HIPSTER vs HOMELESS FASHION

Is it just me or are the lines between an outfit that people consider to be 'hipster' or 'fashionable', and the clothes you see the local vagrants ambling along in becoming increasingly similar?

Lately, wandering around Surry Hills I have seen an alarming number of previously fashionable young artists and creative types walking around in clothes that look like they might have dragged them out of an old suitcase (belonging to an overweight old man) and thrown them on at random, regardless of how ill-fitting or how inappropriately matched they are. Baggy old trackies tucked into combat boots with an old faded grandpa sweater, a beanie and where's wally glasses was an example I saw a young actor in yesterday, token cigarette in hand. Funnily, this trend toward baggy, shapeless, over-sized grandpa clothes is not restricted to the men. You'll also see young women traipsing about in clothes that look like they may well have been stolen from a much larger boyfriend. While this is a possibility, they are just as likely to be prized finds from an op shop, or expensive purchases from a local in trend designer. An interesting thing to note with the young waifs wearing over-sized grandpa shirts is that some of them do manage to make it work, looking attractive and effortlessly chic. Problem being those who DON'T make the look work seemingly have no idea they instead look like they are dressed to paint a house.

I also especially love the influx of saggy bottom pants on the young women - loose fitting trousers where the rear is baggy and sags down to the knees, creating a look that resembles an adult who 1: is wearing a nappy and 2: has pooed their pants. These unappealing, unflattering pants are making their way through Sydney on many a mislead hipster - but don't worry these young hipsters are too cool to care that they look ridiculous. 

Another favourite of mine of late is another take on the saggy bottom... this time, young hipster males in the well known skinny-leg jean, waist at normal height but with the crotch sitting dangerously close to the knees. This strange take on fashion really makes me wonder how they manage to walk with their knees held tightly together - every time I see someone in these pants I feel a deep desire to run up and give them a sharp shove from behind just to see if they manage to remain upright.

In the meantime many more styles from grandpas closet seem to be making a resurgence including the lovely brown colour palette, the ever sexy contrasting elbow patches and the re-introduction of corduroy. While I'm not immune to all new fashions, for now I just hope I manage to maintain that little piece of the brain that differentiates between what is flattering and just plain foolish.