These days we’re a lot less constrained to a specific style. People are more open to allowing everyone to dress how they want and find their own path in fashion. But of course, people being people, most tend to follow a certain trend – especially in the realm of streetwear. The online popularity of these trends has resulted in many people in the streetwear community referring to certain items as “memes,” dismissing anyone who wears them as unoriginal.

This applies to numerous items from numerous brands, such as the Comme De Garcon Chuck Taylor collaboration and Balenciaga Speed Trainers. These seemingly unattainable items are now worn by everyone who wants to imitate the original wearer that made them famous. There’s nothing fun about being called unoriginal, so here are some helpful tips on how to find your own fashion sense and avoid dressing like everyone else.

After all, the real memes should be left elsewhere, such as RageMaker.net, where you can let out your frustration of seeing everyone dress like cookie cutter versions of everyone else.

Only Buy Pieces You Actually Like

Adidas Yeezys, Supreme Box Logos, Calabasas pants and Bape Hoodies all have one thing in common: They’re worn by Hypebeasts – people who only wear the items for the sake of showing them off, not because they genuinely like the style of comfort of said item. By following this trend, you’re really just emptying your wallet in exchange for attention. It’s a sad way to live once you get past the fancy Instagram posts.

Instead, focus on buying key pieces that you actually enjoy the look of and know are worth the price. Don’t buy items for resale unless you seriously like them and can afford them, otherwise you’re really just paying some reseller a lot of money for something you could have obtained for a fraction of the price.

Find Your Own Style Before Your Splurge

There’s nothing worse than investing in a bunch of garments, building a style around it and then realizing its not you. Whether its athleisure, minimalism, high fashion, 90’s, punk – there are tons to choose from and chances are you like more than one. It would be better to dip in the cheapest items to see whether it suits you before going for grails.
Imagine buying a full Rick Owens outfit – thousands of dollars, only to realize it doesn’t suit your hair or body shape. That’s thousands of dollars needlessly spent. In the same light, avoid spending too much money on clothes if you’re still young, because as cliché as it sounds, it really could just be a phase.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be You

Fashion is an extension of our bodies. It’s an expression of our personality. What we wear says more about us than anything else would on first impressions. So be you and don’t take anything anyone else says to heart, especially if they say you’re “trying too hard.” There’s nothing wrong with trying.

At the end of the day, if you really want that Gucci Bootleg tee and are willing to spend $500 on a piece of cotton, go ahead. Just don’t feel disappointed when nobody gives you the attention you expected.