who documented the fashion of everyday individuals on the streets.
Why has street style changed over time?
Street style has evolved due to the rise of social media and influencer culture. Curated, often sponsored looks now dominate the genre, reducing the spontaneity and authenticity that once defined it.
Is street style still relevant today?
While the street style has become more commercialized, it remains relevant to many fashion enthusiasts who use it as a platform for personal expression and creativity.
What impact has social media had on street style?
Social media, particularly Instagram, has made street style more global and accessible. However, it has also contributed to the homogenization of fashion, as influencers and brands have taken center stage.
How can I develop my own street style?
To develop your own street style, focus on what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Experiment with different styles and stay true to your taste rather than trying to follow trends.
Why are influencers so influential in street style?
Influencers can set trends by showcasing styled looks, which brands often sponsor. This leads to the widespread adoption of these styles among their followers.
Has street style become more commercialized?
Yes, street style has become heavily commercialized as brands and influencers use it as a marketing tool. This has led to a more uniform and less organic form of fashion.
What’s the difference between authentic street style and influencer street style?
Authentic street style captures spontaneous, real-life outfits that reflect personal style, while influencer street style is often planned, staged, and sponsored to promote specific products or brands.
Can street style return to its roots?
While it’s unlikely that street style will fully revert to its original form, embracing diversity, authenticity, and individuality could help bring back the essence of personal expression that once defined it.
Conclusion
Street style’s evolution from authentic, spontaneous photography to a polished, influencer-driven marketing tool marks a significant shift in the fashion landscape. While this transformation has brought about new opportunities for exposure and commercial success, it has also diluted the very essence of what made street style so special: its authenticity.
As we continue to navigate this new era of fashion, it’s important to reflect on what truly matters. Do we want to dress like street style stars, or do we want to dress like ourselves? Perhaps, as some critics suggest, it’s time for “boring” and “real” fashion to become interesting again.
