Street Style in the Cities around the World


  • This short guide talks about the street style in several fashion capitals, with photo examples.
  •  Read about what makes street style tick and discover its evolution through the years.
  • This article discusses fashion styles in cities around the world and how street style has evolved today.

The runway is not the only place to get fashion inspiration from these days. If you're seeking truly unique style inspirations, look to the streets! Street style has been a huge influence on what's in and what's out in the fashion world during recent years. In fact, the street shows at the famed Fashion Week events are as eagerly anticipated as the runway collections.

Photographers snap street fashion photos at London Fashion Week 2017. 


Fashion styles are not all the same throughout the cities of the world. Each country and city has various fashion influences and factors that affect their choice of wear. Cultural and historical aspects, and natural phenomena like the climate and seasons, can all have impact on fashion.

However, some trends are global. So, you might see sporty chic styles in Vancouver as well as in Hong Kong. That's how trends work—they reach across oceans to influence fashionistas from all over the world. What makes the fashion in one city different from the other? It could be the little unique details incorporated in an outfit, or the historical and cultural influences behind it.

  • Fashion Styles from around the World

Fashion Week is undoubtedly where many fashionistas get their inspiration. The cities most well-known for this event—called the “Big Four”—are New York, Milan, Paris, and London. Although originally meant to showcase runway collections, what happens outside the official Fashion Week venues is an event in itself. As guests and models trickle in, photographers are ready and eager to capture these style stars in their street outfits. Many fashion enthusiasts actually look forward to this more than the actual show. What can we say, though? the streets really are the best place to go for unique and practical style inspirations.
When it comes to street fashion, the Big Four are not the only cities teeming with style muses. Everyday life on the busy city streets around the world come the ultimate source of fashion ideas!

  • New York

The city of New York has always been known for its grunge styles and hip-hop influences, New York is home to many well-known, iconic streetwear brands. Street fashion in this city draws from graffiti culture, business chic, and current trends for a unique blend of style.

Leather jackets, sleek pants, and grungy statement shirts are NYC fashion staples.

  • Paris

Ah, the City of Lights! With brands like Givenchy, Dior, Hermes, and Balenciaga, it can’t be denied that Paris is the home of high fashion. Even its streets reek of style and sophistication! True Parisian street fashion is a blend of effortless elegance and trendy, modern looks (check out the hot red bag in the photo!)

A stylish couple walks the streets of Paris together.

  • Milan

Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana—these are only a few of the fashion brands that Italy is known for. With Milan as Italy’s fashion capital, there’s no doubt you’ll be seeing some of these brands on the streets. Like Paris, Milan favors sophisticated styles mixed with bright splashes and one-of-a-kind details.

A pair of snazzy high heels spotted on the streets of Milan

  • London

London may not have the high fashion of Paris or the grungy textures of New York, but its style is truly classic. British streets showcase stock tones, simple vibes, and vintage influences all mixed together for a unique look. 

Classic boots, uncomplicated skirt, and vintage accessories are classic London pieces.

  • Tokyo

Japan’s culture is an interesting blend of native tradition and western influences. The country’s rich history and culture is evident on the streets of Tokyo. If you want something really unique and fascinating, Tokyo fashion is the place to look. With styles across various Japanese fashion subcultures, you’ll see individuals in classic goth black all the way to the bright and colorful attires.

Tokyo is home to unique, individual styles.

  • Seoul

South Korea is a newcomer in the fashion arena, but it is certainly making waves across the world. Seoul’s street scene is not as eclectic as that of its Asian sister, Tokyo. However, its stylish citizens have an uncanny talent in taking international influences and transforming these into something uniquely South Korean.

A simple style is transformed by one-of-a-kind prints and a chic bag.

  • Copenhagen

Copenhagen isn’t like fashion capitals Paris or Milan, but its street fashion scene is no mere trifle. The cities very practical sense of style takes utilitarian designs and turns them into fashionable ensembles. In Copenhagen, you’ll find comfortable and wearable pieces without any sacrificing style.

Practical pieces can become a trendy outfit when mixed and matched the right way!

Evolution of Street Style

We can't exactly pinpoint who really started this whole street fashion phenomenon and where it officially began. It has obviously always been in existence. For centuries, people have been dressing up when going out. But how exactly did it become a thing? Well, we at least have an idea of the era when it started and the generation that spurred it forward. Street fashion is believed to have grown from the grassroots youth culture, turning into something akin to a turn-of-the-decade cultural revolution. After World War II, the post-war society slowly transitioned from the high culture of the upper and middle classes. The emergence of pop culture and the rise of the ordinary working citizen gave birth to a generation of self-expression. The baby boomers exploded, so to speak. The bland, uniform looks of the then current fashion styles gave way to the popular subcultures that we know today. These subcultures would go on to influence fashion through the years and remain great sources of inspiration. All-in-all, street fashion is all about individualism and self-expression.

Street fashion is all about self-expression. 

Street Fashion Today

Street fashion re-emerged in a burst of style in recent years. We have social media and the World Wide Web to thank for that. In earlier decades, street fashion styles have only been documented by photographers in dedicated fashion magazines. The trend remained generally local, unless you could get your hands on international magazines. When the internet became accessible to the general public, information could be had at one’s fingertips. This, of course, included access to fashion knowledge from around the world. Designers can now go global and find inspiration in many places and cultures.

And then came social media. This is what truly redefined street style in today’s world. Once again, fashion is no longer just for the stars or the models that walk the runway. Social media gave regular individuals an avenue to express their own sense of fashion, and designers are quick to notice. Albeit still influenced by brands, it is the way these individuals create their looks that resonate with fashionista’s hearts everywhere.

With street fashion, the general public can actually see how an outfit might look in an everyday situation. Runway looks are awesome, yes, but we do sometimes ask ourselves if that model’s outfit would look good on us! What’s more, sometimes you just can’t afford that designer runway look. With street fashion, you can take your favorite wholesale clothing brands and turn them into gorgeous outfits!

It’s important to remember that street fashion is all about expressing yourself, being comfortable and showing the world your own unique style sense!

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