HOW STREET STYLE HAS EVOLVED IN A DECADE

Also known as tricked-up fashion, street style fashion has been around for decades. Many have their own understanding of what it is, but the most commonly held view is that there aren't any rules to it. Simply put, it is a form of art and self-expression, offering style variety to lovers of all things fashionable.

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Evolving, in its purest form, street style fashion still represents youth culture and makes for a fabulous alternative to high fashion. Think street style photographers, fashion bloggers, fashion shows, and technology, its evolution over the past decade has been distinctive and more accommodative of personal style than ever. From 2012 to recently, we saw bold prints, lots of colour, masks, very, very high heels swopped for sneakers, and the likes of Cara Delevingne make their mark in the fashion world. Celebs like Rihanna have become the hallmark of street fashion. If there is one thing to take away from the last decade, it is that more is more! Here's how:

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A post shared by Trevor (@trevor_stuurman)

2012 – 2014
Whether it be mixing and matching, bold prints, or layering accessories, 2012 was the year to be daring. We were introduced to Trevor Stuurman, who became an exceptional addition to the South African fashion landscape. The following year we then saw more fashion bloggers entering the street style scene and owning their space while raking millions of social media followers in the process. Then entered the mirrored sunglasses and celebrities like Rihanna to street style royalty.



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2015 - 2017
2015 was a great year for street style fashion. On trend were nautical stripes on crisp whites, reconstructed denim, and the classical fedoras. Notably, the following year we saw fashionistas experimenting with vintage, florals, and some looks we won't forget anytime soon, like pyjama dressing. Many celebs like Salma Hayek, Chiara Ferragni and Zendaya famously pulled off the pyjama style look. However, it was in 2017 that we saw a huge shift to menswear. Bomber jackets, pops of sunny yellow, shades of green, and contrasting monochromatic assembles dominated the scene.



2018 – 2019
Menswear was still a major talking point in 2018. We spotted female bloggers, celebrities, editors, and models also borrowing from the boys. Think oversized outerwear, pinstripes flirting with relaxed tailored suits. Then the arrival of 2019 brought with it diversity, and lots of it! It was more about dressing for yourself and highlighting self-expression. We spotted it with what used to be symbols of youth and rebellion - the mini skirt. It was in different shades and styles all over the streets - think leather, denim to suede, the mini became a fast favourite all over again – even in winter!



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2020 – 2021
Enter the 21st century. Mini skirts and monochrome were still all the rave. Also hitting the streets was the animal kingdom – yep, back on trend were animal prints – from snake, leopard, and zebras they roamed the streets. Leather and shades of beige were also dominating.

However, in the last quarter of 2020, we saw street style going to a whole new level. Bold prints and dazzling colours against striking city backdrops like those at Maboneng still making for beautiful shots. Though we don't see eager photographers out and about in search of interestingly assembled fashion pieces in the streets outside fashion shows like we used to, they are still finding creative ways to capture stunning street fashion. Perhaps not the most street style boundary-pushing times, but the current pandemic has been the most challenging for capturing fashion moments.

Now like never before, we see street style photographers in different cities to the blogger and the pair can still produce an artistic shoot. The current tech-savvy generation is making use of alternative forms to capture and share street style fashion using technology. And what is always present now that wasn't in the past decades is the trendy mask, and we love it!

BY KOKETSO MASHIKA