Dress Like a Rapper

Rap and hip-hop are distinct fashion styles involving many different types of looks. Style is very important when becoming a rap or hip-hop star. There are many popular brands that are worn by the most famous rappers, but its important also to individualize your style. You want to represent yourself, as well as follow trends. Accessorizing is very important. This article addresses some of the basic trends in hip-hop and rap fashion for men and women.

Steps

Dressing Like a Rapper For Men

1. Get a baggy shirt. Most hip-hop and rap style trends involve baggy or loose clothing that is comfortable.
   • Basketball jerseys, especially vintage ones, are very popular.
   • Loose t-shirts with graphic prints are often featured by hip-hop designers such as Sean John and Wu Wear.
   • Baggy polo shirts and button downs are also fashionable.
   • Large hoodies in bright colors are very popular among rap and hip-hop stars.
   • People who wear these often tuck in the front of the shirt and let the back loose if they are wearing a designer belt.
2. Wear baggy jeans. These should not be so baggy that you can't see your shoes.
   • Make sure you can let the tongues of your shoes show.
   • Jeans like South Pole and Mecca are good for this.
   • Jeans that are too big and baggy can be held up with a belt. Belts which are embellished with stones or designs are most popular in hip-hop fashion.
3. Wear a jacket. There are several types of jackets that are popular in hip-hop fashion.
   • 90's style Starter jackets are really good for an old-school type hip hop look.
   • Stars like 50 cent made the Pelle Pelle style leather jacket very popular.
   • Army fatigue jackets are also recommended by hip-hop stylists. Rappers like DMX wore these.
4. Get a hat and bandana. Put the bandana on your head and the hat over the top of it.
   • You can wear the brim of your hat facing forward or to the back or side.
   • Try to get a bandana in a bright color, and wear it tied like a skullcap so you can fit a hat over it.
   • Do-rags are also popular headgear in hip-hop fashion.
5. Wear jewelry. This is called bling or ice in hip hop fashion.
   • Large gold or platinum chains are popular, especially with large crosses.
   • Wear rings that are gold or platinum with diamonds or stones in them for some flash.
   • Grills are very popular among rappers. These are caps made of metal for your teeth. Getting a full grill can be very expensive.
   • If you can't afford to cover all of your teeth with a gold grill then start with covering one or two teeth. When most individuals cover one or two teeth they usually have their initials cut out of the cap.
6. Get some oversize sunglasses (aka stunner shades). These are very popular among rap artists.
   • The most popular styles have square frames.
   • Some fashionable labels are Adidas and Sean John.
   • A lot of stunner shades have colorful sides and are studded for some "bling".
7. Wear the right footwear. High tops and boots are the most popular types of rapper footwear.
   • Brands like Vlados, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Jordan and Timberland are very popular and should be the brands you choose from.
   • Hip-hop high top sneakers are worn with the tongues out.
   • It's very important to keep your shoes crisp and bright for hip-hop style.

Getting a Hip Hop Look for Women

1. Wear bright colored shirts. There are many different styles of shirt that are popular in the hip-hop look for ladies.
   • Bright colored graphic t-shirts are often worn. Colors like orange, bright blue, gold, hot pink and bright purple are very popular.
   • Bright colored print shirts are also fashionable. Try a word print or animal print in a color that stands out.
   • Shirt styles that are featured by female hip hop stars include crop tops that bare the midriff, bikini shirts, tank tops, and more fitted t-shirts.
   • Whatever color you choose, most hip-hop looks for women tend to have matching accessories and pants.
2. Wear a jacket that stands out. This look can either be fitted or baggy.
   • Fitted leather jackets are very much in style for female hip-hop stars. These are often featured in gold or white, which are colors that will draw attention.
   • Denim jackets are also very popular.
   • Baggy sports jackets and bubble vests are worn by hip-hop women for a more masculine look.
3. Choose pants or a skirt. Hip-hop fashion for women is also more versatile in this area, with many different styles of pants that are fashionable.
   • Tight fitted jeans in the skinny leggings style are the most popular type of denim pants in hip-hop fashion for ladies. These tend to be pre-ripped or torn on the side or in the front.
   • Harem pants, which are baggy at the hip and fitted at the ankle are also popular. These can be worn in a bright color that matches your top or in a more understated color like black, white, or camouflage.
   • Athletic wear such as Adidas pants are also fashionable.
   • Short denim skirts are always a good choice and are featured by many hip-hop stars such as Eve and Nicki Minaj.
4. Accessorize with jewelry, hats, and sunglasses. Female hip-hop fashion also features "bling".
   • The most famous hip-hop ladies wear big hoop earrings in gold.
   • Wear 3-4 necklaces with pendants. These can be very flashy with chrome studs, diamonds or rhinestones.
   • Even hats and sunglasses can feature some studs or rhinestones. Choose a flat brimmed hat in a bright color that matches your shirt or pants.
   • Wear designer shades. Stunner shades are popular, but it is important that any kind of sunglasses can stand out. Buy them in a bright color or accented with jewels.
5. Choose the right footwear. Hip-hop girls can wear sneakers or boots in similar styles as guys, but high-heeled shoes are also worn by women.
   • In sneakers, go for high-tops. Brands like Jordans and Adidas feature bright colored and crisp looking shoes in this style.
   • In boots, Timbaland boots are the most popular brand.
   • For hip-hop girls, very high heels and wedges in chrome or gold, or neon colors are also fashionable.
   • Choose a hairstyle that stands out. Many different hair colors and styles are featured by hip-hop ladies.
   • Dye your hair in a bright color like pink, purple, or blue.
   • Bleached or blond hair also stands out and is preferred by rap artists like Eve, Nicki Minaj, and Nyemiah Supreme.
   • You can wear your hair straight with bangs or in braids.
6. Wear brightly colored make-up. You will especially want your lips and eyes to stand out.
   • Use a matte lipstick in a neon color like bright pink or purple. Bright red is also very popular.
   • Wear thick mascara or fake lashes. You can experiment with different colored lashes.
   • Wear a thick eyeliner and eyeshadow in a bright color like neon green, pink, blue, gold or silver.

Tips

• If people make fun of you, pay no attention to them. Focus on the style thing and believe!
• Take a look at hip-hop magazines to keep up with the latest trends in the world of rap.
• Don't be something that you're not. Just be yourself.
• Try to personalize your style. Don't just copy off of what is the most popular.
• Always wear something you're comfortable in, but try not to over do it.

Warnings

• Some people take the hip-hop thing very seriously and get all bent out of shape about street cred and whatnot; be careful and make your moves accordingly.
• Dressing like a rapper can also lead to gang trouble if your wearing a certain color. Be aware of that. Try to be cautious wearing all red or all blue.
• Dressing like this might violate your school's dress code.

Related Articles

• Rap
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• Survive a Freestyle Rap Battle

Sources and Citations

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