Street Style Around The World: What Fashion Looks Like In 20 Different Cities
Which City Turns The Most Heads Off The Runway?
Anyone can look good catwalking in thousand-dollar designer pieces at fashion week, but how does that city dress off the runway? To truly reveal a city's fashion scene, look to the streets. This is where you can see people truly expressing themselves, dressing to the nines on Saturday night, or simply throwing something cute and simple on to grab a coffee. From the playful Harajuku of Tokyo to the punk-rock edge of London, the streets are where local trends meet personal expression. Here are 20 cities where the sidewalks are the real catwalks.
Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
1. Tokyo
To call street fashion in Tokyo eclectic would be an understatement. It's the kind of place where self-expression in terms of style has no limits. While there's a huge amount of variation, perhaps the most characteristic style is the iconic and playful Harajuku, which features oversized clothing, DIY elements, and is heavily influenced by anime.
Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia
2. New York City
NYC is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and as such, its street fashion boasts a huge amount of variation. With a large artistic population, people here tend to dress experimentally and boldly. You commonly see street wear blended with haute couture pieces.
3. Paris
Paris fashion is characterized by timeless sophistication. Elegance and class are key here, with an emphasis on well-tailored silhouettes, neutral colors, and a minimalist aesthetic.
4. Sydney
Sydney's street fashion is heavily influenced by beach culture (think linen and boat shoes). The aesthetic is incredibly relaxed, practical, yet stylish. "Dopamine dressing," which features bold prints and bright, happy colors, is on trend here.
5. Barcelona
Barcelona street wear is known for its eclectic blending of laid-back Mediterranean aesthetics and bold pops of color with an emphasis on comfort. Women commonly sport maxi dresses with sneakers while men wear linen pants or sleek, fitted trousers.
Juan Andrés López on Wikimedia
6. Milan
Milanese style often prioritizes well-made classic pieces mixed with modern trends. They generally opt for neutral colors but with a bold pop of color. These days, colorful sneakers, particularly Adidas Gazelles, are being paired with wide-legged jeans or trousers.
7. London
London street fashion aesthetic is known for being a little edgy, harkening back to the city's 1970s punk days. Londoners aren't afraid to mix different prints and textures or add an off-the-wall accessory. For example, you might see a preppy outfit with Doc Martens and an acid-wash jean jacket.
8. Berlin
Many people associate Berlin street fashion with all black and leather outfits, but the city's aesthetic is a lot more diverse than that. There are no rules for dressing in Berlin, so you see everything from Matrix-style leather trench coats to princess skirts with sneakers out there. Additionally, vintage, sustainable, and upcycled fashion is huge.
9. Copenhagen
Fashion in Copenhagen is different from the minimalism present in most of Scandinavia. People here aren't afraid of bright shades and patterns. Big sneakers, baggy pants, gorpcore, and layering are big here.
Filip Rankovic Grobgaard on Unsplash
10. Seoul
Seoul's street style is characterized by oversized silhouettes, bold colors, and 90s and Y2K nostalgia. It's heavily influenced by K-pop fashion.
11. Mumbai
Mumbai street fashion is notable for its blend of traditional wear and modern styles. You might find more laid-back and comfortable styles during the day, and more glamorous and bold fashion choices at night.
12. São Paulo
Compared to other major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro, where people like to dress boldly, people in São Paulo opt for more understated looks with a muted color palette. In the city center, blazers, flowy skirts, and tailored trousers are popular choices. Despite being near the ocean, leather shoes are more commonly worn than flip flops unless you're actually at the beach.
Natalia Marcelewicz on Unsplash
13. Los Angeles
LA street fashion is a mix of Bohemian aesthetic with streetwear and sporty athleisure. A playful blend of high and low fashion, you might see someone sporting track pants and a cropped tank with designer jewelry and an expensive handbag.
14. Bangkok
The streets of Bangkok are filled with incredibly diverse looks from chic tailored suits to baggy jeans and crop tops. Fashion here is heavily influenced by Western skateboard culture, along with Chinese and Vietnamese trends.
15. Delhi
People in Delhi commonly blend traditional garments with global trends. They have an affinity for bright colors, elaborate accessories, and edgy streetwear.
16. Chicago
Chicago is known for its vibrant streetwear scene. People here have a preference for edgy, retro-inspired looks blending high-end pieces with vintage finds. Bold colors and patterns are a common sight along with sports wear.
17. Toronto
The best descriptor for Toronto's street fashion is "shabby-chic," with Torontonians mixing blue-collar attire with high-end pieces. Everyone here is crazy for vintage fashion, sportswear, streetwear, and of course, staying warm with layers.
18. Istanbul
While there's no distinct dress code, dressing modestly is recommended in Istanbul, which has influenced the unique fashion sense here. People tend to mix Western and Eastern fashion elements, and smart casual attire reigns supreme.
19. Marrakech
Women in Marrakech often dress modestly, expressing themselves through the patterns and colors they choose rather than the skin they show. Jeans will commonly be paired with a more traditional garment with Eastern-style patterns or colors.
20. Dubai
Dubai is known as one of the most luxurious and glamorous cities in the world. People here tend to dress chic but modest, blending contemporary styles with traditional Middle Eastern fashion.
