Image and style have been a massive part of the hip-hop scene and community since the beginning. From world-famous artists to the fans who support and follow their work, having the right or wrong look is undeniably essential. While much of the fashion and trends associated with hip-hop may appear to an outsider to be casual or almost accidental, the truth is that a classic and effective streetwear closet is not easy to curate. The place to start is to invest in a few key pieces which you can use in different combinations before you go all the way and buy an entire wardrobe. To help you get started, here’s a quick guide to curating your own streetwear closet.

Invest in the Right Brands

Not all of your clothes or accessories need to be branded, but it’s good to have a few key pieces which are. The brands you choose could make or break your look, but there are plenty out there to choose from. From the well-established Adidas or Nike to the likes of Supreme, Stussy, Obey, Undercover or HUF, find a look which speaks to you and your musical style. If you need some inspiration, take a look at this guide to streetwear brands.

Choose the Essentials First

When you have a brand or two in mind, you should focus on buying your essential pieces first.

Tops

Your t-shirts and hoodies are vital to keep your closet as versatile as possible. You can wear the same jeans, pants or jacket day in and day out if you want because simply changing the t-shirt and hoodie can transform an outfit.

Pants

Your first pair of streetwear pants should be high-quality that you can wear them over and over again, but also distressed enough in style that they can stand repeat wears without looking drab or dirty.

Outerwear

When it comes to choosing your outerwear, you can’t go far wrong with a military–style jacket or a tailored trench coat. Dark shades or khaki are versatile enough to look great with any outfit. Take a look at the brand new collection from jack1t.com.

Sneakers

Saving the best for last, everyone knows that sneakers are a massive part of the streetwear look. There are plenty of styles and brands to choose from, including running sneakers, tennis shoes, and basketball shoes, so you’ll need to decide which is the best fit for your style. Some of the most popular brands are Nike, Puma, Jordans, and Vans.

Express Your Individuality

While brands and trends are important when trying to establish yourself as an artist in the hip-hop community, it’s also important to express who you are. Your pieces should coordinate together in terms of style and colors, but an occasional contrasting piece can be an effective way to make a statement. The cut of the clothes should also be flattering whether that’s baggier styles or more modern tailored garments. Your outfit should fill you with confidence that enables you to be creative, true to yourself, and to perform at your best.