You see them at edgy thrift stores, at indie concerts that no one knows about, and driving around in their classic cars with ‘Free Tibet’ bumper stickers. If they’re not driving around, they’re seen on their ultra-hip Fixie bikes because being green is just an added bonus to being an “effortlessly cool” hipster.
Urbandictionary.com defines a hipster as “a subculture of men and women typically in their 20’s and 30’s that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter.” The definition goes on to describe the quintessential hipster as someone who is up on all the pop culture references and also has an original, edgy style.
It seems as though 2010 has become the age of the hipsters, although it isn’t because of their deep knowledge of underground music, their ability to quote cult-watched movies or television shows, or their value of progressive politics. No, my friends, it goes way deeper than that. It is their individual sense of style that sets them apart from all the trends and fads of fashion, but still making them look like every other hipster.
Hipsters will never be seen in the “culturally ignorant” merchandise of mainstream consumers such as American Eagle, Forever 21, or Macy’s. Oh, no, no, no. However, they will go to second-hand stores such as Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange to buy a slightly worn Forever 21 shirt, and you would’ve never known the difference. Other stores where you see the typical hipster skulk about include Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and basically any thrift store they can discover first. I know what you’re thinking, “Really? Goodwill?” What you may not know about hipsters is that they have this inhuman super power to discover the most unique and coolest clothing for dirt cheap prices that we, mere mortals, could never find at Goodwill, but would pay a hell of a lot more at Urban Outfitters or American Apparel.
What is the typical outfit that we refer to as the culturally hip? Well, other than vintage and thrift store-inspired fashions, you can always find them wearing skinny jeans, old-school sneakers, and, more recently, thick-rimmed, black or tortoise glasses (prescription or not). Maybe they pair this ensemble with a ripped up, obscure band t-shirt, or perhaps some funky throw back top from the 60’s that goes great with their long, feather earrings and leather braided headband. A messy shag cut, with asymmetrical, side-swept bangs, seems to be an androgynous hairstyle sported by both men and women. This cut is great for raging at raves and concerts, while still maintaining the “effortlessly cool” look. Urban bohemian seems to be the aesthetic and overall look that these hip 20 to 30-somethings take on the streets of downtown Seattle and other metropolitan areas across the states.
What I find funny is how unoriginal these self-proclaimed trendsetters and avant garde hipsters really are. You guys are so original that you all wear the same cigarette jeans, thick-rimmed glasses, and worn out t-shirts at the same time, while looking that wannabe at the (insert unknown band here) concert up and down, thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe this fin frado is wearing the same glasses as me, I totally started that trend and discovered this band way before they were popular.” Yeah, they also have their own language.