How to Dress Like a Hipster

Geek chic combined with retro irony, a hipster's outfit is the definition of "calculated cool." Here's how to get the look.

To complete this how-to, you will need:

Worn-in shirts
Fitted tees
Skinny jeans and pants
Shoes
Accessories
Cardigan or blazer (optional)
Male jeggings (optional)

Step 1: Start at the top

Sport a worn-in button-down shirt. Avoid boxy, formal fits — opt for slim cuts and lightweight fabrics instead. Remember, you're trying to dress like a hipster — not Donald Trump.

Wear a cardigan or blazer — the more it looks like you hijacked it from your grandparents' closet, the better.

Step 2: Rock a fitted T-shirt

Rock a plain, fitted T-shirt or find one with a retro logo or design — movies, TV shows, bands, and video games are all hipster-worthy.

Stick with references you actually know — there's nothing worse than a fellow hipster calling you out on being a poseur.

Step 3: Skinny-fits are a must

If you want to dress like a hipster, adhere to the 2-word hipster pants principle: "Skinny. Fit." For added flare, go with acid washes and day-glow neon colors that'll make the other hipsters don their Ray-Bans in awe.

Men, if you're truly brave of heart (and groin) try squeezing into a pair of male jeggings, aka majeggings.

Step 4: Get your kicks

Slip into hipster kicks like throwback sneakers, deck shoes, or chukka boots. Ladies, if elevation is a must, choose wedges, ankle boots, or schoolmarm kitten heels — stilettos are about as hipster as non-reusable shopping bags.

Step 5: Accessorize

Dress like a hipster with the right accessories: knit caps, suspenders, vintage jewelry, messenger bags, and non-prescription "Buddy Holly" glasses are all fine choices. Now, strut the streets and make all those non-hipsters wish they were half as cool as you.

The word "hipster" was used in the 1940s as an equivalent term to "hepcat" — meaning a stylish or fashionable person.