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Let your style own the streets

Published Nov. 6, 2009

Taxis brush by swiftly as you walk down Broadway to grab your morning java. Women in slim pencil skirts and sharply dressed businessmen hurry to the office, briefcase clutched in hand. It's a typical morning in the city. Who sticks out in the crowd? The fashion daredevil.

Street fashion, not "street-walker" fashion, is a way to share your sartorial ideas with the public. Think of it as a walking, talking magazine with tips every time you turn your head. Street fashion takes a certain persona to convey. Whether going for an urban look or something a little more rugged, there is method to the madness.

Start with denim and work your way around. Skinny slouch jeans, a little longer than usual, are a great basis for the urban look. With less material, they contour the silhouette of the body and accent different pieces of the outfit. Sure, these jeans contribute to the urban look, but roll up the ankles, trade in the sneakers for a pair of Clarks Wallabees and switch up the shirt for the modern, rugged look: a two-for-one special.

The make-or-break pieces of the outfit, shirts and outerwear create the extra "pop," whether it be in print or shape. When sporting a solid shirt, such as a v-neck or a crisp button-front, try throwing a bright cardigan into the mix to add contrast.

If prints are more your thing, try plaids, stripes, or even small polka dots (yes guys, polka dots) in the shirt. Throw on a complementing jacket or vest and be on your way.

Show your feet some appreciation and go crazy with colors and styles in your shoes. Stay within the context of the outfit. You wouldn't wear Nike sneakers with your suit, would you? When going for the modern "roughing it" look, try some desert boots or rugged oxford dress shoes.

If urban street fashion is your forte, slip on a pair of low-top sneakers with a very thin sole or a pair of moccasins. Urban Outfitters, TOMS and Adidas have great merchandise. Although shoes can put a great outfit over the top, remember to keep it coherent with the rest of the outfit.

Like icing on the cake, a great accessory emphasizes personality. Hats are among the most popular of accessories for men. From cabbie hats to basic beanies, guys have many options for that occasional messy hair day (or occasional "I'm too hungover/still drunk from last night to wash my hair" day). Less is more with hats: minimal print and a slim shape that doesn't overpower the rest of the outfit. And a little helpful hint, if you aren't "punking" anybody, leave the trucker hat to Ashton Kutcher six years ago.

Bulky scarves have been hitting it off the past two seasons. H&M always has great, inexpensive scarves. Bulky scarves with a slender shirt, both in solid colors, combined with dark jeans are great takes on modern street style. Don't be afraid to throw on some jewelry either; a little hardware never hurt anyone. Wearing bright metallic jewelry for guys, though, often diverts attention to one piece, rather than the whole outfit and tends to look a tad cheesy. Play it cool with neutrals like silver and gunmetal. Don't go overboard.

The last step in creating your own street style is an imperative detail — confidence. Walk like the badass you think you are. People will admire your wardrobe choices almost as much as they'll admire your swagger. John Fairchild said, " 'Style' is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma." If you can adopt his mindset, you'll own the streets.